Correct answer: D — on a shared band operators can change frequency to avoid interfering

"Frequency agile" describes the ability of a station to move quickly to a different frequency within a band. In a shared amateur band, multiple users (including other services) may be present at the same time. Rather than causing or suffering interference, an amateur operator can simply retune to a clear frequency — this flexibility is the defining characteristic of frequency agility and is one reason amateur allocations are often shared on a secondary or co-primary basis.

• A is wrong because frequency agility has nothing to do with the modulation mode used; it refers to the ability to change operating frequency, not to FM specifically.
• B is wrong because while operators do choose their operating frequency, "frequency agile" specifically refers to the ability to move away from interference, not simply the freedom to operate anywhere on a band.
• C is wrong because no regulation requires a physical bandswitch on all transceivers; frequency agility is an operational practice, not a hardware requirement.

Therefore, "frequency agile" means an amateur station can retune quickly on a shared band to avoid causing or receiving interference.

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Correct answer: operate only on specified amateur bands for 3 months logging at least 50 contacts and retaining the log book for at least one year for possible official inspection

Under NZART/MBIE examination pool expectations, a new amateur operator is initially required to:

• operate on specified bands
• maintain a logbook
• make a minimum number of contacts (e.g. 50)
• retain records for possible inspection

This reflects a probationary-style period in the exam context.

• The other options describe incorrect or unrestricted operation.
• Fixed frequency or unrestricted operation is not consistent with the exam requirements.

Therefore, the correct answer is operate only on specified amateur bands for 3 months with logging requirements.

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Correct answer: B — 3.50 to 3.90 MHz

In New Zealand, the amateur 80 metre band is allocated from 3.500 MHz to 3.900 MHz, giving a total bandwidth of 400 kHz. This allocation is set by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) under the New Zealand Radiocommunications Regulations and differs slightly from some other ITU Region 1 and Region 2 countries, which may extend to 4.0 MHz. Always apply the NZ-specific allocation when answering NZART examination questions.

• A (3.50 to 4.0 MHz) is incorrect — this wider allocation applies in some other countries (notably ITU Region 2, e.g. the USA) but not in New Zealand.
• C (3.50 to 3.85 MHz) is incorrect — the upper limit of 3.85 MHz is too low; it does not match the NZ allocation.
• D (3.6 to 3.9 MHz) is incorrect — the lower limit of 3.6 MHz is wrong; the band starts at 3.500 MHz in New Zealand.

Therefore, the correct frequency limits of the 80 metre band in New Zealand are 3.50 to 3.90 MHz.

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Correct answer: C — 7.00 to 7.30 MHz

In New Zealand, the amateur 40 metre band runs from 7.000 MHz to 7.300 MHz, a total bandwidth of 300 kHz. This allocation follows the ITU Region 3 plan and is confirmed in the New Zealand amateur licence conditions administered by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). The band is widely used for regional and inter-continental HF communication, particularly at night when skywave propagation via the F-layer supports long-distance contacts.

• A (7.00–7.10 MHz) is incorrect — this covers only the lower 100 kHz of the band, which was the old Region 3 limit before the 2009 World Radiocommunication Conference expanded the allocation.
• B (7.00–7.15 MHz) is incorrect — this is a partial allocation not matching the current NZ assignment.
• D (7.10–7.40 MHz) is incorrect — the band starts at 7.000 MHz, not 7.100 MHz, and 7.400 MHz is outside the amateur allocation entirely.

Therefore, the correct 40 metre band limits in New Zealand are 7.000 MHz to 7.300 MHz.

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Correct answer: D — 14.00 to 14.35 MHz

The 20 metre amateur band in New Zealand (and internationally under ITU Region 3 allocations) runs from 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz, giving a total bandwidth of 350 kHz. This band is one of the most popular HF bands for long-distance (DX) communication, supporting reliable propagation via the ionosphere across thousands of kilometres during daylight hours.

