Title 47—Telecommunication--Volume 1
PART 74—EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES
§ 74.1   Scope.
(a) The rules in this subpart are applicable to the Auxiliary and Special Broadcast and Other Program Distributional Services.
(b) Rules in part 74 which apply exclusively to a particular service are contained in that service subpart, as follows: Remote Pickup Broadcast Stations, subpart D; Aural Broadcast STL and Intercity Relay Stations, subpart E; TV Auxiliary Broadcast Stations, subpart F; Low-power TV, TV Translator and TV Booster Stations, subpart G; Low-power Auxiliary Stations, subpart H; FM Broadcast Translator Stations and FM Broadcast Booster Stations, subpart L.
§ 74.2   General definitions.
Broadcast network-entity. A broadcast network-entity is an organization which produces programs available for simultaneous transmission by 10 or more affiliated broadcast stations and having distribution facilities or circuits available to such affiliated stations at least 12 hours each day.
Cable network-entity. A cable network-entity is an organization which produces programs available for simultaneous transmission by cable systems serving a combined total of at least 5,000,000 subscribers and having distribution facilities or circuits available to such affiliated stations or cable systems.
§ 74.3   FCC inspections of stations.
(a) The licensee of a station authorized under this part must make the station available for inspection by representatives of the FCC during the station's business hours, or at any time it is in operation.
(b) In the course of an inspection or investigation, an FCC representative may require special equipment tests or program tests.
(c) The logs and records required by this part for the particular class or type of station must be made available upon request to representatives of the FCC.
§ 74.5   Cross reference to rules in other parts.
Certain rules applicable to Auxiliary, Special Broadcast and other Program Distribution services, some of which are also applicable to other services, are set forth in the following parts of the FCC Rules and Regulations:
(a) Part 1, “Practice and procedure”.
(1) Subpart A, “General Rules of Practice and Procedure”. (§§ 1.1 to 1.117).
(2) Subpart B, “Hearing Proceedings”. (§§ 1.201 to 1.364).
(3) Subpart C, “Rulemaking Proceedings”. (§§ 1.399 to 1.430).
(4) Subpart F, “Wireless Telecommunications Services Applications and Proceedings”. (§§ 1.901 to 1.981).
(5) Subpart G, “Schedule of Statutory Charges and Procedures for Payment”. (§§ 1.1101 to 1.1120).
(6) Subpart H, “Ex Parte Presentations”. (§§ 1.1200 to 1.1216).
(7) Subpart I, “Procedures Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969”. (§§ 1.1301 to 1.1319).
(8) Subpart T, “Foreign Ownership of Broadcast, Common Carrier, Aeronautical En Route, and Aeronautical Fixed Radio Station Licensees”. (§§ 1.5000 to 1.5004).
(9) Part 1, Subpart W of the chapter, “FCC Registration Number”. (§§ 1.8001-1.8005).
(b) Part 2, “Frequency Allocations and Radio Treaty Matters, General Rules and Regulations”, including subparts A, “Terminology”; B, “Allocation, Assignments and Use of Radio Frequencies”; C, “Emissions”; D, “Call Signs and Other Forms of Identifying Radio Transmissions”; and J, “Equipment Authorization Proceedings”.
(c) [Reserved]
(d) Part 17, “Construction, Marking and Lighting of Antenna Structures”.
(e) Part 73, “Radio Broadcast Services”.
(f) Part 101, “Fixed Microwave Services”.
§ 74.6   Licensing of broadcast auxiliary and low power auxiliary stations.
Applicants for and licensees of remote pickup broadcast stations, aural broadcast auxiliary stations, television broadcast auxiliary stations, and low power auxiliary stations authorized under subparts D, E, F, and H of this part are subject to the application and procedural rules for wireless telecommunications services contained in part 1, subpart F of this chapter. Applicants for these stations may file either manually or electronically as specified in § 1.913(b) and (d) of this chapter.
§ 74.12   Notification of filing of applications.
The provisions of § 73.1030 “Notification concerning interference to Radio Astronomy, Research, and Receiving Installations” apply to all stations authorized under this part of the FCC Rules except the following:
(a) Mobile remote pickup stations (subpart D).
(b) TV pickup stations (subpart F).
(c) Low power auxiliary stations (subpart H).
§ 74.13   Equipment tests.
(a) During the process of construction of any class of radio station listed in this part, the permittee, without further authority of the Commission, may conduct equipment tests for the purpose of such adjustments and measurements as may be necessary to assure compliance with the terms of the construction permit, the technical provisions of the application therefor, the technical requirements of this chapter, and the applicable engineering standards.
(b) Equipment tests may be continued so long as the construction permit shall remain valid.
(c) The authorization for tests embodied in this section shall not be construed as constituting a license to operate.
§ 74.14   Service or program tests.
(a) Upon completion of construction of a radio station in accordance with the terms of the construction permit, the technical provisions of the application therefor, technical requirements of this chapter, and applicable engineering standards, and when an application for station license has been filed showing the station to be in satisfactory operating condition, the permittee or any class of station listed in this part may, without further authority of the Commission, conduct service or program tests.
(b) Program test authority for stations authorized under this part will continue valid during Commission consideration of the application for license and during this period further extension of the construction permit is not required. Program test authority shall be automatically terminated with final action on the application for station license.
(c) The authorization for tests embodied in this section shall not be construed as approval by the Commission of the application for station license.
§ 74.15   Station license period.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Licenses for stations or systems in the Auxiliary Broadcast Service held by a licensee of a broadcast station will be issued for a period running concurrently with the license of the associated broadcast station with which it is licensed. Licenses held by eligible networks for the purpose of providing program service to affiliated stations under subpart D of this part, and by eligible networks, cable television operators, motion picture producers and television program producers under subpart H of this part will be issued for a period running concurrently with the normal licensing period for broadcast stations located in the same area of operation. Licenses held by large venue owners or operators and professional sound companies under subpart H of this part will be issued for a period not to exceed ten years from the date of initial issuance or renewal.
(c) The license of an FM broadcast booster station or a TV broadcast booster station will be issued for a period running concurrently with the license of the FM radio broadcast station or TV broadcast station (primary station) with which it is used.
(d) Initial licenses for low power TV, TV translator, and FM translator stations will ordinarily be issued for a period running until the date specified in § 73.1020 of this chapter for full service stations operating in their State or Territory, or if issued after such date, to the next renewal date determined in accordance with § 73.1020 of this chapter. Lower power TV and TV translator station and FM translator station licenses will ordinarily be renewed for 8 years. However, if the FCC finds that the public interest, convenience or necessity will be served, it may issue either an initial license or a renewal thereof for a lesser term. The FCC may also issue a license renewal for a shorter term if requested by the applicant. The time of expiration of all licenses will be 3 a.m. local time, on the following dates, and thereafter to the schedule for full service stations in their states as reflected in § 73.1020 of this chapter:
(1) Nevada:
(i) FM translators, February 1, 1997.
(ii) LPTV and TV translator, February 1, 1998.
(2) California:
(i) FM translators, April 1, 1997.
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, April 1, 1998
(3) Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhodes Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia, Ohio and the District of Colbumia:
(i) FM translators, June 1, 1997
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, June 1, 1998
(4) Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pureto Rico and the Virgin Islands:
(i) FM translators, August 1, 1997
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, August 1, 1998
(5) Oklahoma and Texas:
(i) FM translators, October 1, 1997
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, October 1, 1998
(6) Kansas and Nebraska:
(i) FM translators, December 1, 1997
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, December 1, 1998
(7) Iowa and South Dakota:
(i) FM translators, February 1, 1998
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, February 1, 1999
(8) Minnesota and North Dakota:
(i) FM translators, April 1, 1998
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, April 1, 1999
(9) Wyoming:
(i) FM translators, June 1, 1998
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, June 1, 1999
(10) Montana:
(i) FM translators, August 1, 1998
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, August 1, 1999
(11) Idaho:
(i) FM translators, October 1, 1995
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, October 1, 1996
(12) Washington:
(i) FM translators, December 1, 1995
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, December 1, 1996
(13) Oregon:
(i) FM translators, February 1, 1996
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, February 1, 1997
(14) Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, Mariana Islands and Hawaii:
(i) FM translators, April 1, 1996
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, April 1, 1997
(15) Colorado:
(i) FM translators, June 1, 1996
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, June 1, 1997
(16) New Mexico:
(i) FM translators, August 1, 1996
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, August 1, 1997
(17) Utah:
(i) FM translators, October 1, 1996
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, October 1, 1997
(18) Arizona:
(i) FM translators, December 1, 1996
(ii) LPTV and TV translators, December 1, 1997
(e) Licenses held by broadcast network-entities under Subpart F will ordinarily be issued for a period of 8 years running concurrently with the normal licensing period for broadcast stations located in the same area of operation. An application for renewal of license shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of § 1.949.
(f) The license of an FM translator or FM broadcast booster, TV translator or TV broadcast booster, or low power TV station will expire as a matter of law upon failure to transmit broadcast signals for any consecutive 12-month period notwithstanding any provision, term, or condition of the license to the contrary. Further, if the license of any AM, FM, or TV broadcasting station licensed under part 73 of this chapter expires for failure to transmit signals for any consecutive 12-month period, the licensee's authorizations under part 74, subparts D, E, F, and H in connection with the operation of that AM, FM, or TV broadcasting station will also expire notwithstanding any provision, term, or condition to the contrary.
§ 74.16   Temporary extension of station licenses.
Where there is pending before the Commission any application, investigation, or proceeding which, after hearing, might lead to or make necessary the modification of, revocation of, or the refusal to renew an existing auxiliary broadcast station license or a television broadcast translator station license, the Commission in its discretion, may grant a temporary extension of such license: Provided, however, That no such temporary extension shall be construed as a finding by the Commission that the operation of any radio station thereunder will serve public interest, convenience, and necessity beyond the express terms of such temporary extension of license: And provided further, That such temporary extension of license will in no wise affect or limit the action of the Commission with respect to any pending application or proceeding.
§ 74.18   Transmitter control and operation.
Except where unattended operation is specifically permitted, the licensee of each station authorized under the provisions of this part shall designate a person or persons to activate and control its transmitter. At the discretion of the station licensee, persons so designated may be employed for other duties and for operation of other transmitting stations if such other duties will not interfere with the proper operation of the station transmission systems.
§ 74.19   Special technical records.
The FCC may require a broadcast auxiliary station licensee to keep operating and maintenance records necessary to resolve conditions of actual or potential interference, rule violations, or deficient technical operation.
§ 74.21   Broadcasting emergency information.
(a) In an emergency where normal communication facilities have been disrupted or destroyed by storms, floods or other disasters, the stations licensed under this part may be operated for the purpose of transmitting essential communications intended to alleviate distress, dispatch aid, assist in rescue operations, maintain order, or otherwise promote the safety of life and property. In the course of such operation, a station of any class may communicate with stations of other classes and in other services. However, such operation shall be conducted only on the frequency or frequencies for which the station is licensed and the used power shall not exceed the maximum authorized in the station license. When such operation involves the use of frequencies shared with other stations, licensees are expected to cooperate fully to avoid unnecessary or disruptive interference.
(b) Whenever such operation involves communications of a nature other than those for which the station is licensed to perform, the licensee shall, at the earliest practicable time, notify the FCC in Washington, DC of the nature of the emergency and the use to which the station is being put and shall subsequently notify the same offices when the emergency operation has been terminated.
(c) Emergency operation undertaken pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be discontinued as soon as substantially normal communications facilities have been restored. The Commission may at any time order discontinuance of such operation.
§ 74.22   Use of common antenna structure.
The simultaneous use of a common antenna structure by more than one station authorized under this part, or by one or more stations of any other service may be authorized. The owner of each antenna structure is responsible for ensuring that the structure, if required, is painted and/or illuminated in accordance with part 17 of this chapter. In the event of default by the owner, each licensee or permittee shall be responsible for ensuring that the structure complies with applicable painting and lighting requirements.
§ 74.23   Interference jeopardizing safety of life or protection of property.
(a) The licensee of any station authorized under this part that causes harmful interference, as defined in § 2.1 of the Commission's rules, to radio communications involving the safety of life or protection of property shall promptly eliminate the interference.
(b) If harmful interference to radio communications involving the safety of life or protection of property cannot be promptly eliminated and the Commission finds that there exists an imminent danger to safety of life or protection of property, pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 312 (b) and (e) and 5 U.S.C. 558, operation of the offending equipment shall temporarily be suspended and shall not be resumed until the harmful interference has been eliminated or the threat to the safety of life or property has passed. In situations where the protection of property alone is jeopardized, before taking any action under this paragraph, the Commission shall balance the nature and extent of the possible property damage against the potential harm to a licensee or the public caused by suspending part 74 operations. When specifically authorized, short test operations may be made during the period of suspended operation to check the efficacy of remedial measures.
§ 74.24   Short-term operation.
All classes of broadcast auxiliary stations provided for in subparts D, E, F and H of this part, except wireless video assist devices, may be operated on a short-term basis under the authority conveyed by a part 73 license or a broadcast auxiliary license without prior authorization from the FCC, subject to the following conditions:
(a) Licensees operating under this provision must be eligible to operate the particular class of broadcast auxiliary station.
(b) The short-term broadcast auxiliary station shall be operated in conformance with all normally applicable regulations to the extent they are not superceded by specific provisions of this section.
(c) Short-term operation is on a secondary, non-interference basis to regularly authorized stations and shall be discontinued immediately upon notification that perceptible interference is being caused to the operation of a regularly authorized station. Short-term station operators shall, to the extent practicable, use only the effective radiated power and antenna height necessary for satisfactory system performance.
