High frequency waves in this band can be reflected back to Earth by the ionosphere layer in the atmosphere – a method known as "skip" or "skywave" propagation – these frequencies are suitable for long-distance communication across intercontinental distances. The band is used by international shortwave broadcasting stations (2.31–25.82 MHz), aviation communication, government time stations, weather stations, amateur radio and citizens band services, among other uses. The dominant means of long distance communication in this band is skywave ("skip") propagation, in which radio waves directed at an angle into the sky refract back to Earth from layers of ionized atoms in the
Coast earth station Earth station (article 1.63) Coast earth station Coast earth station, also called the coast earth radio station is – according to "article 1.76" of the International Telecommunication Union´s (ITU) ITU Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «"An earth station in the fixed-satellite service or, in some cases, in the maritime mobile-satellite service, located at a specified fixed point on land to provide a feeder link for the maritime mobile-satellite service".» Each "radio station" shall be classified by the "service" in which it operates permanently or temporarily. In accordance with "ITU Radio Regulations" (article 1) this type of "radio station" might