Is Cuba Jamming Radio Amateurs?
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of CQmagazine or of CQ Communications, Inc. – ed.
Cuba is apparently blocking amateur radio frequencies to stop communication inside and from outside of the island nation in the face of political turmoil. Not only is internet access sporadic, but now there is also intentional interference on the 40-meter amateur radio band and it appears to be coming from Cuba.
Cuban radio operators communicate regularly with hams in Florida and other areas with large Cuban populations. But as anti-government protests swept through the streets of Cuba in July, something strange was happening on the airwaves. Radio amateurs in the United States discovered that parts of the popular 40-meter band were suddenly being inundated with interference. Hams in Florida reported that the signals were stronger there, enough to make communication with radio amateurs in Cuba impossible.
Many Cuban radio amateurs have 40-meter radios that were built many years ago, since the vast majority do not have funds to buy commercial equipment. In addition, the rebound of propagation on the 40-meter band facilitates access to areas of the United States that have a large Cuban population.
These mysterious signals lasted for