(d) Short-term operation under this section shall not exceed 720 hours annually per frequency.
Certain frequencies shared with other services which are normally available for permanent broadcast auxiliary station assignment may not be available for short-term operation. Refer to any note(s) which may be applicable to the use of a specific frequency prior to initiating operation.
(e) The antenna height of a station operated pursuant to this section shall not increase the height of any man-made antenna supporting structure, or increase by more than 6.1 meters (20 feet) the height of any other type of man-made structure or natural formation. However, the facilities of an authorized broadcast auxiliary station belonging to another licensee may be operated in accordance with the terms of its outstanding authorization.
(f) Stations operated pursuant to this section shall be identified by the transmission of the call sign of the associated part 73 broadcast station or broadcast auxiliary station, or, in the case of stations operated by broadcast network and cable network entities, by the network or cable entity's name and base of operations city.
(g) Prior to operating pursuant to the provisions of this section, licensees shall, for the intended location or area-of-operation, notify the appropriate frequency coordination committee or any licensee(s) assigned the use of the proposed operating frequency, concerning the particulars of the intended operation and shall provide the name and telephone number of a person who may be contacted in the event of interference. Except as provided herein, this notification provision shall not apply where an unanticipated need for immediate short-term mobile station operation would render compliance with the provisions of this paragraph impractical.
(1) A CARS licensee shall always be given advance notification prior to the commencement of short-term operation on or adjacent to an assigned frequency.
(2) The Commission may designate a frequency coordinator as the single point of contact under this section for advance coordination of major national and international events. Once designated, all short-term auxiliary broadcast use under this section must be coordinated in advance through the designated coordinator.
(i) Coordinators under this provision will not be designated unless the Commission receives an initial request, in writing, to designate a coordinator.
(ii) The Commission will issue a Public Notice with information regarding the designation of such a coordinator.
(iii) All coordination must be done on a non-discriminatory basis.
(iv) All licensees must abide by the decision of the coordinator. The Commission will be the final arbiter of any disputes.
(3) An unanticipated need will never be deemed to exist for a scheduled event, such as a convention, sporting event, etc.
(h) Short-term operation is limited to areas south or west of the United States-Canada border as follows:
(1) Use of broadcast auxiliary service frequencies below 470 MHz is limited to areas of the United States south of Line A or west of Line C unless the effective radiated power of the station is 5 watts or less. See § 1.928(e) of this chapter for a definition of Line A and Line C.
(2) A broadcast auxiliary service station operating on frequencies between 470 MHz and 1 GHz must be at least 56.3 kilometers (35 miles) south (or west, as appropriate of the United States-Canada border if the antenna looks within a 200° sector toward the border; or, the station must be at least 8.1 kilometers (5 miles) south (or west, as appropriate) if the antenna looks within a 160° sector away from the border. However, operation is not permitted in either of these two situations if the station would be within the coordination distance of a receiving earth station in Canada which uses the same frequency band. (The coordination distance is the distance, calculated for any station, according to Appendix 28 of the International Radio Regulations.)
(3) A broadcast auxiliary service station operating on frequencies above 1 GHz shall not be located within the coordination distance of a receiving earth station in Canada which uses the same frequency band. (The coordination distance is the distance, calculated for any station, according to Appendix 28 of the international Radio Regulations.)
(i) Short-term operation of a remote pickup broadcast base station, a remote pickup automatic relay station, an aural broadcast STL station, an aural broadcast intercity relay station, a TV STL station, a TV intercity relay station or a TV translator relay station in the National Radio Quiet Zone, the Table Mountain Radio Receiving Zone, or near FCC monitoring stations is subject to the same advance notification procedures applicable to regular applications as provided for in § 73.1030 of this chapter and § 74.12, except that inasmuch as short-term operation does not involve an application process, the provisions relating to agency objection procedures shall not apply. It shall simply be necessary for the licensee to contact the potentially affected agency and obtain advance approval for the proposed short-term operation. Where protection to FCC monitoring stations is concerned, approval for short-term operation may be given by the Regional Director of a Commission field facility.
(j)(1) This paragraph applies only to operations which will transmit on frequencies under 15 GHz. Prior to commencing short-term operation of a remote pickup broadcast station, a remote pickup automatic relay station, an aural broadcast STL station, an aural broadcast intercity relay station, a TV STL station, a TV intercity relay station, a TV translator relay station, a TV pickup station, or a TV microwave booster station within the 4-mile (6.4 kilometer) radius Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Protection Zone (centered on NAD-83 Geographical Coordinates North Latitude 18°20′38.28″, West Longitude 66°45′09.42″), an applicant must notify the Arecibo Observatory, located near Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Operations within the Puerto Rico Coordination Zone ( i.e. , on the islands of Puerto Rico, Desecheo, Mona, Vieques, or Culebra), but outside the Protection Zone, whether short term or long term, shall provide notification to the Arecibo Observatory prior to commencing operation. Notification should be directed to the following: Interference Office, Arecibo Observatory, HC3 Box 53995, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612, Tel. (809) 878-2612, Fax (809) 878-1861, E-mail prcz@naic.edu.
(2) Notification of short-term operations may be provided by telephone, fax, or electronic mail. The notification for long-term operations shall be written or electronic, and shall set forth the technical parameters of the proposed station, including the geographical coordinates of the antenna (NAD-83 datum), antenna height above ground, ground elevation at the antenna, antenna directivity and gain, proposed frequency and FCC Rule Part, type of emission, effective radiated power, and whether the proposed use is itinerant. Applicants may wish to consult interference guidelines, which will be provided by Cornell University. In addition, the applicant shall indicate in its application to the Commission the date notification was made to the Observatory. Generally, submission of the information in the technical portion of the FCC license application is adequate notification. After receipt of such applications in non-emergency situations, the Commission will allow the Arecibo Observatory a period of 20 days for comments or objections in response to the notification indicated. The applicant will be required to make reasonable efforts in order to resolve or mitigate any potential interference problem with the Arecibo Observatory and to file either an amendment to the application or a modification application, as appropriate. If the Commission determines that an applicant has satisfied its responsibility to make reasonable efforts to protect the Observatory from interference, its application may be granted. In emergency situations in which prior notification or approval is not practicable, notification or approval must be accomplished as soon as possible after operations begin.
§ 74.25   Temporary conditional operating authority.
An applicant for a new broadcast auxiliary radio service station or a modification of an existing station under subparts D, E, F, or H of this part may operate the proposed station during the pendency of its applications upon the filing of a properly completed formal application that complies with the rules for the particular class of station, provided that the conditions set forth are satisfied.
(a) Conditions applicable to all broadcast auxiliary stations. (1) Stations operated pursuant to this section shall be identified by the transmission of the call sign of the associated part 73 of this chapter broadcast station, if one exists, or the prefix “WT” followed by the applicant's local business telephone number for broadcast or cable network entities.
(2) The antenna structure(s) has been previously studied by the Federal Aviation Administration and determined to pose no hazard to aviation safety as required by subpart B of part 17 of this chapter; or the antenna or tower structure does not exceed 6.1 meters above ground level or above an existing man-made structure (other than an antenna structure), if the antenna or tower has not been previously studied by the Federal Aviation Administration and cleared by the FCC;
(3) The grant of the application(s) does not require a waiver of the Commission's rules;
(4) The applicant has determined that the facility(ies) will not significantly affect the environment as defined in § 1.1307 of this chapter;
(5) The station site does not lie within an area identified in § 1.924 of this chapter.
(b) Conditions applicable to remote pickup broadcast auxiliary stations. (1) The auxiliary station must be located within 80 km (50 mi) of the broadcast studio or broadcast transmitter.
(2) The applicant must coordinate the operation with all affected co-channel and adjacent channel licensees in the area of operation. This requirement can be satisfied by coordination with the local frequency committee if one exists.
(3) Operation under this provision is not permitted between 152.87 MHz and 153.35 MHz.
(c) Conditions applicable to aural and television broadcast auxiliary stations. (1) The applicable frequency coordination procedures have been successfully completed and the filed application is consistent with that coordination.
(2) The station site does not lie within an area requiring international coordination.
(3) If operated on frequencies in the 17.8-19.7 GHz band for any services or on frequencies in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band for MVPD operations, the station site does not lie within any of the areas identified in § 1.924 of this chapter.
(d) Operation under this section shall be suspended immediately upon notification from the Commission or by the Regional Director of a Commission field facility, and shall not be resumed until specific authority is given by the Commission or Regional Director. When authorized by the Regional Director, short test operations may be made.
(e) Conditional authority ceases immediately if the application(s) is returned by the Commission because it is not acceptable for filing.
(f) Conditional authorization does not prejudice any action the Commission may take on the subject application(s). Conditional authority is accepted with the express understanding that such authority may be modified or cancelled by the Commission at any time without hearing if, in the Commission's discretion, the need for such action arises. An applicant operating pursuant to this conditional authority assumes all risks associated with such operation, the termination or modification of the conditional authority, or the subsequent dismissal or denial of its application(s).
§ 74.28   Additional orders.
In case the rules contained in this part do not cover all phases of operation with respect to external effects, the FCC may make supplemental or additional orders in each case as may be deemed necessary.
§ 74.30   Antenna structure, marking and lighting.
The provisions of part 17 of the FCC rules (Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures) require certain antenna structures to be painted and/or lighted in accordance with the provisions of §§ 17.47 through 17.56 of the FCC rules.
§ 74.32   Operation in the 17.7-17.8 GHz and 17.8-19.7 GHz bands.
The following exclusion areas and coordination areas are established to minimize or avoid harmful interference to Federal Government earth stations receiving in the 17.7-19.7 GHz band:
(a) No application seeking authority for fixed stations supporting the operations of Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPD) in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band or to operate in the 17.8-19.7 GHz band for any service will be accepted for filing if the proposed station is located within 20 km of Denver, CO (39°43′ N., 104°46′ W.) or Washington, DC (38°48′ N., 76°52′ W.).
(b) Any application for a new station license to provide MVPD operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band or to operate in the 17.8-19.7 GHz band for any service, or for modification of an existing station license in these bands which would change the frequency, power, emission, modulation, polarization, antenna height or directivity, or location of such a station, must be coordinated with the Federal Government by the Commission before an authorization will be issued, if the station or proposed station is located in whole or in part within any of the following areas:
(1) Denver, CO area:
(i) Between latitudes 41°30′ N. and 38°30′ N. and between longitudes 103°10′ W. and 106°30′ W.
(ii) Between latitudes 38°30′ N. and 37°30′ N. and between longitudes 105°00′ W. and 105°50′ W.
(iii) Between latitudes 40°08′ N. and 39°56′ N. and between longitudes 107°00′ W. and 107°15′ W.
(2) Washington, DC area:
(i) Between latitudes 38°40′ N. and 38°10′ N. and between longitudes 78°50′ W. and 79°20′ W.
(ii) Within 178 km of 38°48′ N, 76°52′ W.
(3) San Miguel, CA area:
(i) Between latitudes 34°39′ N. and 34°00′ N. and between longitudes 118°52′ W. and 119°24′ W.
(ii) Within 200 km of 35°44′ N., 120°45′ W.
(4) Guam area: Within 100 km of 13°35′ N., 144°51′ E.
Note to § 74.32: The coordinates cited in this section are specified in terms of the “North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).”
§ 74.34   Period of construction; certification of completion of construction.
(a) Each aural and television broadcast auxiliary station authorized under subparts E and F of this part must be in operation within 18 months from the initial date of grant.
(b) Each remote pickup broadcast auxiliary station authorized under subpart D of this part must be in operation within 12 months from the initial date of grant.
(c) Failure to timely begin operation means the authorization terminates automatically.
(d) Requests for extension of time may be granted upon a showing of good cause pursuant to § 1.946(e) of this chapter.
(e) Construction of any authorized facility or frequency must be completed by the date specified in the license and the Commission must be notified pursuant to § 1.946 of this chapter.
§ 74.35   Incorporation by reference.
Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) must publish a document in the Federal Register and the material must be available to the public. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the FCC and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the FCC at the address indicated in 47 CFR 0.401(a); phone: (202) 418-0270. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. The material may be obtained from the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), 650 Route des Lucioles, F-06921 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France; phone: +33 4 92 94 42 00; email: webstore@etsi.org; website: www.etsi.org/.
(a) ETSI EN 300 422-1 V2.2.1 (2021-11), Wireless Microphones; Audio PMSE up to 3 GHz; Part 1: Audio PMSE Equipment up to 3 GHz; Harmonised Standard for access to radio spectrum, published November 2021; IBR approved for § 74.861(d)(4) and (e)(7). (Available at: www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042201/02.02.01_60/en_30042201v020201p.pdf. )
(b) [Reserved]
§ 74.401   Definitions.
Associated broadcasting station ( s ). The broadcasting station or stations with which a remote pickup broadcast station or system is licensed as an auxiliary and with which it is principally used.
Authorized bandwidth. The occupied or necessary bandwidth, whichever is greater, authorized to be used by a station.
Automatic relay station. A remote pickup broadcast base station which is actuated by automatic means and is used to relay transmissions between remote pickup broadcast base and mobile stations, between remote pickup broadcast mobile stations and from remote pickup broadcast mobile stations to broadcasting stations. (Automatic operation is not operation by remote control.)
Carrier power. The average power at the output terminals of a transmitter (other than a transmitter having a suppressed, reduced or controlled carrier) during one radio frequency cycle under conditions of no modulation.
Mean power. The power at the output terminals of a transmitter during normal operation, averaged over a time sufficiently long compared with the period of the lowest frequency encountered in the modulation. A time of 1/10 second during which the mean power is greatest will be selected normally.
