Occupancy of the radio frequency spectrum in the 16-23 MHz band

Measurement results are presented for actual utilization of the short wave frequency band, obtained by continuous registration of the number of radio stations in the 16-23 MHz band over an annual cycle (1965). It is shown that there is a relation between the number of radio stations and the variations of MUF-F2. During years of minimum solar activity and at night, segments free of radio stations operating by normal reflection, can be selected in the 18-23-MHz band for ionospheric-scattering links.