I think we had 160, 80, 40, 20, 10 and 5 meters before World War II. I don't 
think 15 metrs was opened for amateur use until after WW2. In the early 
1950s you had to have an Advanced or Extra license to work phone on 75 or 20 
meters, and phone was introduced into 40 meters for the first time somewhere 
around 1950. I had my Novice license when, in 1956, 20 meter phone was 
expanded upward from 14300 to 14350. The bands have changed a lot over the 
years, including the amount of space where American stations could work 
phone. If anyone wants more particulars, I will expound some more.
73,


Lloyd Rasmussen, W3IUU, Kensington, MD
http://lras.home.sprynet.com
-----Original Message----- 
From: David W Wood
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 6:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Top band

Yes, that is why it was so named.
Amateurs were issued harmonically related frequencies 160 80 40 20 and 10,
along with the enigmatic 15, as experimental frequencies.  15 crept in as a
bonus, being a harmonic of 7.
This was before the commercial use of shortwave was contemplated.

73

David W Wood

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Ed Malmgren
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2015 11:37 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Top band

Dave, I have wondered that same thing as to why they call it the top band.
Perhaps when radio first started it was all ham radio and was in the
broadcast area of frequency so 160 would be above that.  or maybe it is
because it has the biggest number, 160.  73

ED K7UC