Necessary bandwidth. For a given class of emission, the minimum value of the occupied bandwidth sufficient to ensure the transmission of information at the rate and with the quality required for the system employed, under specified conditions. Emissions useful for the good functioning of the receiving equipment, as for example, the emission corresponding to the carrier of reduced carrier systems, shall be included in the necessary bandwidth.
Occupied bandwidth. The frequency bandwidth such that, below its lower and above its upper frequency limits, the mean powers radiated are each equal to 0.5 percent of the total mean power radiated by a given emission.
Operational communications. Communications concerning the technical and programming operation of a broadcast station and its auxiliaries.
Remote control operation. Operation of a base station by a properly designated person on duty at a control position from which the transmitter is not visible but that position is equipped with suitable controls so that essential functions can be performed therefrom.
Remote pickup broadcast base station. A remote pickup broadcast station authorized for operation at a specified location.
Remote pickup broadcast mobile station. A remote pickup broadcast station authorized for use while in motion or during halts at unspecified locations. (As used in this subpart, mobile stations include hand-carried, pack-carried and other portable transmitters.)
Remote pickup broadcast stations. A term used in this subpart to include both remote pickup broadcast base stations and remote pickup broadcast mobile stations.
Remote pickup mobile repeater unit. A vehicular receiver-transmitter repeater used to provide extended communications range for a low-power hand-carried or pack-carried transmitter.
Station. As used in this subpart, each remote pickup broadcast transmitter, and its associated accessory equipment necessary to the radio communication function, constitutes a separate station.
Studio. Any room or series of rooms equipped for the regular production of broadcast programs of various kinds. A broadcasting booth at a stadium, convention hall, church, or other similar place is not considered to be a studio.
Systems. A complete remote pickup broadcast facility consisting of one or more mobile stations and/or one or more base stations authorized pursuant to a single license.
§ 74.402   Frequency assignment.
Operation on all channels listed in this section (except: frequencies 26.07 MHz, 26.11 MHz, and 26.45 MHz, and frequencies listed in paragraphs (a)(4) and (c)(1) of this section shall be in accordance with the “priority of use” provisions in § 74.403(b)). The channel will be assigned by its center frequency, channel bandwidth, and emission designator. In general, the frequencies listed in this section represent the center of the channel or channel segment. When an even number of channels are stacked in those sections stacking is permitted, channel assignments may be made for the frequency halfway between those listed.
(a) The following channels may be assigned for use by broadcast remote pickup stations using any emission (other than single sideband or pulse) that will be in accordance with the provisions of § 74.462.
(1) [Reserved]
(2) HF Channels: 25.87, 25.91, 25.95, 25.99, 26.03, 26.07, 26.09, 26.11, 26.13, 26.15, 26.17, 26.19, 26.21, 26.23, 26.25, 26.27, 26.29, 26.31, 26.33, 26.35, 26.37, 26.39, 26.41, 26.43, 26.45, and 26.47 MHz. The channels 25.87-26.09 MHz are subject to the condition listed in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.
(3) VHF Channels: 166.25 and 170.15 MHz. These channels are subject to the condition listed in paragraph (e)(8) of this section.
(4) UHF Channels: Up to two of the following 6.25 kHz segments may be stacked to form a channel which may be assigned for use by broadcast remote pickup stations using any emission contained within the resultant channel in accordance with the provisions of § 74.462: 450.00625 MHz, 450.0125 MHz, 450.01875 MHz, 450.025 MHz, 450.98125 MHz, 450.9875 MHz, 450.99375 MHz, 455.00625 MHz, 455.0125 MHz, 455.01875 MHz, 455.025 MHz, 455.98125 MHz, 455.9875 MHz, and 455.99375 MHz. These channels are subject to the condition listed in paragraph (e)(9) of this section.
(b) Up to four of the following 7.5 kHz VHF segments and up to eight of the following 6.25 kHz UHF segments may be stacked to form a channel which may be assigned for use by broadcast remote pickup stations using any emission contained within the resultant channel in accordance with the provisions of § 74.462.
(1) VHF segments: 152.8625, 152.870, 152.8775, 152.885, 152.8925, 152.900, 152.9075, 152.915, 152.9225, 152.930, 152.9375, 152.945, 152.9525, 152.960, 152.9675, 152.975, 152.9825, 152.990, 152.9975, 153.005, 153.0125, 153.020, 153.0275, 153.035, 153.0425, 153.050, 153.0575, 153.065, 153.0725, 153.080, 153.0875, 153.095, 153.1025, 153.110, 153.1175, 153.125, 153.1325, 153.140, 153.1475, 153.155, 153.1625, 153.170, 153.1775, 153.185, 153.1925, 153.200, 153.2075, 153.215, 153.2225, 153.230, 153.2375, 153.245, 153.2525, 153.260, 153.2675, 153.275, 153.2825, 153.290, 153.2975, 153.305, 153.3125, 153.320, 153.3275, 153.335, 153.3425, 153.350, and 153.3575. These channels are subject to the conditions listed in paragraphs (e)(3), (4), (5), and (10) of this section.
(2) VHF segments: 160.860, 160.8675, 160.875, 160.8825, 160.890, 160.8975, 160.905, 160.9125, 160.920, 160.9275, 160.935, 160.9425, 160.950, 160.9575, 160.965, 160.9725, 160.980, 160.9875, 160.995, 161.0025, 161.010, 161.0175, 161.025, 161.0325, 161.040, 161.0475, 161.055, 161.0625, 161.070, 161.0775, 161.085, 161.0925, 161.100, 161.1075, 161.115, 161.1225, 161.130, 161.1375, 161.145, 161.1525, 161.160, 161.1675, 161.175, 161.1825, 161.190, 161.1975, 161.205, 161.2125, 161.220, 161.2275, 161.235, 161.2425, 161.250, 161.2575, 161.265, 161.2725, 161.280, 161.2875, 161.295, 161.3025, 161.310, 161.3175, 161.325, 161.3325, 161.340, 161.3475, 161.355, 161.3625, 161.370, 161.3775, 161.385, 161.3925, 161.400. These channels are subject to the condition listed in paragraph (e)(6) and (10) of this section.
(3) VHF segments: 161.625, 161.6325, 161.640, 161.6475, 161.655, 161.6625, 161.670, 161.6775, 161.685, 161.6925, 161.700, 161.7075, 161.715, 161.7225, 161.730, 161.7375, 161.745, 161.7525, 161.760, 161.7675, 161.775. These channels are subject to the conditions listed in paragraphs (e)(4), (7), and (10) of this section.
(4) UHF segments: 450.03125, 450.0375, 450.04375, 450.050, 450.05625, 450.0625, 450.06875, 450.075, 450.08125, 450.0875, 450.09375, 450.100, 450.10625, 450.1125, 450.11875, 450.125, 450.13125, 450.1375, 450.14375, 450.150, 450.15625, 450.1625, 450.16875, 450.175, 450.18125, 450.1875, 450.19375, 450.200, 450.20625, 450.2125, 450.21875, 450.225, 450.23125, 450.2375, 450.24375, 450.250, 450.25625, 450.2625, 450.26875, 450.275, 450.28125, 450.2875, 450.29375, 450.300, 450.30625, 450.3125, 450.31875, 450.325, 450.33125, 450.3375, 450.34375, 450.350, 450.35625, 450.3625, 450.36875, 450.375, 450.38125, 450.3875, 450.39375, 450.400, 450.40625, 450.4125, 450.41875, 450.425, 450.43125, 450.4375, 450.44375, 450.450, 450.45625, 450.4625, 450.46875, 450.475, 450.48125, 450.4875, 450.49375, 450.500, 450.50625, 450.5125, 450.51875, 450.525, 450.53125, 450.5375, 450.54375, 450.550, 450.55625, 450.5625, 450.56875, 450.575, 450.58125, 450.5875, 450.59375, 450.600, 450.60625, 450.6125, 450.61875, 455.03125, 455.0375, 455.04375, 455.050, 455.05625, 455.0625, 455.06875, 455.075, 455.08125, 455.0875, 455.09375, 455.100, 455.10625, 455.1125, 455.11875, 455.125, 455.13125, 455.1375, 455.14375, 455.150, 455.15625, 455.1625, 455.16875, 455.175, 455.18125, 455.1875, 455.19375, 455.200, 455.20625, 455.2125, 455.21875, 455.225, 455.23125, 455.2375, 455.24375, 455.250, 455.25625, 455.2625, 455.26875, 455.275, 455.28125, 455.2875, 455.29375, 455.300, 455.30625, 455.3125, 455.31875, 455.325, 455.33125, 455.3375, 455.34375, 455.350, 455.35625, 455.3625, 455.36875, 455.375, 455.38125, 455.3875, 455.39375, 455.400, 455.40625, 455.4125, 455.41875, 455.425, 455.43125, 455.4375, 455.44375, 455.450, 455.45625, 455.4625, 455.46875, 455.475, 455.48125, 455.4875, 455.49375, 455.500, 455.50625, 455.5125, 455.51875, 455.525, 455.53125, 455.5375, 455.54375, 455.550, 455.55625, 455.5625, 455.56875, 455.575, 455.58125, 455.5875, 455.59375, 455.600, 455.60625, 455.6125, 455.61875.
(c) Up to two of the following 25 kHz segments may be stacked to form a channel which may be assigned for use by broadcast remote pickup stations using any emission contained within the resultant channel in accordance with the provisions of § 74.462. Users committed to 50 kHz bandwidths and transmitting program material will have primary use of these channels.
(1) UHF segments: 450.6375, 450.6625, 450.6875, 450.7125, 450.7375, 450.7625, 450.7875, 450.8125, 450.8375, 450.8625, 455.6375, 455.6625, 455.6875, 455.7125, 455.7375, 455.7625, 455.7875, 455.8125, 455.8375, 455.8625 MHz.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) Up to two of the following 50 kHz segments may be stacked to form a channel which may be assigned for use by broadcast remote pickup stations using any emission contained within the resultant channel in accordance with the provisions of § 74.462. Users committed to 100 kHz bandwidths and transmitting program material will have primary use of these channels.
(1) UHF segments: 450.900, 450.950, 455.900, and 455.950 MHz.
(2) [Reserved]
(e) Conditions on Broadcast Remote Pickup Service channel usage as referred to in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section:
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Operation is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to stations in the broadcast service.
(3) Operation is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to stations operating in accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations set forth in part 2 of this chapter. Applications for licenses to use frequencies in this band must include statements showing what procedures will be taken to ensure that interference will not be caused to stations in the Industrial/Business Pool (Part 90).
(4) These frequencies will not be licensed to network entities.
(5) These frequencies will not be authorized to new stations for use on board aircraft.
(6) These frequencies are allocated for assignment to broadcast remote pickup stations in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands only.
These frequencies are shared with Public Safety and Industrial/Business Pools (Part 90).
(7) These frequencies may not be used by broadcast remote pickup stations in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands. In other areas, certain existing stations in the Public Safety and Industrial/Business Pools (Part 90) have been permitted to continue operation on these frequencies on the condition that no harmful interference is caused to broadcast remote pickup stations.
(8) Operation on frequencies 166.25 MHz and 170.15 MHz is subject to the condition that harmful interference shall not be caused to present or future Government stations in the band 162-174 MHz and is also subject to the bandwidth and tolerance limitations and compliance deadlines listed in § 74.462 of this part. Authorization on these frequencies shall be in the lower 48 contiguous States only, except within the area bounded on the west by the Mississippi River, on the north by the parallel of latitude 37°30′ N., and on the east and south by that arc of the circle with center at Springfield, Illinois, and radius equal to the airline distance between Springfield, Illinois, and Montgomery, Alabama, subtended between the foregoing west and north boundaries, or within 150 miles (241.4 km) of New York City.
(9) The use of these frequencies is limited to operational communications, including tones for signaling and for remote control and automatic transmission system control and telemetry. Stations licensed or applied for before April 16, 2003, must comply with the channel plan by March 17, 2006, or may continue to operate on a secondary, non-interference basis.
(10) Stations licensed or applied for before April 16, 2003, must comply with the channel plan by March 17, 2006, or may continue to operate on a secondary, non-interference basis.
(f) License applicants shall request assignment of only those channels, both in number and bandwidth, necessary for satisfactory operation and for which the system is equipped to operate. However, it is not necessary that each transmitter within a system be equipped to operate on all frequencies authorized to that licensee.
(g) Remote pickup stations or systems will not be granted exclusive channel assignments. The same channel or channels may be assigned to other licensees in the same area. When such sharing is necessary, the provisions of § 74.403 shall apply.
§ 74.403   Frequency selection to avoid interference.
(a) Where two or more remote pickup broadcast station licensees are authorized to operate on the same frequency or group of frequencies in the same area and when simultaneous operation is contemplated, the licensees shall endeavor to select frequencies or schedule operation in such manner as to avoid mutual interference. If mutual agreement to this effect cannot be reached the Commission shall be notified and it will specify the frequency or frequencies on which each station is to be operated.
(b) The following order of priority of transmissions shall be observed on all frequencies except frequencies 26.07 MHz, 26.11 MHz, and 26.45 MHz, and frequencies listed in § 74.402(a)(4) and (c)(1):
(1) Communications during an emergency or pending emergency directly related to the safety of life and property.
(2) Program material to be broadcast.
(3) Cues, orders, and other related communications immediately necessary to the accomplishment of a broadcast.
(4) Operational communications.
(5) Tests or drills to check the performance of stand-by or emergency circuits.
§ 74.431   Special rules applicable to remote pickup stations.
(a) Remote pickup mobile stations may be used for the transmission of material from the scene of events which occur outside the studio back to studio or production center. The transmitted material shall be intended for the licensee's own use and may be made available for use by any other broadcast station or cable system.
