I've been studying for my Amateur Extra exam and I keep reading about the additional frequency privileges I'll get. Can someone explain exactly what new spectrum access I'll have compared to my General license?

I understand the exam is tougher, but I want to make sure the privileges are worth the extra effort. What are the practical benefits for DXing and contesting?

Also, I noticed the new question pool went into effect in July 2024 - are the frequency privileges the same as before?

Extra Class gives you access to additional frequencies in the lower segments of 80/40/20/15 meter bands—often considered choice territory for contacting DXpeditions and contesting. You get access to all available amateur band frequencies, removing the limitations faced by General Class operators on these bands, which allows more room to navigate during crowded conditions.

80, 40, 20, and 15 meters have segments exclusively for Amateur Extra operators. 80, 20, and 15 meters have both phone and data segments reserved for Amateur Extra; 40 meters has only an additional data segment reserved for Amateur Extra. The frequency privileges haven't changed with the new question pool.

Extras get 28% more usable HF spectrum than Generals during solar minima. During contests, those extra frequencies can make the difference between a good score and a great one. I use the Extra-only segments regularly for DX pileups - much less crowded than the General portions!