What do the letters “SSB” mean in radio communications?

The term "SSB" stands for Single Sideband, which is a refinement of amplitude modulation (AM). In SSB, only a single sideband (either the upper or the lower) is transmitted, while the carrier signal is suppressed. This method allows for more efficient use of power and bandwidth, leading to clearer communication over greater distances. By eliminating the carrier and one of the sidebands, SSB reduces the amount of energy required for transmission, which is particularly important in amateur radio and other forms of communication where power and bandwidth are limited. This efficiency makes SSB a popular choice for voice communication in various amateur radio activities.