(b) Remote pickup mobile or base stations may be used for communications related to production and technical support of the remote program. This includes cues, orders, dispatch instructions, frequency coordination, establishing microwave links, and operational communications. Operational communications are alerting tones and special signals of short duration used for telemetry or control.
(c) Remote pickup mobile or base stations may communicate with any other station licensed under this subpart.
(d) Remote pickup mobile stations may be operated as a vehicular repeater to relay program material and communications between stations licensed under this subpart. Precautions shall be taken to avoid interference to other stations and the vehicular repeater shall only be activated by hand-carried or pack-carried units.
(e) The output of hand-carried or pack-carried transmitter units used with a vehicular repeater is limited to 2.5 watts. The output of a vehicular repeater transmitter used as a talkback unit on an additional frequency is limited to 2.5 watts.
(f) Remote pickup base and mobile stations in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands may be used for any purpose related to the programming or technical operation of a broadcasting station, except for transmission intended for direct reception by the general public.
(g) [Reserved]
(h) In the event that normal aural studio to transmitter circuits are damaged, stations licensed under Subpart D may be used to provide temporary circuits for a period not exceeding 30 days without further authority from the Commission necessary to continue broadcasting.
(i) Remote pickup mobile or base stations may be used for activities associated with the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and similar emergency survival communications systems. Drills and test are also permitted on these stations, but the priority requirements of § 74.403(b) must be observed in such cases.
§ 74.432   Licensing requirements and procedures.
(a) A license for a remote pickup station will be issued to: the licensee of an AM, FM, noncommercial FM, low power FM, TV, Class A TV, international broadcast or low power TV station; broadcast network-entity; or cable network-entity.
(b) Base stations may operate as automatic relay stations on the frequencies listed in § 74.402(b)(4) and (c)(1) under the provisions of § 74.436, however, one licensee may not operate such stations on more than two frequency pairs in a single area.
(c) Base stations may use voice communications between the studio and transmitter or points of any intercity relay system on frequencies in Groups I and J.
(d) Base stations may be authorized to establish standby circuits from places where official broadcasts may be made during times of emergency and circuits to interconnect an emergency survival communications system.
(e) In Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, base stations may provide program circuits between the studio and transmitter or to relay programs between broadcasting stations. A base station may be operated unattended in accordance with the following:
(1) The station must be designed, installed, and protected so that the transmitter can only be activated or controlled by persons authorized by the licensee.
(2) The station must be equipped with circuits to prevent transmitter operation when no signal is received from the station which it is relaying.
(f) Remote pickup stations may use only those frequencies and bandwidths which are necessary for operation.
(g) An application for a remote pickup broadcast station or system shall specify the broadcasting station with which the remote pickup broadcast facility is to be principally used and the licensed area of operation for a system which includes mobile stations shall be the area considered to be served by the associated broadcasting station. Mobile stations may be operated outside the licensed area of operation pursuant to § 74.24 of this part. Where the applicant for remote pickup broadcast facilities is the licensee of more than one class of broadcasting station (AM, FM, TV), all licensed to the same community, designation of one such station as the associated broadcasting station will not preclude use of the remote pickup broadcast facilities with those broadcasting stations not included in the designation and such additional use shall be at the discretion of the licensee.
(h) In cases where a series of broadcasts are to be made from the same location, portable or mobile transmitters may be left at such location for the duration of the series of broadcasts: Provided, The transmitting apparatus is properly secured so that it may not be operated by unauthorized persons when unattended. Prior Commission authority shall be obtained for the installation of any transmitting antenna which requires notification to the FAA, pursuant to § 17.7 of the Commission's rules and regulations, and which will be in existence for more than 2 days.
(i) The location of each remote pickup broadcast base station will be specified in the station or system license and such stations may not be operated at any other location without prior authority of the Commission.
(j) The license shall be retained in the licensee's files at the address shown on the authorization.
(k) In case of permanent discontinuance of operations of a station licensed under this subpart, the licensee shall cancel the station license using FCC Form 601. For purposes of this section, a station which is not operated for a period of one year is considered to have been permanently discontinued.
§ 74.433   Temporary authorizations.
(a) Special temporary authority may be granted for remote pickup station operation which cannot be conducted in accordance with § 74.24. Such authority will normally be granted only for operations of a temporary nature. Where operation is seen as likely on a continuing annual basis, an application for a regular authorization should be submitted.
(b) A request for special temporary authority for the operation of a remote pickup broadcast station must be made in accordance with the procedures of § 1.931(b) of this chapter.
(c) All requests for special temporary authority of a remote pickup broadcast station must include full particulars including: licensee's name and address, facility identification number of the associated broadcast station or stations, call letters of remote pickup station (if assigned), type and manufacturer of equipment, power output, emission, frequency or frequencies proposed to be used, commencement and termination date, location of operation and purpose for which request is made including any particular justification.
(d) A request for special temporary authority shall specify a frequency or frequencies consistent with the provisions of § 74.402: Provided, That, in the case of events of wide-spread interest and importance which cannot be transmitted successfully on these frequencies, frequencies assigned to other services may be requested upon a showing that operation thereon will not cause interference to established stations: And provided further, In no case will operation of a remote pickup broadcast station be authorized on frequencies employed for the safety of life and property.
(e) The user shall have full control over the transmitting equipment during the period it is operated.
(f) Special temporary authority to permit operation of remote pickup broadcast stations or systems pending Commission action on an application for regular authority will not normally be granted.
§ 74.434   Remote control operation.
(a) A remote control system must provide adequate monitoring and control functions to permit proper operation of the station.
(b) A remote control system must be designed, installed, and protected so that the transmitter can only be activated or controlled by persons authorized by the licensee.
(c) A remote control system must prevent inadvertent transmitter operation caused by malfunctions in the circuits between the control point and transmitter.
§ 74.436   Special requirements for automatic relay stations.
(a) An automatic relay station must be designed, installed, and protected so that the transmitter can only be activated or controlled by persons authorized by the licensee.
(b) An automatic relay station may accomplish retransmission of the incoming signals by either heterodyne frequency conversion or by modulating the transmitter with the demodulated incoming signals.
(c) An automatic relay station transmitter may relay the demodulated incoming signals from one or more receivers.
§ 74.451   Certification of equipment.
(a) Applications for new remote pickup broadcast stations or systems or for changing transmitting equipment of an existing station will not be accepted unless the transmitters to be used have been certificated by the FCC pursuant to the provisions of this subpart, or have been certificated for licensing under part 90 of this chapter and do not exceed the output power limits specified in § 74.461(b).
(b) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be used in this service may apply for certification for such transmitter following the certification procedure set forth in part 2 of the Commission's rules and regulations. Attention is also directed to part 1 of the Commission's rules and regulations which specifies the fees required when filing an application for certification.
(c) An applicant for a remote pickup broadcast station or system may also apply for certification for an individual transmitter by following the certification procedure set forth in part 2 of the Commission's rules and regulations.
(d) All transmitters marketed for use under this subpart shall be certificated by the Federal Communications Commission. (Refer to subpart J of part 2 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations.)
(e) Remote pickup broadcast station equipment authorized to be used pursuant to an application accepted for filing prior to December 1, 1977, may continue to be used by the licensee or its successors or assignees: Provided, however, If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference due to its failure to comply with the technical standards set forth in this subpart, the Commission may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference.
(f) Each instrument of authority which permits operation of a remote pickup broadcast station or system using equipment which has not been certificated will specify the particular transmitting equipment which the licensee is authorized to use.
§ 74.452   Equipment changes.
(a) Modifications may be made to an existing authorization in accordance with §§ 1.929 and 1.947 of this chapter.
(b) All transmitters initially installed after November 30, 1977, must be certificated for use in this service or other service as specified in § 74.451(a).
§ 74.461   Transmitter power.
(a) Transmitter power is the power at the transmitter output terminals and delivered to the antenna, antenna transmission line, or any other impedance-matched, radio frequency load. For the purpose of this Subpart, the transmitter power is the carrier power.
(b) The authorized transmitter power for a remote pickup broadcast station shall be limited to that necessary for satisfactory service and, in any event, shall not be greater than 100 watts, except that a station to be operated aboard an aircraft shall normally be limited to a maximum authorized power of 15 watts. Specific authorization to operate stations on board aircraft with an output power exceeding 15 watts will be issued only upon an adequate engineering showing of need, and of the procedures that will be taken to avoid harmful interference to other licensees.
§ 74.462   Authorized bandwidth and emissions.
(a) Each authorization for a new remote pickup broadcast station or system shall require the use of certificated equipment and such equipment shall be operated in accordance with emission specifications included in the grant of certification and as prescribed in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.
(b) The maximum authorized bandwidth of emissions corresponding to the types of emissions specified below, and the maximum authorized frequency deviation in the case of frequency or phase modulated emission, shall be as follows:
1 Applies where F1A, F1B, F1D, F1E, F2A, F2B, F2D, F2E, F3E, or F9E emissions are used.
2 Stations operating above 450 MHz shall show a need for employing A1A, A1B, A1D, A1E, A2A, A2B, A2D, A2E, F1A, F1B, F1D, F1E, F2A, F2B, F2D, or F2E emission.
3 New or modified licenses for use of the frequencies will not be granted to utilize transmitters on board aircraft, or to use a bandwidth in excess of 30 kHz and maximum deviation exceeding 5 kHz
4 For stations licensed or applied for before April 16, 2003, the sum of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on frequencies 166.25 MHz or 170.15 MHz shall not exceed 25 kHz, and such operation may continue until January 1, 2005. For new stations licensed or applied for on or after April 16, 2003, the sum of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on these frequencies shall not exceed 12.5 kHz. For all remote pickup broadcast stations, the sum of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on these frequencies shall not exceed 12.5 kHz on or after January 1, 2005.
(c) For emissions on frequencies above 25 MHz with authorized bandwidths up to 30 kHz, the emissions shall comply with the emission mask and transient frequency behavior requirements of §§ 90.210 and 90.214 of this chapter. For all other emissions, the mean power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean output power of the transmitter in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) On any frequency removed from the assignment frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 25 dB:
(2) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 35 dB;
(3) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent on the authorized bandwidth; at least 43 plus 10 log 10 (mean output power, in watts) dB.
(d) In the event a station's emissions outside its authorized channel cause harmful interference, the Commission may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such further steps as may be necessary to eliminate the interference.
The measurements of emission power can be expressed in peak or mean values provided they are expressed in the same parameters as the unmodulated transmitter carrier power.
§ 74.463   Modulation requirements.
(a) Each new remote pickup broadcast station authorized to operate with a power output in excess of 3 watts shall be equipped with a device which will automatically prevent modulation in excess of the limits set forth in this subpart.
(b) If amplitude modulation is employed, modulation shall not exceed 100 percent on negative peaks.
(c) If frequency modulation is employed, emission shall conform to the requirements specified in § 74.462.
§ 74.464   Frequency tolerance.
For operations on frequencies above 25 MHz using authorized bandwidths up to 30 kHz, the licensee of a remote pickup broadcast station or system shall maintain the operating frequency of each station in compliance with the frequency tolerance requirements of § 90.213 of this chapter. For all other operations, the licensee of a remote pickup broadcast station or system shall maintain the operating frequency of each station in accordance with the following:
§ 74.465   Frequency monitors and measurements.
The licensee of a remote pickup station or system shall provide the necessary means to assure that all operating frequencies are maintained within the allowed tolerances.
§ 74.482   Station identification.
(a) Each remote pickup broadcast station shall be identified by the transmission of the assigned station or system call sign, or by the call sign of the associated broadcast station. For systems, the licensee (including those operating pursuant to § 74.24 of this part) shall assign a unit designator to each station in the system. The call sign (and unit designator, where appropriate) shall be transmitted at the beginning and end of each period of operation. A period of operation may consist of a single continuous transmission, or a series of intermittent transmissions pertaining to a single event.
(b) In cases where a period of operation is of more than one hour duration identification of remote pickup broadcast stations participating in the operation shall be made at approximately one-hour intervals. Identification transmissions during operation need not be made when to make such transmissions would interrupt a single consecutive speech, play, religious service, symphony, concert, or any type of production. In such cases, the identification transmissions shall be made at the first interruption in the program continuity and at the conclusion thereof. Hourly identification may be accomplished either by transmission of the station or system call sign and unit designator assigned to the individual station or identification of an associated broadcasting station or network with which the remote pickup broadcast station is being used.
(c) In cases where an automatic relay station is a part of the circuit, the call sign of the relay transmitter may be transmitted automatically by the relay transmitter or by the remote pickup broadcast base or mobile station that actuates the automatic relay station.
(d) Automatically activated equipment may be used to transmit station identification in International Morse Code, provided that the modulation tone is 1200 Hz±800 Hz, the level of modulation of the identification signal is maintained at 40%±10%, and that the code transmission rate is maintained between 20 and 25 words per minute.
(e) For stations using F1E or G1E emissions, identification shall be transmitted in the unscrambled analog (F3E) mode or in International Morse Code pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (d) of this section at intervals not to exceed 15 minutes. For purposes of rule enforcement, all licensees using F1E or G1E emissions shall provide, upon request by the Commission, a full and complete description of the encoding methodology they currently use.
Stations are encouraged to identify using their associated part 73 station call sign.
§ 74.501   Classes of aural broadcast auxiliary stations.
(a) Aural broadcast STL station. A fixed station for the transmission of aural program material between the studio and the transmitter of a broadcasting station other than an international broadcasting station.
