• This term was previously used to refer to television channels in Singapore, but has since been replaced by the term “频道”.
• “波道” is derived from the word “波长” (wavelength), while “频道” is derived from “频率” (frequency). The two terms came into use because television stations transmit signals at specific wavelengths and frequencies.
• Radio channels in Singapore are referred to as “频道”; for example, 95.8FM is known as “958频道”. When television stations were first established in Singapore, the term “波道” was used to differentiate between television and radio channels.
• In 2005, following a merger, Mediacorp acquired Channel U, which was called “优频道” in Mandarin. In order to standardise the Mandarin names, Channel 5 and Channel 8 were renamed from “第五波道” and “第八波道” to “5频道” and “8频道”, respectively. 

Singapore began broadcasting black-and-white television programmes in 1963. However, as programmes were not available throughout the day, the Ministry of Education creatively made use of the free time slots on Channel 8 for educational programmes. (Lianhe Zaobao, 23/5/2020)

频道 (Mainland China, Taiwan, Malaysia)