Radio propagation antennas (monopoles) are required. Since the ground is not a perfect electrical conductor, ground waves are attenuated as they follow the Earth’s surface. Attenuation is proportional to frequency, so ground waves are the main mode of propagation at lower frequencies, in the MF, LF and VLF bands. Ground waves are used by radio broadcasting stations in the MF and LF bands, and for time signals and radio navigation systems. At even lower frequencies, in the VLF to ELF bands, an Earth-ionosphere waveguide mechanism allows even longer range transmission. These frequencies are used for secure military communications. They can also penetrate
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