(b) Aural broadcast intercity relay (ICR) station. A fixed station for the transmission of aural program material between radio broadcast stations, other than international broadcast stations, between FM radio broadcast stations and their co-owned FM booster stations, between noncommercial educational FM radio stations and their co-owned noncommercial educational FM translator stations assigned to reserved channels (Channels 201 to 220), between FM radio stations and FM translator stations operating within the coverage contour of their primary stations, or for such other purposes as authorized in § 74.531.
(c) Aural broadcast microwave booster station. A fixed station in the broadcast auxiliary service that receives and amplifies signals of an aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station and retransmits them on the same frequency.
§ 74.502   Frequency assignment.
(a) Except as provided in NG30, broadcast auxiliary stations licensed as of November 21, 1984, to operate in the band 942-944 MHz 1 may continue to operate on a co-equal, primary basis to other stations and services operating in the band in accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations. These stations will be protected from possible interference caused by new users of the band by the technical standards specified in § 101.105(c)(2).
1 Note: In addition to this band, stations in Puerto Rico may continue to be authorized on 942.5, 943.0, 943.5, 944.0 MHz in the band 942-944 MHz on a primary basis to stations and services operating in accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations.
(b) The frequency band 944-952 MHz is available for assignment to aural STL and ICR stations. One or more of the following 25 kHz segments may be stacked to form a channel which may be assigned with a maximum authorized bandwidth of 300 kHz except as noted in the following Table. The channel, will be assigned by its center frequency, channel bandwidth, and emission designator. The following frequencies are the centers of individual segments. When stacking an even number of segments, the center frequency specified will deviate from the following frequencies in that it should correspond to the actual center of stacked channels. When stacking an odd number of channels, the center frequency specified will correspond to one of the following frequencies.
(1) A single broadcast station may be authorized up to a maximum of twenty segments (500 kHz total bandwidth) for transmission of program material between a single origin and one or more designations. The station may lease excess capacity for broadcast and other uses on a secondary basis, subject to availability of spectrum for broadcast use. However, an FM station licensed for twelve or fewer segments (300 kHz total bandwidth) or an AM station licensed for eight or fewer segments (200 kHz total bandwidth) may lease excess capacity for broadcast and other uses on a primary basis.
(2) An applicant (new or modification of existing license) may assume the cost of replacement of one or more existing licensees equipment with narrowband equipment of comparable capabilities and quality in order to make available spectrum for its facilities. Existing licensees must accept such replacement without cost to them except upon a showing that the replacement equipment does not meet the capability or quality requirements.
(c) Aural broadcast STL and intercity relay stations that were licensed or had applications pending before the Commission as of September 18, 1998 may continue those operations in the band 18,760-18,820 and 19,100-19,160 MHz on a shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, and 101 of this chapter until June 8, 2010. Prior to June 8, 2010, such stations are subject to relocation by licensees in the fixed-satellite service. Such relocation is subject to the provisions of §§ 101.85 through 101.97 of this chapter. After June 8, 2010, such operations are not entitled to protection from fixed-satellite service operations and must not cause unacceptable interference to fixed-satellite service station operations. No applications for new licenses will be accepted in these bands after June 8, 2000.
(1)(i) 5 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:
(ii) Licensees may use either a two-way link or one frequency of a frequency pair for a one-way link.
(2) [Reserved]
(d) For the coordination of all frequency assignments for fixed stations above 944 MHz, for each frequency authorized under this part, the interference protection criteria in § 101.105(a), (b), and (c) of this chapter and the frequency usage coordination procedures of § 101.103(d) of this chapter will apply.
(e) The use of the frequencies listed in paragraph (b) of this section by aural broadcast intercity relay stations is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to other classes of stations operating in accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations contained in § 2.106 of this chapter.
§ 74.503   Frequency selection.
(a) Each application for a new station or change in an existing station shall be specific with regard to frequency. In general, the lowest suitable frequency will be assigned which, on an engineering basis, will not cause harmful interference to other stations operating in accordance with existing frequency allocations.
(b) Where it appears that interference may result from the operation of a new station or a change in the facilities of an existing station, the Commission may require a showing that harmful interference will not be caused to existing stations or that if interference will be caused the need for the proposed service outweighs the loss of service due to the interference.
§ 74.531   Permissible service.
(a) An aural broadcast STL station is authorized to transmit aural program material between the studio and transmitter location of a broadcasting station, except an international broadcasting station, for simultaneous or delayed broadcast.
(b) An aural broadcast intercity relay station is authorized to transmit aural program material between broadcasting stations, except international broadcasting stations, for simultaneous or delayed broadcast.
(c) An aural broadcast intercity relay station is authorized to transmit aural program material between noncommercial educational FM radio stations and their co-owned noncommercial educational FM translator stations assigned to reserved channels (Channels 201 to 220) and between FM radio stations and FM translator stations operating within the coverage contour of their primary stations. This use shall not interfere with or otherwise preclude use of these broadcast auxiliary facilities by broadcast auxiliary stations transmitting aural programming between broadcast stations as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) An aural broadcast STL or intercity relay may be used to transmit material between an FM broadcast radio station and an FM booster station owned, operated, and controlled by the licensee of the originating FM radio station. This use shall not interfere with or otherwise preclude use of these broadcast auxiliary facilities by broadcast auxiliary stations transmitting aural programming between the studio and transmitter location of a broadcast station or between broadcast stations as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
(e) An aural broadcast microwave booster station is authorized to retransmit the signals of an aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station.
(f) Multiplexing of the STL or intercity relay transmitter may be employed to provide additional communication channels for the transmission of aural program material, news-wire teleprinter signals relaying news to be associated with main channel programming, operational communications, and material authorized to be transmitted over an FM station under a valid Subsidiary Communications Authorization (SCA). An aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station may not be operated solely for the transmission of operational, teleprinter or subsidiary communications. Operational communications include cues, orders, and other communications directly related to the operation of the broadcast station as well as special signals used for telemetry or the control of apparatus used in conjunction with the broadcasting operations.
(g) All program material, including subsidiary communications, transmitted over an aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station shall be intended for use by broadcast stations owned or under common control of the licensee or licensees of the STL or intercity relay station. Other broadcast stations may simultaneously utilize such program material with permission of the STL or intercity relay station licensee.
(h) In any case where multiplexing, is employed on an aural broadcast STL station for the simultaneous transmission of more than one aural channel, the STL transmitter must be capable of transmitting the multiple channels within the channel on which the STL station is authorized to operate and with adequate technical quality so that each broadcast station utilizing the circuit can meet the technical performance standards stipulated in the rules governing that class of broadcasting station. If multiplex operation is employed during the regular operation of the STL station, the additional circuits shall be in operation at the time that the required periodic performance measurements are made of the overall broadcasting system from the studio microphone input circuit to the broadcast transmitter output circuit.
§ 74.532   Licensing requirements.
(a) An aural broadcast STL or an aural broadcast intercity relay station will be licensed only to the licensee or licensees of broadcast stations, including low power FM stations, other than international broadcast stations, and for use with broadcast stations owned entirely by or under common control of the licensee or licensees. An aural broadcast intercity relay station also will be licensed for use by low power FM stations, noncommercial educational FM translator stations assigned to reserved channels (Channels 201-220) and owned and operated by their primary station, by FM translator stations operating within the coverage contour of their primary stations, and by FM booster stations. Aural auxiliary stations licensed to low power FM stations will be assigned on a secondary basis; i.e., subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to other aural auxiliary stations assigned to radio broadcast stations. Auxiliary stations licensed to low power FM stations must accept any interference caused by stations having primary use of aural auxiliary frequencies.
(b) More than one aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station may be licensed to a single licensee upon a satisfactory showing that the additional stations are needed to provide different program circuits to more than one broadcast station, to provide program circuits from other studios, or to provide one or more intermediate relay stations over a path which cannot be covered with a single station due to terrain or distance.
(c) If more than one broadcast station or class of broadcast station is to be served by a single aural broadcast auxiliary station, this information must be stated in the application for construction permit or license.
(d) Licensees of aural broadcast STL and intercity relay stations may be authorized to operate one or more aural broadcast microwave booster stations for the purpose of relaying signals over a path that cannot be covered with a single station.
(e) Each aural broadcast auxiliary station will be licensed at a specified transmitter location to communicate with a specified receiving location, and the direction of the main radiation lobe of the transmitting antenna will be a term of the station authorization.
(f) In case of permanent discontinuance of operations of a station licensed under this subpart, the licensee shall cancel the station license using FCC Form 601. For purposes of this section, a station which is not operated for a period of one year is considered to have been permanently discontinued.
§ 74.533   Remote control and unattended operation.
(a) Aural broadcast STL and intercity relay stations may be operated by remote control provided that such operation is conducted in accordance with the conditions listed below:
(1) The remote control system must provide adequate monitoring and control functions to permit proper operation of the station.
(2) The remote control system must be designed, installed, and protected so that the transmitter can only be activated or controlled by persons authorized by the licensee.
(3) The remote control system must prevent inadvertent transmitter operation due to malfunctions in circuits between the control point and transmitter.
(b) Aural broadcast auxiliary stations may be operated unattended subject to the following provisions:
(1) The transmitter shall be provided with adequate safeguards to prevent improper operation of the equipment.
(2) The transmitter installation shall be adequately protected against tampering by unauthorized persons.
(3) Whenever an unattended aural broadcast auxiliary station is used, appropriate observations must be made at the receiving end of the circuit as often as necessary to ensure proper station operation. However, an aural broadcast STL (and any aural broadcast microwave booster station) associated with a radio or TV broadcast station operated by remote control may be observed by monitoring the broadcast station's transmitted signal at the remote control or ATS monitoring point.
(c) The FCC may notify the licensee to cease or modify operation in the case of frequency usage disputes, interference or similar situations where such action appears to be in the public interest, convenience and necessity.
§ 74.534   Power limitations.
(a) Transmitter output power. (1) Transmitter output power shall be limited to that necessary to accomplish the function of the system.
(2) In the 17,700 to 19,700 MHz band, transmitter output power shall not exceed 10 watts.
(b) In no event shall the average equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP), as referenced to an isotropic radiator, exceed the values specified in the following table. In cases of harmful interference, the Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, order a change in the equivalent isotropically radiated power of this station.
1 Stations licensed based on an application filed before April 16, 2003, for EIRP values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal.
(c) The EIRP of transmitters that use Automatic Transmitter Power Control (ATPC) shall not exceed the EIRP specified on the station authorization. The EIRP of non-ATPC transmitters shall be maintained as near as practicable to the EIRP specified on the station authorization.
§ 74.535   Emission and bandwidth.
(a) The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean transmitter power (P MEAN ) in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) When using frequency modulation:
(i) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 50% up to and including 100% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 25 dB in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth (B REF );
(ii) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 100% up to and including 250% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 35 dB in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth;
(iii) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 250% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 log 10 (P MEAN in watts) dB, or 80 dB, whichever is the lesser attenuation, in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth.
(2) When using transmissions employing digital modulation techniques:
(i) For operating frequencies below 15 GHz, in any 4 kHz reference bandwidth (B REF ), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 50 decibels:
(ii) For operating frequencies above 15 GHz, in any 1 MHz reference bandwidth (B REF ), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 11 decibels:
(iii) In any 4 kHz reference bandwidth (B REF ), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 Log 10 (P MEAN in watts) decibels, or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.
(b) For all emissions not covered in paragraph (a) of this section, the peak power of emissions shall be attenuated below the peak envelope transmitter power (P PEAK ) in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) On any frequency 500 Hz inside the channel edge up to and including 2500 Hz outside the same edge, the following formula will apply:
(2) On any frequency removed from the channel edge by more than 2500 Hz: At least 43 + 10 Log 10 (P PEAK in watts) dB.
(c) In the event a station's emissions outside its authorized channel cause harmful interference, the Commission may require the licensee to take such further steps as may be necessary to eliminate the interference.
(d) For purposes of compliance with the emission limitation requirements of this section:
(1) If the transmitter modulates a single carrier, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when digital modulation occupies 50 percent or more of the total peak frequency deviation of a transmitted radio frequency carrier. The total peak frequency deviation will be determined by adding the deviation produced by the digital modulation signal and the deviation produced by any frequency division multiplex (FDM) modulation used. The deviation (D) produced by the FDM signal must be determined in accordance with § 2.202(f) of this chapter.
(2) If the transmitter modulates two or more carriers, with at least one using digital modulation and one using frequency or other analog modulation, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when the necessary bandwidth of the digital signal(s) is 50 percent or more of the aggregate bandwidth of the system, comprising the digital necessary bandwidth(s), the analog necessary bandwidth(s), and any bandwidth(s) between the digital and analog necessary bandwidths. In this case, the aggregate bandwidth shall be used for the authorized bandwidth (B) in paragraph (a) of this section, and for purposes of compliance with the bandwidth limitations in § 74.502 of this subpart; and the sum of the powers of the analog and digital signals shall be used for mean transmitter power (P MEAN ) in paragraph (a) or the peak envelope transmitter power (P PEAK ) in paragraph (b) of this section, and for purposes of compliance with the power limitations in § 74.534 of this subpart.
(3) For demonstrating compliance with the attenuation requirements for frequency modulation and digital modulation in paragraph (a) of this section, the resolution bandwidth (B RES ) of the measuring equipment used for measurements removed from the center frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth shall be 100 kHz for operating frequencies below 1 GHz, and 1 MHz for operating frequencies above 1 GHz. The resolution bandwidth for frequencies removed from the center frequency by less than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth shall be the reference bandwidth (B REF ) specified in the individual emission limitations, but may be reduced to not less than one percent of the authorized bandwidth (B), adjusted upward to the nearest greater resolution bandwidth available on the measuring equipment. In all cases, if B RES and B REF are not equal, then the attenuation requirement must be increased (or decreased) as determined by a factor of 10 log 10 [(B REF in megahertz)/(B RES in megahertz)] decibels, where a positive factor indicates an increase in the attenuation requirement and a negative factor indicates a decrease in the attenuation requirement.
