Are the radio airwaves limited to a set number?

Question

Is there a set number of radio airwaves available for distribution?

For example... if there are only 50 airwaves, then NO MORE airwaves can be distributed past 50...

Answer 1

There are many frequencies or bandwidths available.
Distribution is internationally determined out of Geneva.
The FCC is responsible for the American assignments.
The CRTC manages the Canadian assignments.
Every group that wants access has to make their case.
There's public broadcasting, military, amateur, scientific, etc.
Public broadcasting contains AM, FM, TV, SW, etc.
We also now have CB, Wireless devices & Cell Phones.
All available frequencies have been allocated already.
But what happens is new methods of propagation.

Answer 2

The question is odd , but I will answer it in many ways , hopefully you will get the idea.

Radio waves are ALL oscillations between the top range of sound , ultrasonic , and below the point oscillations become light.

This is a huge range but not all of it is usable., well , not useable for radio type of transmissions.

The range of frequencies readily associated with radio are in the range of 100khz to 300GHz.

Within this range are many types of transmissions , so this spectrum is divided up into bands.

The AM and FM broadcast bands are typical of such segments that are regulated by the communications authorities set aside for commercial broadcasts to the public.

As the space of these particular bands are set , and the customers (radio stations) are many , there can be problems allocating a clear channel for a new user., especially in a large city.

When space gets to be a huge problem , instead of giving more space by enlarging the band , the communication authorities in your particular country will just up the cost of licenses to the radio stations.

This will weed out the low budget stations leaving only the strong rich ones, and free up band space (channels) this way.

http://www.swdxer.co.nr/