SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-no-priority

Who has priority access to a frequency, outside of emergencies?

No one. No station owns a frequency.

Start playing free

  1. No amateur station has priority ✔
  2. Nets in progress
  3. Contest stations

Why: Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency. Hams are expected to cooperate and share.

Huh, didn't know that: Rule 97.101(b) also says no frequency is assigned for the exclusive use of any station.

The dad joke
You know you're a ham when you hear yourself saying, "I'll be right there after this QSO or net."
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No amateur station has priority. Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency. Hams are expected to cooperate and share.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    Except during emergencies, no amateur station has priority access to any frequency
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 47 CFR 97.101 (Cornell LII mirror of eCFR) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/47/97.101
    No frequency will be assigned for the exclusive use of any station.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Ham RadioWhat is the recommended way to break into a phone contact?Ham RadioWhat minimum spacing should CW stations use to avoid interfering with neighbors?Ham RadioHow can you check that a clear-sounding frequency is not in use before calling CQ?

That's stuff everyone should know.