(4) Stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005, using equipment not conforming with the emission limitations specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal. existing equipment and equipment of product lines in production before April 16, 2003, authorized via certification or Declaration of Conformity before March 17, 2005, for equipment not conforming to the emission limitations requirements specified above, may continue to be manufactured and/or marketed, but may not be authorized for use under a station license except at stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005. Any non-conforming equipment authorized under a station license, and replaced on or after March 17, 2005, must be replaced by conforming equipment.
the Declaration of Conformity procedure has been replaced by the Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedure. See § 2.950 of this chapter.
(e) The following limitations apply to the operation of aural broadcast microwave booster stations:
(1) The booster station must receive and amplify the signals of the originating station and retransmit them on the same frequency without significantly altering them in any way. The characteristics of the booster transmitter output signal shall meet the requirements applicable to the signal of the originating station.
(2) The licensee is responsible for correcting any condition of interference that results from the radiation of radio frequency energy outside the assigned channel. Upon notice by the FCC to the station licensee that interference is being caused, operation of the apparatus must be immediately suspended and may not be resumed until the interference has been eliminated or it can be demonstrated that the interference is not due to spurious emissions. However, short term test transmissions may be made during the period of suspended operation to determine the efficacy of remedial measures.
(3) In each instance where suspension of operation is required, the licensee must submit a full report to the FCC after operation is resumed. The report must contain details of the nature of the interference, the source of interfering signals, and the remedial steps taken to eliminate the interference.
§ 74.536   Directional antenna required.
(a) Aural broadcast STL and ICR stations are required to use a directional antenna with the minimum beamwidth necessary, consistent with good engineering practice, to establish the link.
(b) An aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station operating in the 17.7-19.7 GHz band shall employ an antenna that meets the performance standards for Category A, except that in areas not subject to frequency congestion, antennas meeting standards for Category B may be employed. However, the Commission may require the replacement, at the licensee's expense, of any antenna or periscope antenna system of a permanent fixed station that does not meet performance Standard A, which is specified in the table in paragraph (c) of this section, upon a showing that said antenna causes or is likely to cause interference to (or receive interference from) any other authorized or proposed station; provided that an antenna meeting performance Standard A is unlikely to involve such interference.
(c) Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown in this paragraph in the following manner:
(1) With either the maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points requirement or with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and
(2) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.
Antenna Standards
1 If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the elevation planes.
§ 74.537   Temporary authorizations.
(a) Special temporary authority may be granted for aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station operation which cannot be conducted in accordance with § 74.24. Such authority will normally be granted only for operations of a temporary nature. Where operation is seen as likely on a continuing annual basis, an application for a regular authorization should be submitted.
(b) A request for special temporary authority for the operation of an aural broadcast STL or an intercity relay station must be made in accordance with the procedures of § 1.931(b) of this chapter.
(c) All requests for special temporary authority of an aural broadcast auxiliary stations must include full particulars including: licensee's name and address, facility identification number of the associated broadcast station(s), call letters of the aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station, if assigned, type and manufacturer of equipment, effective isotropic radiated power, emission, frequency or frequencies proposed for use, commencement and termination date and location of the proposed operation, and purpose for which request is made including any particular justification.
(d) A request for special temporary authorization shall specify a frequency or frequencies consistent with the provisions of § 74.502. However, in the case of events of widespread interest and importance which cannot be transmitted successfully on these frequencies, frequencies assigned to other services may be requested upon a showing that operation thereon will not cause interference to established stations. In no case will operation of an aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station be authorized on frequencies employed for the safety of life or property.
(e) When the transmitting equipment utilized is not licensed to the user, the user shall nevertheless have full control over the use of the equipment during the period it is operated.
(f) Special temporary authorization to permit operation of aural broadcast STL or intercity relay stations or systems pending FCC action on an application for regular authority will normally not be granted.
§ 74.550   Equipment authorization.
Each authorization for aural broadcast STL, ICR, and booster stations shall require the use of equipment which has received a grant of certification or authorized under a Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment which has not been approved under the equipment authorization program and which was in service prior to July 1, 1993, may be retained solely for temporary uses necessary to restore or maintain regular service provided by approved equipment, because the main or primary unit has failed or requires servicing. Such temporary uses may not interfere with or impede the establishment of other aural broadcast auxiliary links and may not occur during more than 720 cumulative hours per year. Should interference occur, the licensee must take all steps necessary to eliminate it, up to and including cessation of operation of the auxiliary transmitter. All unapproved equipment retained for temporary use must have been in the possession of the licensee prior to July 1, 1993, and may not be obtained from other sources. Equipment designed exclusively for fixed operation shall be authorized under Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedure. The equipment authorization procedures are contained in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.
The Declaration of Conformity procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment previously authorized under subpart J of part 2 of this chapter may remain in use. See § 2.950 to this chapter.
Consistent with the note to § 74.502(a), grandfathered equipment in the 942-944 MHz band and STL/ICR users of these frequencies in Puerto Rico are also required to come into compliance by July 1, 1993. The backup provisions described above apply to these stations also.
§ 74.551   Equipment changes.
(a) Modifications may be made to an existing authorization in accordance with §§ 1.929 and 1.947 of this chapter.
(b) Permissible changes in equipment operating in the bands 18.3-18.58, 18.76-18.82 GHz and 19.1-19.16 GHz. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, licensees of stations that remain co-primary under the provisions of § 74.502(c) may not make modifications to their systems that increase interference to satellite earth stations, or result in a facility that would be more costly to relocate.
§ 74.561   Frequency tolerance.
In the bands above 944 MHz, the operating frequency of the transmitter shall be maintained in accordance with the following table:
§ 74.562   Frequency monitors and measurements.
The licensee shall ensure that the STL, ICR, TVP, or booster transmitter does not exceed the emission limitations of § 74.535. This may be accomplished by appropriate frequency measurement techniques and consideration of the transmitter emissions.
§ 74.582   Station identification.
(a) Each aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station, when transmitting program material or information shall transmit station identification at the beginning and end of each period of operation, and hourly, as close to the hour as feasible, at a natural break in program offerings by one of the following means:
(1) Transmission of its own call sign by aural means or by automatic transmission of international Morse telegraphy.
(2) Aural transmission of the call sign of the radio broadcast station with which it is licensed as an STL or intercity relay station.
(3) Aural transmission of the call sign of the radio broadcast station whose signals are being relayed, or, when programs are obtained directly from network lines and relayed, the network identification.
(b) Station identification transmissions during operation need not be made when to make such transmission would interrupt a single consecutive speech, play, religious service, symphony concert, or other such productions. In such cases, the identification transmission shall be made at the first interruption of the entertainment continuity and at the conclusion thereof.
(c) Where more than one aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station is employed in an integrated relay system, the station at the point of origination may originate the transmission of the call signs of all of the stations in the relay system.
(d) Aural broadcast microwave booster stations will be assigned individual call signs. However, station identification will be accomplished by the retransmission of identification as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.
(e) Voice transmissions shall normally be employed for station identification. However, other methods of station identification may be permitted or required by the Commission.
§ 74.600   Eligibility for license.
A license for a station in this subpart will be issued only to a television broadcast station, a Class A TV station, a television broadcast network-entity, a low power TV station, or a TV translator station.
§ 74.601   Classes of TV broadcast auxiliary stations.
(a) TV pickup stations. A land mobile station used for the transmission of TV program material and related communications from scenes of events occurring at points removed from TV station studios to a TV broadcast, Class A TV or low power TV station or other purposes as authorized in § 74.631.
(b) TV STL station (studio-transmitter link). A fixed station used for the transmission of TV program material and related communications from the studio to the transmitter of a TV broadcast, Class A TV or low power TV station or other purposes as authorized in § 74.631.
(c) TV relay station. A fixed station used for transmission of TV program material and related communications for use by TV broadcast, Class A TV and low power TV stations or other purposes as authorized in § 74.631.
(d) TV translator relay station. A fixed station used for relaying programs and signals of TV broadcast or Class A TV stations to Class A TV, LPTV, TV translator, and to other communications facilities that the Commission may authorize or for other purposes as permitted by § 74.631.
(e) TV broadcast licensee. Licensees and permittees of TV broadcast, Class A TV and low power TV stations, unless specifically otherwise indicated.
(f) TV microwave booster station. A fixed station in the TV broadcast auxiliary service that receives and amplifies signals of a TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay, or TV translator relay station and retransmits them on the same frequency.
§ 74.602   Frequency assignment.
(a) The following frequencies are available for assignment to television pickup, television STL, television relay and television translator relay stations. The band segments 17,700-18,580 and 19,260-19,700 MHz are available for broadcast auxiliary stations as described in paragraph (g) of this section. The band segment 6425-6525 MHz is available for broadcast auxiliary stations as described in paragraph (i) of this section. The bands 6875-7125 MHz and 12700-13200 MHz are co-equally shared with stations licensed pursuant to Parts 78 and 101 of the Commission's Rules. Broadcast network-entities may also use the 1990-2110, 6425-6525 and 6875-7125 MHz bands for mobile television pickup only.
1 For fixed stations using Band D Channels, applicants are encouraged to use alternate A and B channels such that adjacent R.F. carriers are spaced 12.5 MHz. As example, a fixed station, relaying several channels, would use A01, B01, A02, B02, A03, etc.
2 The band 13.15-13.20 GHz is reserved for television pickup and CARS pickup stations inside a 50 km radius of the 100 television markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter. Outside a 50 km radius of the 100 television markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter, television pickup stations, CARS stations and NGSO FSS gateway earth stations shall operate on a primary co-equal basis. The band 13.20-13.2125 GHz is reserved for television pickup stations on a primary basis and CARS pickup stations on a secondary basis inside a 50 km radius of the 100 television markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter. Outside a 50 km radius of the 100 markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter, television pickup stations and NGSO FSS gateway earth stations shall operate on a co-primary basis, CARS stations shall operate on a secondary basis. Fixed television auxiliary stations licensed pursuant to applications accepted for filing before September 1, 1979, may continue operation on channels in the 13.15-13.25 GHz band, subject to periodic license renewals. NGSO FSS gateway uplink transmissions in the 13.15-13.2125 GHz segment shall be limited to a maximum EIRP of 3.2 dBW towards 0 degrees on the radio horizon. These provisions shall not apply to GSO FSS operations in the 12.75-13.25 GHz band.
(1) Frequencies shown above between 2450 and 2500 MHz in Band A are allocated to accommodate the incidental radiations of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, and stations operating therein must accept any interference that may be caused by the operation of such equipment. Frequencies between 2450 and 2500 MHz are also shared with other communication services and exclusive channel assignments will not be made, nor is the channeling shown above necessarily that which will be employed by such other services.
(2) In the band 2483.5-2500 MHz, no applications for new stations or modification to existing stations to increase the number of transmitters will be accepted. Existing licensees as of July 25, 1985, and licensees whose initial applications were filed on or before July 25, 1985, are grandfathered and their operations are on a co-primary basis with the mobile-satellite and radiodetermination-satellite services, and in the segment 2495-2500 MHz, their operations are also on a co-primary basis with part 27 fixed and mobile except aeronautical mobile service operations.
(3)(i) After January 7, 2004, stations may adhere to the channel plan specified in paragraph (a) of this section, or the following channel plan in Band A:
(ii) Stations adhering to the channel plan specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section may also use the following 40 data return link (DRL) channels to facilitate their operations in the 2025.5-2109.5 MHz band:
(iii) Broadcast Auxiliary Service, Cable Television Remote Pickup Service, and Local Television Transmission Service licensees will be required to use the Band A channel plan in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section after completion of relocation by an Emerging Technologies licensee in accordance with § 74.690 or § 78.40. Licensees declining relocation may continue to use their existing channel plan but must discontinue use of the 1990-2025 MHz band when they indicate to an Emerging Technologies licensee, acting pursuant to § 74.690 or § 78.40 of this chapter, that they decline to be relocated.
(4) [Reserved]
(b) Subject to the conditions of paragraph (a) of this section, frequency assignments will normally be made as requested, provided that the frequency selection provisions of § 74.604 have been followed and that the frequency requested will cause no interference to existing users in the area. The Commission reserves the right to assign frequencies other than those requested if, in its opinion, such action is warranted.
(c) Fixed link stations will be authorized to operate on one channel only.
(d) Cable Television Relay Service stations may be assigned channels in Band D between 12,700 and 13,200 MHz subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to TV STL and TV relay stations authorized at the time of such grants. Similarly, new TV STL and TV relay stations must not cause harmful interference to cable television relay stations authorized at the time of such grants. The use of channels between 12,700 and 13,200 MHz by TV pickup stations is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to Cable Television Relay Service stations, TV STL and TV relay stations, except as provided for in § 74.602(a) Note 2. Band D channels are also shared with certain Private Operational Fixed Stations, see § 74.638.
(e) Communication common carriers in the Local Television Transmission Service (Part 101) may be assigned frequencies available to television broadcast station licensees and broadcast network entities for the purpose of providing service to television broadcast stations and broadcast network entities, respectively.
(f) TV auxiliary stations licensed to low power TV stations and translator relay stations will be assigned on a secondary basis, i.e., subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to other TV auxiliary stations assigned to TV broadcast stations, or to cable television relay service stations (CARS) operating between 12,700 and 13,200 MHz. Auxiliary stations licensed to low power TV stations and translator relay stations must accept any interference caused by stations having primary use of TV auxiliary frequencies.
