SWlähetys

SWlähetys is a Finnish term that translates to "SW transmission" or "SW broadcast." It specifically refers to shortwave radio transmissions. Shortwave radio operates on radio frequencies between 3 and 30 megahertz. These frequencies are capable of reflecting off the ionosphere, allowing signals to travel long distances, often across continents.

Historically, SWlähetys played a crucial role in international communication, news dissemination, and propaganda. Major national broadcasters, such as the BBC World Service, Voice of America, and Radio China International, used shortwave to reach audiences worldwide. In Finland, Yleisradio (YLE), the Finnish Broadcasting Company, also utilized shortwave for its international broadcasts, providing news and cultural programming to Finns living abroad and to listeners in other countries.

Despite the rise of the internet and satellite communication, shortwave radio still holds relevance for certain applications. It can be a vital communication tool in areas with limited or unreliable internet access. It is also used by amateur radio enthusiasts (hams) for long-distance communication and by some governments for emergency broadcasting. The term SWlähetys, therefore, evokes a sense of global reach and a specific era of radio broadcasting that connected distant parts of the world.