The Shortwave Modernization Coalition is pressing the FCC for an answer to its petition, which was filed in the spring of 2023. The group is seeking the authorization to transmit on the bands between 2 MHz and 25 MHz under Part 90 of the FCC rules. A number of the bands being sought either include or are adjacent to amateur radio bands.

The coalition's original filing drew substantial opposition from amateur radio operators and the ARRL, citing the potential for interference. The ARRL said that in 2024, the IARU's monitoring system detected what was believed to be HF trading interference on the amateur portion of 20 meters.

The US Coast Guard also objected to the petition, saying additional traffic would raise the noise floor for everyone.

Last year, three of the firms were given FCC approval as experimental licensees. They were prohibited from charging fees or receiving payments for anything related to their on-the-air operations. The coalition believes that granting permanency will solidify their status in business and will not create interference, as feared, because the technology exists to locate open channels.