(g) The following frequencies are available for assignment to television STL, television relay stations and television translator relay stations. Stations operating on frequencies in the sub-bands 18.3-18.58 GHz and 19.26-19.3 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before the Commission as of September 18, 1998 may continue those operations on a shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 78, and 101 of this chapter. Such stations, however, are subject to relocation by licensees in the fixed-satellite service. Such relocation is subject to the provisions of §§ 101.85 through 101.97 of this chapter. No new applications for new licenses will be accepted in the 19.26-19.3 GHz band after June 8, 2000, and no new applications for new licenses will be accepted in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band after November 19, 2002. The provisions of § 74.604 do not apply to the use of these frequencies. Licensees may use either a two-way link or one or both frequencies of a frequency pair for a one-way link and shall coordinate proposed operations pursuant to procedures required in § 101.103(d) of this chapter.
(1) 2 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channel:
(2) 6 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:
(3) 10 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:
(4) 20 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:
(5) 40 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:
(6) 80 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:
(h) TV STL, TV relay stations, and TV translator relay stations may be authorized to operate fixed point-to-point service on the UHF TV channels 14-69 on a secondary basis and subject to the provisions of subpart G of this part:
(1) Applications for authorization in accordance with this paragraph must comply with the following technical limits or be accompanied by an engineering analysis demonstrating why these limits must be exceeded:
(i) Maximum EIRP is limited to 35 dBW;
(ii) Transmitting antenna beamwidth is limited to 25 degrees (measured at the 3 dB points); and
(iii) Vertical polarization is used.
(2) These stations must not interfere with and must accept interference from current and future full-power UHF-TV stations, LPTV stations, and translator stations. They will also be secondary to land mobile stations in areas where land mobile sharing is currently permitted.
(3) TV STL and TV relay stations licensed for operation on UHF TV channels 52-69 based on applications filed before April 16, 2003, may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorizations until the end of transition to digital television in their market (DTV Transition), as set forth in §§ 73.622 through 73.625 of this chapter. Applications for TV STL and TV relay stations operating on UHF TV channels 52-69 will not be accepted for filing on or after April 16, 2003.
(4) TV translator relay stations licensed for operation on UHF TV channels 52-59 based on applications filed before the end of DTV transition may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorizations indefinitely. TV translator relay stations licensed for operation on UHF TV channels 60-69 based on applications filed before the end of DTV transition may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorizations until the end of DTV Transition. Applications for TV translator relay stations operating on UHF TV channels 52-69 will not be accepted for filing on or after the end of DTV Transition.
(5)(i) The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station that operates on frequencies in the 600 MHz band assigned to wireless licensees under part 27 of this chapter must cease operations on those frequencies no later than the end of the post-auction transition period as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter. The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station may be required to cease operations on a date earlier than the end of the post-auction transition period if it receives a notification pursuant to paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section.
(ii) A wireless licensee assigned to frequencies in the 600 MHz band under part 27 of this chapter must notify the licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station of its intent to commence operations, as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter, and the likelihood of harmful interference from the TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station to those operations within the wireless licensee's licensed geographic service area.
(A) The wireless licensee must:
( 1 ) Notify the licensee of the TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station in the form of a letter, via certified mail, return receipt requested; and
( 2 ) Send such notification not less than 30 days in advance of the approximate date of commencement of such operations.
(B) The licensee of the TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station must cease the subject operation within 30 days of receiving the notification pursuant to this section.
(iii) By the end of the post-auction transition period, all TV STL, TV relay station and TV translator relay station licensees must modify or cancel their authorizations and vacate the 600 MHz band. Applications for TV STL, TV relay and TV translator relay stations in the 600 MHz band will not be accepted for filing on or after the end date for the post-auction transition period.
(6) The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station that operates on the UHF spectrum that is reserved for guard band channels as a result of the broadcast television incentive auction conducted under section 6403 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-96) must cease operations on those frequencies no later than the end of the post-auction transition period as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter. The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station may be required to cease operations on a date earlier than the end of the post-auction transition period if it receives a notification pursuant to paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section.
(i) 6425 to 6525 MHz—Mobile Only. Paired and un-paired operations permitted. Use of this spectrum for direct delivery of video programs to the general public or multi-channel cable distribution is not permitted. This band is co-equally shared with mobile stations licensed pursuant to parts 78 and 101 of this chapter. The following channel plans apply.
(1) 1 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels.
(2) 8 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels.
(3) 25 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels.
§ 74.603   Sound channels.
(a) The frequencies listed in § 74.602(a) may be used for the simultaneous transmission of the picture and sound portions of TV broadcast programs and for cue and order circuits, either by means of multiplexing or by the use of a separate transmitter within the same channel. When multiplexing of a TV STL station is contemplated, consideration should be given to the requirements of § 73.687 of this Chapter regarding the overall system performance requirements. Applications for new TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay and TV translator relay stations shall clearly indicate the nature of any mutliplexing proposed. Multiplexing equipment may be installed on licensed equipment without authority of the FCC, provided the installation of such apparatus on a TV STL station shall not result in degradation of the overall system performance of the TV broadcast station below that permitted by § 73.687 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) Aural STL or intercity relay stations licensed as of July 10, 1970, to operate in the frequency band 942-947 MHz, may continue to so operate pending a decision as to their disposition through a future rule making proceeding.
(d) Remote pickup broadcast stations may be used in conjunction with television pickup stations for the transmission of the aural portion of television programs or events that occur outside a television studio and for the transmission of cues, orders, and other related communications necessary thereto. The rules governing remote pickup broadcast stations are contained in Subpart D of this part.
§ 74.604   Interference avoidance.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Where two or more licensees are assigned a common channel for TV pickup, TV STL, or TV relay purposes in the same area and simultaneous operation is contemplated, they shall take such steps as may be necessary to avoid mutual interference, including consultation with the local coordination committee, if one exists. If a mutual agreement to this effect cannot be reached, the Commission must be notified and it will take such action as may be necessary, including time sharing arrangements, to assure an equitable distribution of available frequencies.
(c) For those interference disputes brought to the Commission for resolution, TV broadcast auxiliary channels will have the following priority for purposes of interference protection:
(1) All fixed links for full service broadcast stations and cable systems.
(2) TV and CARS pickup stations.
(3) Fixed or mobile stations serving translator or low power TV stations.
(4) Backup facilities; TV pickup stations used outside a licensee's local service area.
(5) Any transmission, pursuant to § 74.631(f), that does not involve the delivery of program material to a licensee's associated TV broadcast station.
(d) Interference between two stations having the same priority shall be resolved in favor of the station licensed first on a particular path.
§ 74.605   Registration of stationary television pickup receive sites.
Licensees of TV pickup stations in the 6875-7125 MHz and 12700-13200 MHz bands shall register their stationary receive sites using the Commission's Universal Licensing System.
§ 74.631   Permissible service.
(a) The licensee of a television pickup station authorizes the transmission of program material, orders concerning such program material, and related communications necessary to the accomplishment of such transmissions, from the scenes of events occurring in places other than a television studio, to its associated television broadcast station, to an associated television relay station, to such other stations as are broadcasting the same program material, or to the network or networks with which the television broadcast station is affiliated. Television pickup stations may be operated in conjunction with other television broadcast stations not aformentioned in this paragraph: Provided, That the transmissions by the television pickup station are under the control of the licensee of the television pickup station and that such operation shall not exceed a total of 10 days in any 30-day period. Television pickup stations may be used to provide temporary studio-transmitter links or intercity relay circuits consistent with § 74.632 without further authority of the Commission: Provided, however, That prior Commission authority shall be obtained if the transmitting antenna to be installed will increase the height of any natural formation or man-made structure by more than 6.1 meters (20 feet) and will be in existence for a period of more than 2 consecutive days.
As used in this subpart, “associated television broadcast station” means a television broadcast station licensed to the licensee of the television auxiliary broadcast station and with which the television auxiliary station is licensed as an auxiliary facility.
(b) A television broadcast STL station is authorized to transmit visual program material between the studio and the transmitter of a television broadcast station for simultaneous or delayed broadcast.
(c) A TV relay station is authorized to transmit visual program material between TV broadcast stations for simultaneous or delayed broadcast, or may be used to transmit visual program material from a remote pickup receiver site of a single station.
(d) The transmitter of an STL, TV relay station or TV translator relay station may be multiplexed to provide additional communication channels. A TV broadcast STL or TV relay station will be authorized only in those cases where the principal use is the transmission of television broadcast program material for use by its associated TV broadcast station. However, STL or TV relay stations so licensed may be operated at any time for the transmission of multiplexed communications whether or not visual program material is being transmitted, provided that such operation does not cause harmful interference to TV broadcast pickup, STL or TV relay stations transmitting television broadcast program material.
(e) Except as provided in paragraphs (a), (d), (f) and (j) of this section, all program material transmitted over a TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station shall be used by or intended for use by a TV broadcast station owned by or under the common control of the licensee of the TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station. Program material transmitted over a TV pickup, STL or TV relay station and so used by the licensee of such facility may, with the permission of the licensee of the broadcast auxiliary facility, be used by other TV broadcast stations and by non-broadcast closed circuit educational TV systems operated by educational institutions.
(f) A TV broadcast pickup, STL, or TV relay station may be used for the transmission of material to be used by others, including but not limited to other broadcast stations, cable television systems, and educational institutions. This use shall not interfere with the use of these broadcast auxiliary facilities for the transmission of programs and associated material intended to be used by the television station or stations licensed to or under common control of the licensee of the TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station. This use of the broadcast auxiliary facilities must not cause harmful interference to broadcast auxiliary stations operating in accordance with the basic frequency allocation, and the licensee of the TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station must retain exclusive control over the operation of the facilities. Prior to operating pursuant to the provisions of this section, the licensee shall, for the intended location or area-of-operation, notify the appropriate frequency coordination committee or any licensee(s) assigned the use of the proposed operating frequency, concerning the particulars of the intended operation and must provide the name and telephone number of a person who may be contacted in the event of interference.
(g) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, a television translator relay station is authorized for the purpose of relaying the programs and signals of a television broadcast station to television broadcast translator stations for simultaneous retransmission.
(h) A TV microwave booster station is authorized to retransmit the signals of a TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay, or TV translator relay station.
(i) TV broadcast auxiliary stations authorized pursuant to this subpart may additionally be authorized to supply programs and signals of TV broadcast stations to cable television systems or CARS stations. Where the licensee of a TV broadcast auxiliary station supplies programs and signals to cable television systems or CARS stations, the TV auxiliary licensee must have exclusive control over the operation of the TV auxiliary stations licensed to it. Contributions to capital and operating expenses may be accepted only on a cost-sharing, non-profit basis, prorated on an equitable basis among all parties being supplied with program material.
(j) A broadcast network-entity may use television auxiliary service stations to transmit their own television program materials to broadcast stations, other broadcast network-entities, cable systems and cable network-entities: Provided, however, that the bands 1990-2110 MHz, 6425-6525 MHz and 6875-7125 MHz may be used by broadcast network-entities only for television pick-up stations.
§ 74.632   Licensing requirements.
(a) Licenses for television pickup, television STL, television microwave booster, or television relay stations will be issued only to licensees of television broadcast stations, and broadcast network-entities and, further, on a secondary basis, to licensees of low power television stations. A separate application is required for each fixed station and the application shall be specific with regard to the frequency requested. A mobile station license may be issued for any number of mobile transmitters to operate in a specific area or frequency band and the applicant shall be specific with regard to the frequencies requested.
(b) A license for a TV relay station may be issued in any case where the circuit will operate between TV broadcast stations either by means of “off-the-air” pickup and relay or location of the initial relay station at the studio or transmitter of a TV broadcast station.
(c) An application for a new TV pickup station shall designate the TV broadcast station with which it is to be operated and specify the area in which the proposed operation is intended. The maximum permissible area of operation will generally be that of a standard metropolitan area, unless a special showing is made that a larger area is necessary.
(d) Licensees who have two or more TV broadcast stations located in different cities shall, in applying for a new TV pickup station, designate the TV broadcast station in conjunction with which it is to be operated principally. Operation in a city which is not the city of license of the associated TV broadcast station is on a secondary, non-interference basis to home-city users.
(e) A license for a TV translator relay station will be issued only to licensees of low power TV and TV translator stations. However, a television translator relay station license may be issued to a cooperative enterprise wholly owned by licensees of television broadcast translators or licensees of television broadcast translators and cable television owners or operators upon a showing that the applicant is qualified under the Communication Act of 1934, as amended.
(f) Licensees of TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay, and TV translator relay stations may be authorized to operate one or more TV microwave booster stations for the purpose of relaying signals over a path that cannot be covered with a single station.
§ 74.633   Temporary authorizations.
(a) Special temporary authority may be granted for TV broadcast auxiliary station operation which cannot be conducted in accordance with § 74.24. Such authority will normally be granted only for operations of a temporary nature. Where operation is seen as likely on a continuing annual basis, an application for a regular authorization should be submitted.
(b) A request for special temporary authority for the operation of a television broadcast auxiliary station must be made in accordance with the procedures of § 1.931(b) of this chapter.
(c) All requests for special temporary authority of a television broadcast auxiliary station must include full particulars including: licensee's name and address, facility identification number of the associated broadcast station(s) (if any), call letters of the television broadcast STL or intercity relay station (if assigned), type and manufacturer of equipment, effective isotropic radiated power, emission, frequency or frequencies proposed for use, commencement and termination date and location of the proposed operation, and purpose for which request is made including any particular justification.
