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Numbers Stations

Since World War I, mysterious shortwave radio stations have broadcast coded messages—usually a voice reading numbers, sometimes preceded by music or tones. They're believed to be spy communications. Despite decades of listening, most remain unattributed. Some still broadcast today.

1900 - Present
Worldwide
10000+ witnesses

Mysterious broadcasts hide in plain sight on shortwave radio.

The Phenomenon

What they are:

  • Shortwave radio broadcasts
  • Coded number sequences
  • Mechanical or human voices
  • Regular schedules
  • Untraceable sources

Famous Stations

Notable examples:

  • The Lincolnshire Poacher (UK)
  • UVB-76 “The Buzzer” (Russia)
  • Atención (Cuba)
  • Swedish Rhapsody
  • Cherry Ripe

The Format

Typical broadcast:

  • Musical intro or tones
  • Voice reads numbers
  • Groups of 5 digits
  • Repeated sequences
  • Then silence

The Purpose

Believed use:

  • Spy communications
  • One-time pad encryption
  • Unbreakable codes
  • Cold War origins
  • Still operational

The Conet Project

Documentation:

  • 1997 compilation
  • 150+ recordings
  • Available online
  • Cult following
  • Inspired music

Active Today

Still broadcasting:

  • UVB-76 continuous since 1982
  • Cuban stations active
  • Asian stations detected
  • New ones appear
  • Purpose still secret

Sources

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