Soon no more SSB on amateur radio bands ?

 February 20, 2026

FT8 and FT4 are two modern digital modes (digimodes) used in amateur radio. They were developed by Joe Taylor (K1JT) and Steve Franke (K9AN) as part of the WSJT-X software. FT8 was launched on June 29, 2017, and FT4 was introduced in April 2019 (beta version). But now, FT2 is in the running, probably the fastest digital mode ever developed. The first contact established in this mode took place on February 16, 2026, on the 80 and 40-meter bands, between IZ8VYF, IZ8XXE, IC8TEM, and I1JQJ.

In recent years, FT8 has become the de facto standard for DX contacts, while FT4 is mainly used on specific frequencies for contests, as it is about twice as fast as FT8. However, the FT2 could be a game-changer: the FT2 transmits in significantly shorter cycles, at just 3.8 seconds. A QSO could thus be completed in 11 seconds, meaning the FT2 is four times faster than the FT8 and twice as fast as the FT4!

At 3.8 seconds with a 150 Hz bandwidth (green curve), the sensitivity is -12.5 dB (signal-to-noise ratio). The loss compared to the FT8 (-21 dB) is approximately 8 dB, but this is compensated for by a four times faster speed. In high-power situations, such as during DX expeditions, contests, and pile-ups, this compromise is advantageous.

8-GFSK modulation is used, with a 170 Hz bandwidth and a 77-bit payload. Previously used frequencies: 3582/7077 kHz.

You can find more information and explanatory diagrams at:

https://hampass.com/upload/FT2_Technical_Document_EN.pdf

https://www.dxzone.com/ft2-new-ultra-fast-digital-mode-tested-on-hf/,

including experimental operating frequencies.

FT2 Operating Frequencies (Current Test Call Points)

Below are the frequencies currently used by testers for FT2 activity:

160 m: 1.843 MHz

80 m: 3.578 MHz

60 m: 5.360 MHz

40 m: 7.052 MHz

30 m: 10.144 MHz

20 m: 14.084 MHz

17 m: 18.108 MHz

15 m: 21.144 MHz

12 m: 24.923 MHz

10 m: 28.184 MHz

RX 10,489,547.50 GHz on QO-100

Current Status: Limited Alpha Distribution

FT2, operating under DECODIUM 3, remains in a very preliminary experimental stage. According to testers, the binaries are not yet publicly available on standard repositories and are currently being shared within a limited circle (notably via a private WhatsApp group) to monitor feedback while the protocol is being improved. We are continuing to monitor the situation.

Note from F5SN: On February 19th at 9:52 PM local time, I tested FT2 on QO-100. It is very fast and efficient. Contact with IS0GRB, IW0HJZ, IZ8HUJ, YL2KF, SP3BGD.

Source REF39