Do they need AM radio bandwidth
Most ham operators use AM and almost all of civilian transmitters us AM what better way to end their communications.
Actually only a few ham operators use AM :but those are the only ones you can hear on cheap shortwave radios.
SSB(single sideband) is most used on shortwave.Anaolg FM is most used on higher frequencies.Very similar to older public service,like police and business. But manufactures and government is pushing DIGITAL.
Just like other things,once the market is saturated the government declares the item obsolete and FORCES buying new :improved: items.
Free market? HAH!