• A. 14.00 to 14.10 MHz — This covers only the CW/digital lower portion of the band; it is far too narrow and omits the phone (SSB) segment.
• B. 14.00 to 14.45 MHz — This upper limit of 14.45 MHz does not correspond to any recognised amateur band edge; it extends beyond the actual allocation.
• C. 14.00 to 14.50 MHz — Similarly, 14.50 MHz exceeds the authorised upper limit and would place transmissions outside the amateur allocation.

Therefore, the correct frequency limits of the 20 metre band are 14.000 MHz to 14.350 MHz, as defined by the New Zealand amateur radio licence conditions and ITU Region 3 allocations.

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Correct answer: 21.00 to 21.45 MHz

The 15 metre amateur band in New Zealand is allocated from:

\[ 21.00\ \mathrm{MHz} \text{ to } 21.45\ \mathrm{MHz} \]

This allocation is defined by national licence conditions in accordance with the international amateur radio band plan.

• 21.00 to 21.35 MHz includes only part of the authorised band.
• 21.00 to 21.40 MHz also excludes higher permitted frequencies.
• 21.00 to 21.50 MHz extends beyond the allocated amateur band.

Therefore, the frequency limits of the 15 metre band are 21.00 to 21.45 MHz.

Sanity check: \(f \approx \frac{300}{\lambda}\) gives the approximate centre frequency for the band.

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Correct answer: 28.00 to 29.70 MHz

The 10 metre amateur band in New Zealand is allocated from:

\[ 28.00\ \mathrm{MHz} \text{ to } 29.70\ \mathrm{MHz} \]

This allocation is defined by the national licence conditions in accordance with the international amateur radio band plan.

• 28.00 to 28.35 MHz covers only a portion of the band.
• 28.00 to 28.40 MHz also excludes higher authorised frequencies.
• 28.00 to 29.00 MHz does not include the upper part of the 10 metre allocation.

Therefore, the frequency limits of the 10 metre band are 28.00 to 29.70 MHz.

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Correct answer: B — 144 to 148 MHz

In New Zealand, the amateur 2 metre band runs from 144 MHz to 148 MHz, a total bandwidth of 4 MHz. This allocation is consistent with the ITU Region 3 plan and is specified in the New Zealand Radiocommunications Regulations administered by Radio Spectrum Management (RSM). The band is one of the most popular VHF bands for local FM voice, repeaters, and satellite work.

• A. 144 to 149 MHz — Incorrect upper limit; the band ends at 148 MHz, not 149 MHz.
• C. 146 to 148 MHz — Incorrect lower limit; the band starts at 144 MHz, not 146 MHz. (146 MHz is a common US simplex calling frequency, but that does not define the band edge.)
• D. 144 to 150 MHz — Incorrect upper limit; 150 MHz extends beyond the licensed amateur allocation.

Therefore, the correct frequency limits of the 2 metre amateur band in New Zealand are 144 MHz to 148 MHz.

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Correct answer: A — 430 to 440 MHz

In New Zealand, the 70 centimetre amateur band runs from 430 MHz to 440 MHz, giving a 10 MHz allocation. This band is heavily used for local FM repeaters, ATV (amateur television), and digital modes. The "70 centimetre" name comes from the approximate wavelength at these frequencies (around 70 cm).

• B. 430 to 450 MHz — Extends the upper limit too far; 450 MHz is outside the NZ amateur allocation for this band.
• C. 435 to 438 MHz — This is only a narrow segment within the band (used for satellites), not the full band limits.
• D. 430 to 460 MHz — A 30 MHz span that significantly overstates the allocation and includes spectrum not assigned to amateurs in New Zealand.

Therefore, the correct frequency limits of the 70 centimetre band in New Zealand are 430 to 440 MHz.

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Correct answer: were developed by NZART in the interests of all radio amateurs

Published amateur bandplans in New Zealand are developed by NZART as voluntary guidelines to promote efficient and harmonious use of the amateur bands.

They help coordinate different operating modes and activities (such as voice, CW, and digital) to minimise interference between users.

• The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment sets licence conditions, not detailed bandplans.
• Bandplans do not change seasonally.
• They do not impose power limits.

