ok so i just upgraded to general a few weeks ago and im trying to figure out where i can actually transmit on 40 meters. i know there are band edges and i keep hearing people say stuff like dont operate right on the band edge but i dont really understand why or where exactly the line is. like is 7.125 ok for SSB or is that too close to something? i looked at the arrl band plan chart but honestly it just confused me more because theres the actual FCC allocation and then theres like a "gentlemens agreement" thing that the arrl recommends and i dont know which one i actually have to follow legally vs just as courtesy. also heard something about 7.125 to 7.175 being a phone band for general but then someone on the air said general goes up to 7.300 now? im just trying not to step on anything or operate somewhere im not supposed to

yeah this trips a lot of people up when they first upgrade. so the actual FCC allocations are what you legally have to follow — the ARRL band plan is more of a suggested gentlemens agreement thing to avoid interference between different modes. for 40m as a general, you have phone privileges from 7.175 up to 7.300 MHz, and then theres also a chunk down lower for CW and digital. the 7.125 to 7.175 part is actually extra class only for phone so thats the bit you want to stay above for SSB unless you have your extra.

the band edge thing is a real concern too — your transmitted signal isnt just a single frequency, it has sidebands, so if you tune right to 7.300 and youre running USB your actual signal is spreading above that which is outside the allocation. most people say stay at least 3 or 4 kHz inside the edge to be safe depending on how wide your audio is. some rigs will actually let you transmit outside the band if youre not careful so worth double checking.

went through the exact same confusion when i got my general lol. one thing that helped me was just bookmarking the actual FCC part 97 rules rather than relying on charts because at least then your looking at the source. the arrl chart is fine but yeah sometimes the way they color code stuff makes it look more complicated than it is.

also just as a practical thing — if you fire up on 40m phone just start somewhere around 7.200 and youll be fine while you get your bearings. plenty of activity there and youre well clear of any edges or mode boundaries