Shortwave radio is a transmission that uses shortwave radio frequencies, with a range that includes most of the frequency band. The upside to shortwave radio is that these signals can travel vast distances, allowing for easy listening of international broadcasts. Longwave radio, on the other hand, is a transmission that uses longwave radio frequencies, which usually rest below the AM band, where normal AM/FM radios cannot access. Longwave bands are not typically impeded by geographic disturbances, such as large mountain ranges, and quite literally travel the contours of the Earth. As such, longwave radio is also perfect for listening to obscure international broadcasts.