Therefore, the bandplans were developed by NZART in the interests of all radio amateurs.

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Correct answer: power output limited to 5 watt e.i.r.p. maximum

In New Zealand, operation in the 130–190 kHz band (LF) is permitted under strict conditions.

One key requirement is:

• a maximum radiated power limit of 5 W EIRP

This ensures minimal interference with other services.

• Specific antenna types are not mandated.
• Daylight operation does not require special permission.
• Special receiver equipment is not a regulatory requirement.

Therefore, operation requires power output limited to 5 watt EIRP maximum.

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Correct answer: A — 28.0 to 29.7 MHz and 144.0 to 146.0 MHz

Amateur satellites (OSCAR-type and similar) commonly use the 10-metre band (28.0–29.7 MHz) and the 2-metre band (144.0–146.0 MHz) for uplink and downlink communications. These bands are well-suited to satellite work because they support efficient propagation through the ionosphere at those frequencies, and amateur allocations permit satellite operation there. In New Zealand, the amateur satellite service is permitted within these allocations under the NZART/RSM band plan.

• Option B is incorrect: 21.0–21.1 MHz is a CW-only segment of the 15-metre band, and 146.0–148.0 MHz falls outside the New Zealand 2-metre amateur allocation (144.0–146.0 MHz).
• Option C is incorrect: the 80-metre (3.5–3.8 MHz) and 40-metre (7.0–7.1 MHz) HF bands are primarily used for terrestrial communication; they are not designated amateur satellite bands.
• Option D is incorrect: 7.1–7.3 MHz (upper 40-metre) and 10.1–10.15 MHz (30-metre) are HF bands used for terrestrial modes and are not allocated for amateur satellite operation.

Therefore, the 10-metre and 2-metre bands (28.0–29.7 MHz and 144.0–146.0 MHz) are the correct answer for amateur satellite operation bands.

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Correct answer: 2400 to 2500 MHz

The 2400 to 2500 MHz band is shared with many non-amateur services and is widely used by devices such as:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• microwave ovens
• cordless phones
• various ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) equipment

Amateurs are authorised to operate in this band on a shared basis with these other users.

• 1240 to 1300 MHz is primarily allocated for amateur use.
• 144 to 148 MHz is an amateur VHF band.
• 28 to 29.7 MHz is the 10 metre HF amateur band.

Therefore, amateurs share the 2400 to 2500 MHz band with many non-amateur devices.

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Correct answer: 7.2 to 7.3 MHz

In the ITU Region that includes New Zealand, the 7.2 to 7.3 MHz segment of the spectrum is shared with broadcasting services. Amateur radio operators do not have exclusive use of this range and must accept interference from, and avoid causing interference to, other services operating there.

This upper portion of the 40 metre band has historically been used by shortwave broadcasters in many parts of the world, which is why it is regarded as a shared band segment.

• 14.0 to 14.35 MHz (20 metres) is allocated exclusively to the amateur service.
• 18.068 to 18.168 MHz (17 metres) is allocated to amateurs with specific operating restrictions, but it is not the shared example intended by this question.
• 144.0 to 146.0 MHz (2 metres) is allocated to amateurs on a primary basis in New Zealand.

Therefore, the amateur band shared with other services is 7.2 to 7.3 MHz.

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Correct answer: A — shared with other communication services

The 146–148 MHz segment falls within the 2 metre amateur band (144–148 MHz) in New Zealand. Like most amateur allocations, this portion of the spectrum is shared on a secondary or co-primary basis with other radiocommunication services. Amateur operators do not hold exclusive rights to any frequency band — they must accept interference from, and avoid causing interference to, primary users where applicable. This sharing is managed under the New Zealand Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) framework.

• B — allocated exclusively for police communications: Incorrect. Police and other emergency services operate on separate, dedicated frequencies; this band is not reserved for police use.
• C — exclusive to repeater operation: Incorrect. While repeater outputs commonly appear in this range, amateur bands are not restricted to a single mode or use; simplex, digital, and other operations are also permitted.
• D — reserved for emergency communications: Incorrect. Although amateur operators play a role in emergency communications, no amateur band is formally reserved solely for emergencies under NZ regulations.

