mediumwave

Mediumwave, often abbreviated as MW, refers to a specific range of radio frequencies. It is part of the larger radio spectrum, falling between the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands. Typically, the mediumwave band encompasses frequencies from 300 kilohertz (kHz) to 3 megahertz (MHz), though the exact boundaries can vary slightly depending on international agreements and specific applications.

Historically, mediumwave radio has been a primary medium for AM broadcasting. The amplitude modulation (AM) technique, which encodes information by varying the amplitude of a carrier wave, is well-suited for transmission within this frequency range. This allowed for widespread public radio and television broadcasting in the early to mid-20th century. The relatively long wavelengths of mediumwave signals enable them to travel over considerable distances, particularly during the night when atmospheric conditions are more conducive to skywave propagation.

Beyond broadcasting, mediumwave frequencies are utilized for various other purposes. These include maritime communications, navigation beacons, and some amateur radio services. While FM broadcasting and digital technologies have largely supplanted AM radio in many parts of the world for entertainment purposes, mediumwave remains an important part of the radio spectrum for its unique propagation characteristics and its continued use in specific communication systems. The characteristics of mediumwave propagation, including its groundwave and skywave components, are a subject of study in radio science.