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The resulting call sign must uniquely identify a ham radio operator within that jurisdiction. Sometimes the prefix plus separating numeral is together referred to as the prefix. This produces internationally recognized, unique call signs to identify licensed operators.
Map showing the numeral codes for amateur radio call signs in the United States. The region in which the operator was licensed determines the numeral. United States amateur radio call signs consist of one or two letters, followed by a single digit, and closing with one to three more letters. [20]
Call signs are allocated to ham radio stations in Barbados, Canada, Mexico and the United States. Many countries have specific conventions for classifying call signs by transmitter characteristics and location.
As an example, the call sign "N8S" was used for the April 2007 DXpedition to Swains Island in American Samoa. These call signs start with the letters K, N or W, followed by a single numeral from 0 to 9 then followed by a single letter from A through W, Y or Z. The letter X is not allowed as it is reserved for experimental stations.
In Mexico, AM radio stations use XE call signs (such as XEW-AM), while the majority of FM radio and television stations use XH. Broadcast call signs are normally four or five alpha characters in length, plus the -FM, -TV, or -TDT suffix where applicable. In South America call signs have been a traditional way of identifying radio and TV stations.
While ITU prefix rules are adhered to in the context of international broadcasting, including amateur radio, it is rarer for countries to assign broadcast call signs to conventional AM, FM, and television stations with purely domestic reach; the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Argentina are among those ...
An amateur radio operator uses a call sign on the air to legally identify the operator or station. [52] In some countries, the call sign assigned to the station must always be used, whereas in other countries, the call sign of either the operator or the station may be used. [53]
Amateur radio or ham radio call signs are unique identifiers for the 75,000 licensed operators. [8] Ofcom allots the individual call signs to the amateurs it licences. Call signs are the property of Ofcom even when assigned.