Therefore, 146–148 MHz is a shared allocation, consistent with the general principle that amateur radio operates alongside other radiocommunication services rather than holding exclusive spectrum rights.

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Correct answer: 51 to 54 MHz

In New Zealand, the 6 metre amateur band (51–54 MHz) is shared with other services. Amateurs operate in this range but must accept interference from, and not cause interference to, the primary services that also use this spectrum.

• 144 to 146 MHz (2 metre band) is allocated to amateurs on a primary basis in New Zealand.
• 7.0 to 7.1 MHz (40 metre band) is allocated internationally to amateurs, though some parts may have specific regional sharing, it is not generally designated as a shared band in New Zealand.
• 24.89 to 24.99 MHz (12 metre band) is an amateur allocation, not shared with a different primary service.

Therefore, the amateur band that is shared with another service in New Zealand is 51 to 54 MHz.

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Correct answer: B — recommended, and all amateur radio operators should follow them

New Zealand amateur radio bandplans, published by NZART, are voluntary guidelines that coordinate activity within the legally allocated amateur bands. They divide each band into segments recommended for specific modes (e.g. CW, SSB, digital, FM) to reduce interference and improve operating efficiency. They are not legally binding regulations — compliance is a matter of good operating practice and courtesy, not law.

• A is wrong because bandplans are not obligatory. The legally binding limits are set by the Radiocommunications Regulations; bandplans operate on a voluntary, recommended basis only.
• C is wrong because bandplans have nothing to do with identifying propagation paths to distant stations — that is a function of propagation knowledge, not bandplans.
• D is wrong because bandplans cover all amateur operating activities, not just tests or experiments.

Therefore, New Zealand amateur bandplans are recommended guidelines that operators are expected to follow as good practice, but they do not carry the force of law.

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Correct answer: 21 to 21.45 MHz

This question relates to regulatory allocation in New Zealand.

The 15 metre band:

\[ 21.00\ \mathrm{MHz} \text{ to } 21.45\ \mathrm{MHz} \]

is allocated to the Amateur Service on a primary basis. This means amateurs have priority use of this band and are entitled to protection from interference from secondary users.

• 3.5 to 3.9 MHz is shared with other primary services.
• 10.1 to 10.15 MHz is allocated to amateurs on a secondary basis.
• 146 to 148 MHz is also shared with other services.

Sanity check: \(f \approx \frac{300}{\lambda}\) gives the approximate centre frequency for the band.

Therefore, the band allocated to New Zealand amateurs on a primary basis is 21 to 21.45 MHz.

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All amateurs have equal rights to the bands Some bands are shared with other services. Hams may operate within these shared bands, provided they do not cause harmful interference to the other primary user. Shared bands include 7.1-7.3 MHz in the 40m band 51-54 MHz in the 6m band 146-148 MHz in the 2m band NZ operators have the following band on a primary basis 21-21.45MHz the 15m band

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Correct answer: C — both stations have an equal right to operate on the frequency, the second-comer courteously giving way after checking that the frequency is in use

Under New Zealand amateur radio operating practice (consistent with NZART guidelines and the Radiocommunications Regulations), no amateur station holds a permanent claim to any frequency. All licensed amateurs have equal access to the amateur bands. The accepted courtesy rule is that a station wishing to use a frequency first checks whether it is already in use (for example, by listening or asking "is the frequency in use?") and, if it is, moves to another frequency rather than causing interference.

• Option A is incorrect — there is no regulatory provision granting priority based on the age or level of an operator's qualification.
• Option B is incorrect — power level confers no right of way; using higher power to "claim" a frequency would itself constitute deliberate interference, which is prohibited.
• Option D is incorrect — ITU Region 3 (which includes New Zealand) does not grant priority over Regions 1 or 2, nor do stations in any region have precedence over others on shared amateur allocations.

Therefore, the correct operating procedure is one of equal rights and mutual courtesy, with the arriving station deferring to whichever station is already using the frequency.

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