National and international radio regulations
National and international radio regulations tests the rules that make the amateur service legal and usable. The exam expects you to know the ITU framework, the Greek licensing regime, call-sign structure, band plans, power limits and operating procedures. Answers should reflect the licence you hold, not just good practice.
International framework
The ITU Radio Regulations define the amateur service and amateur-satellite service and require operators to be authorised. Article 25 covers identification, non-commercial use and interference avoidance. CEPT Recommendation T/R 61-01 allows temporary operation in participating countries, and the HAREC standard supports reciprocal licensing. These arrangements do not override national power limits or band restrictions.
Greek licence and call signs
In Greece, amateur licences are issued under national telecommunications law, administered by EETT. The licence states your class, permitted bands and maximum power. Greek call signs use the prefixes SV, SW, SX, SY and SZ, followed by a digit and suffix; SV is the ordinary prefix, while the others are used for special stations or events. Class A generally gives fuller band access and higher power; Class B is an entry class with restrictions. Always check the current licence and national band plan.
Frequencies, power and procedures
Greek amateur operations follow the IARU Region 1 band plan: 144.000–146.000 MHz, with FM calling on 145.500 MHz and SSB/CW calling on 144.300 MHz; repeater outputs are typically 145.600–145.800 MHz with 600 kHz shift. On 70 cm, FM calling is 433.500 MHz. HF allocations include 14.000–14.350 MHz and 28.000–29.700 MHz. Use the minimum power needed; typical national limits are class-dependent (often 1 kW PEP for the higher class and 100 W for the entry class on HF), but your licence is authoritative. Identify with your call sign at the start and end of a contact and at least every 10 minutes. No broadcasting, music, encryption or commercial traffic; third-party traffic only as permitted.
Worked example
You hear a station on 145.500 MHz and want a contact. This is the Region 1 FM calling frequency, not a repeater output. Call briefly (“SV1ABC calling CQ on 145.500”), then move to a simplex working channel such as 145.550 MHz and continue there. If you use a repeater, check the output/input pair and shift before transmitting.
Traps that cost marks
- Using 144.300 MHz for FM: it is the SSB/CW calling segment.
- Assuming a CEPT permit removes national power or band limits.
- Transmitting on a repeater output without the correct input offset.
- Failing to identify, or using a special prefix without authorisation.
- Treating the band plan as optional: it is the basis for coexistence.