1.25-meter band
[1] The license privileges of amateur radio operators include the use of frequencies within this band, which is primarily used for local communications.
[citation needed] In 1973, the FCC considered Docket Number 19759, which was a proposal to establish a Class E Citizen's band service at 224 MHz.
The proposal was opposed by the ARRL and after the explosive growth of 27 MHz Citizen's Band usage, the FCC dropped consideration of the docket in 1977.
UPS had publicized plans to use the band to develop a narrow-bandwidth wireless voice and data network using a mode called ACSSB (amplitude-companded single sideband).
UPS entered into agreements with GTE, McCall, Southwestern Bell, and Pac-Tel to use cellular telephone frequencies to build a wireless data network.
[12] In 2005, Industry Canada decided to reallocate 220–222 MHz to land mobile users, similar to the US, but unlike in the US, a provision was included to allow the amateur service, in exceptional circumstances, to use the band in disaster relief efforts on a secondary basis.
[13] The attention that band received in the late 1980s and early 1990s due to the reallocation of its bottom 2 MHz sparked renewed amateur interest.
This exacerbates the lack of usage of the 1.25-meter band, though manufacturers argue that what equipment they have produced has not sold well compared to other products.
[citation needed] In late seventies Yaesu introduced the FT-127 single band 220 MHz base station, and the FT-109RH portable radio.
[citation needed] In recent years, Kenwood and Yaesu have both included the 1.25-meter band in some of their multiband handheld transceivers.
In the 1980s, ICOM offered the IC-37A—a 220 MHz, 25-watt FM transceiver that can still be obtained as used equipment from various sources such as eBay and private collectors.
[citation needed] During 2021, Baofeng then introduced its latest, and cheapest, UV-5r III handheld transceiver, which now includes the 1.25 meter band as standard.
[citation needed] Elecraft offers an all-mode (CW, FM, SSB) transverter for the band[22] compatible with its K2 and K3 transceivers.