(d) A request for special temporary authority shall specify a channel or channels consistent with the provisions of § 74.602: Provided, That in the case of events of wide-spread interest and importance which cannot be transmitted successfully on these frequencies, frequencies assigned to other services may be requested upon a showing that operation thereon will not cause interference to established stations: And provided further, That in no case will a television auxiliary broadcast operation be authorized on frequencies employed for the safety of life and property.
(e) When the transmitting equipment utilized is not licensed to the user, the user shall nevertheless have full control over the use of the equipment during the period it is operated.
(f) Special temporary authority to permit operation of a TV auxiliary broadcast station of any class pending FCC action on an application for regular authority will not normally be granted.
§ 74.634   Remote control operation.
(a) A TV auxiliary station may be operated by remote control provided that such operation is conducted in accordance with the conditions listed below:
(1) The remote control system must be designed, installed, and protected so that the transmitter can only be activated or controlled by persons authorized by the licensee.
(2) The remote control equipment must be maintained to ensure proper operation.
(3) The remote control system must be designed to prevent inadvertent transmitter operation caused by malfunctions in the circuits between the control point and transmitter.
(b) The FCC may notify the licensee to cease or modify operation in the case of frequency usage disputes. interference or similar situations where such action appears to be in the public interest, convenience and necessity.
§ 74.635   Unattended operation.
(a) TV relay stations, TV translator relay stations, TV STL stations, and TV microwave booster stations may be operated unattended under the following conditions:
(1) The transmitter must be provided with adequate safeguards to prevent improper operation.
(2) The transmitter shall be so installed and protected that it is not accessible to other than duly authorized persons;
(3) TV relay stations, TV STL stations, TV translator relay stations, and TV microwave booster stations used with these stations, shall be observed at the receiving end of the microwave circuit as often as necessary to ensure proper station operation by a person designated by the licensee, who must institute measures sufficient to ensure prompt correction of any condition of improper operation. However, an STL station (and any TV microwave booster station) associated with a TV broadcast station operated by remote control may be observed by monitoring the TV station's transmitted signal at the remote control point. Additionally, a TV translator relay station (and any associated TV microwave booster station) may be observed by monitoring the associated TV translator station's transmitted signal.
(b) The FCC may notify the licensee to cease or modify operation in the case of frequency usage disputes, interference or similar situations where such action appears to be in the public interest, convenience and necessity.
§ 74.636   Power limitations.
(a) On any authorized frequency, transmitter peak output power and the average power delivered to an antenna in this service must be the minimum amount of power necessary to carry out the communications desired and shall not exceed the values listed in the following table. Application of this principle includes, but is not to be limited to, requiring a licensee who replaces one or more of its antennas with larger antennas to reduce its antenna input power by an amount appropriate to compensate for the increased primary lobe gain of the replacement antenna(s). In no event shall the average equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP), as referenced to an isotropic radiator, exceed the values specified in the following table. In cases of harmful interference, the Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, order a change in the effective radiated power of this station. The table follows:
1 The power delivered to the antenna is limited to −3 dBW.
2 Stations licensed based on an application filed before April 16, 2003, for EIRP values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal.
(b) The EIRP of transmitters that use Automatic Transmitter Power Control (ATPC) shall not exceed the EIRP specified on the station authorization. The EIRP of non-ATPC transmitters shall be maintained as near as practicable to the EIRP specified on the station authorization.
§ 74.637   Emissions and emission limitations.
(a) The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean transmitter power (P MEAN ) in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) When using frequency modulation:
(i) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 50% up to and including 100% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 25 dB in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth (B REF );
(ii) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 100% up to and including 250% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 35 dB in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth;
(iii) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 250% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 log 10 (P MEAN in watts) dB, or 80 dB, whichever is the lesser attenuation, in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth.
(2) When using transmissions employing digital modulation techniques:
(i) For operating frequencies below 15 GHz, in any 4 kHz reference bandwidth (B REF ), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 50 decibels:
(ii) For operating frequencies above 15 GHz, in any 1 MHz reference bandwidth (B REF ), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 11 decibels:
(iii) In any 4 kHz reference bandwidth (B REF ), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 Log 10 (P MEAN in watts) decibels, or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.
(3) Amplitude Modulation. For vestigial sideband AM video: On any frequency removed from the center frequency of the authorized band by more than 50%: at least 50 dB below peak power of the emission.
(b) For all emissions not covered in paragraph (a) of this section, the peak power of emissions shall be attenuated below the peak envelope transmitter power (P PEAK ) in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) On any frequency 500 Hz inside the channel edge up to and including 2500 Hz outside the same edge, the following formula will apply:
(2) On any frequency removed from the channel edge by more than 2500 Hz: At least 43 + 10 Log 10 (P PEAK in watts) dB.
(c) For purposes of compliance with the emission limitation requirements of this section:
(1) If the transmitter modulates a single carrier, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when digital modulation occupies 50 percent or more of the total peak frequency deviation of a transmitted radio frequency carrier. The total peak frequency deviation will be determined by adding the deviation produced by the digital modulation signal and the deviation produced by any frequency division multiplex (FDM) modulation used. The deviation (D) produced by the FDM signal must be determined in accordance with § 2.202(f) of this chapter.
(2) If the transmitter modulates two or more carriers, with at least one using digital modulation and one using frequency or other analog modulation, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when the necessary bandwidth of the digital signal(s) is 50 percent or more of the aggregate bandwidth of the system, comprising the digital necessary bandwidth(s), the analog necessary bandwidth(s), and any bandwidth(s) between the digital and analog necessary bandwidths. In this case, the aggregate bandwidth shall be used for the authorized bandwidth (B) in paragraph (a) of this section, and for purposes of compliance with the bandwidth limitations in paragraph (g) of this section and in § 74.602 of this subpart; and the sum of the powers of the analog and digital signals shall be used for mean transmitter power (P MEAN ) in paragraph (a) or the peak envelope transmitter power (P PEAK ) in paragraph (b) of this section, and for purposes of compliance with the power limitations in § 74.636 of this subpart.
(3) For demonstrating compliance with the attenuation requirements for frequency modulation and digital modulation in paragraph (a) of this section, the resolution bandwidth (B RES ) of the measuring equipment used for measurements removed from the center frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth shall be 100 kHz for operating frequencies below 1 GHz, and 1 MHz for operating frequencies above 1 GHz. The resolution bandwidth for frequencies removed from the center frequency by less than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth shall be the reference bandwidth (B REF ) specified in the individual emission limitations, but may be reduced to not less than one percent of the authorized bandwidth (B), adjusted upward to the nearest greater resolution bandwidth available on the measuring equipment. In all cases, if B RES and B REF are not equal, then the attenuation requirement must be increased (or decreased) as determined by a factor of 10 log 10 [(B REF in megahertz)/(B RES in megahertz)] decibels, where a positive factor indicates an increase in the attenuation requirement and a negative factor indicates a decrease in the attenuation requirement.
(4) Stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005, using equipment not conforming with the emission limitations specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal. Existing equipment and equipment of product lines in production before April 16, 2003, authorized via certification or Declaration of Conformity before March 17, 2005, for equipment not conforming to the emission limitations requirements specified above, may continue to be manufactured and/or marketed, but may not be authorized for use under a station license except at stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005. Any non-conforming equipment authorized under a station license, and replaced on or after March 17, 2005, must be replaced by conforming equipment.
The Declaration of Conformity procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. See § 2.950 of this chapter.
(d) In the event that interference to other stations is caused by emissions outside the authorized channel, the FCC may require greater attenuation than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
(e) The following limitations also apply to the operation of TV microwave booster stations:
(1) The booster station must receive and amplify the signals of the originating station and retransmit them on the same frequency without significantly altering them in any way. The characteristics of the booster transmitter output signal shall meet the requirements applicable to the signal of the originating station.
(2) The licensee is responsible for correcting any condition of interference that results from the radiation of radio frequency energy outside the assigned channel. Upon notice by the FCC to the station licensee that interference is being caused, operation of the apparatus must be immediately suspended and may not be resumed until the interference has been eliminated or it can be demonstrated that the interference is not due to spurious emissions. However, short term test transmissions may be made during the period of suspended operation to determine the efficacy of remedial measures.
(3) In each instance where suspension of operation is required, the licensee must submit a full report to the FCC after operation is resumed. The report must contain details of the nature of the interference, the source of interfering signals, and the remedial steps taken to eliminate the interference.
(f) In the event a station's emissions outside its authorized channel cause harmful interference, the Commission may require the licensee to take such further steps as may be necessary to eliminate the interference.
(g) The maximum bandwidth which will be authorized per frequency assignment is set out in the table which follows. Regardless of the maximum authorized bandwidth specified for each frequency band, the Commission reserves the right to issue a license for less than the maximum bandwidth if it appears that less bandwidth would be sufficient to support an applicant's intended communications.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)
§ 74.638   Frequency coordination.
(a) Coordination of all frequency assignments for fixed stations in all bands above 2110 MHz, and for mobile (temporary fixed) stations in the bands 6425-6525 MHz and 17.7-19.7 GHz, will be in accordance with the procedure established in paragraph (b) of this section, except that the prior coordination process for mobile (temporary fixed) assignments may be completed orally and the period allowed for response to a coordination notification may be less than 30 days if the parties agree. Coordination of all frequency assignments for all mobile (temporary fixed) stations in all bands above 2110 MHz, except the bands 6425-6525 MHz and 17.7-19.7 GHz, will be conducted in accordance with the procedure established in paragraph (b) of this section or with the procedure in paragraph (d) of this section. Coordination of all frequency assignments for all fixed stations in the band 1990-2110 MHz will be in accordance with the procedure established in paragraph (c) of this section. Coordination of all frequency assignments for all mobile (temporary fixed) stations in the band 1990-2110 MHz will be conducted in accordance with the procedure in paragraph (d) of this section.
(b) For each frequency coordinated under this paragraph, the interference protection criteria in 47 CFR 101.105(a), (b), and (c) and the frequency usage coordination procedures in 47 CFR 101.103(d) will apply.
(c) For each frequency coordinated under this paragraph, the following frequency usage coordination procedures will apply:
(1) General requirements. Applicants are responsible for selecting the frequency assignments that are least likely to result in mutual interference with other licensees in the same area. Applicants may consult local frequency coordination committees, where they exist, for information on frequencies available in the area. Proposed frequency usage must be coordinated with existing licensees and applicants in the area whose facilities could affect or be affected by the new proposal in terms of frequency interference on active channels, applied-for channels, or channels coordinated for future growth. Coordination must be completed prior to filing an application for regular authorization, for major amendment to a pending application, or for major modification to a license.
(2) To be acceptable for filing, all applications for regular authorization, or major amendment to a pending application, or major modification to a license, must include a certification attesting that all co-channel and adjacent-channel licensees and applicants potentially affected by the proposed fixed use of the frequency(ies) have been notified and are in agreement that the proposed facilities can be installed without causing harmful interference to those other licensees and applicants.
(d) For each frequency coordinated under this paragraph, applicants are responsible for selecting the frequency assignments that are least likely to result in mutual interference with other licensees in the same area. Applicants may consult local frequency coordination committees, where they exist, for information on frequencies available in the area. In selecting frequencies, consideration should be given to the relative location of receive points, normal transmission paths, and the nature of the contemplated operation.
§ 74.641   Antenna systems.
(a) For fixed stations operating above 2025 MHz, the following standards apply:
(1) Fixed TV broadcast auxiliary stations shall use directional antennas that meet the performance standards indicated in the following table. Upon adequate showing of need to serve a larger sector, or more than a single sector, greater beamwidth or multiple antennas may be authorized. Applicants shall request, and authorization for stations in this service will specify, the polarization of each transmitted signal. Booster station antennas having narrower beamwidths and reduced sidelobe radiation may be required in congested areas, or to resolve interference problems.
(i) Stations must employ an antenna that meets the performance standards for Category B. In areas subject to frequency congestion, where proposed facilities would be precluded by continued use of a Category B antenna, a Category A antenna must be employed. The Commission may require the use of a high performance antenna where interference problems can be resolved by the use of such antennas.
(ii) Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown in this paragraph in the following manner:
(A) With either the maximum beamwith to 3 dB points requirement or with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and
(B) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.
Antenna Standards
1 If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwith to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the elevation planes.
(2) New periscope antenna systems will be authorized upon a certification that the radiation, in a horizontal plane, from an illuminating antenna and reflector combination meets or exceeds the antenna standards of this section. This provision similarly applies to passive repeaters employed to redirect or repeat the signal from a station's directional antenna system.
(3) The choice of receiving antennas is left to the discretion of the licensee. However, licensees will not be protected from interference which results from the use of antennas with poorer performance than identified in the table of this section.
(4) [Reserved]
(5) Pickup stations are not subject to the performance standards herein stated.
(b) All fixed stations are to use antenna systems in conformance with the standards of this section. TV auxiliary broadcast stations are considered to be located in an area subject to frequency congestion and must employ a Category A antenna when:
(1) A showing by an applicant of a new TV auxiliary broadcast station or Cable Television Relay Service (CARS) station, which shares the 12.7-13.20 GHz band with TV auxiliary broadcast, indicates that use of a category B antenna limits a proposed project because of interference, and
(2) That use of a category A antenna will remedy the interference thus allowing the project to be realized.
(c) As an exception to the provisions of this section, the FCC may approve requests for use of periscope antenna systems where a persuasive showing is made that no frequency conflicts exist in the area of proposed use. Such approvals shall be conditioned to a standard antenna as required in paragraph (a) of this section when an applicant of a new TV auxiliary broadcast or Cable Television Relay station indicates that the use of the existing antenna system will cause interference and the use of a category A or B antenna will remedy the interference.
(d) As a further exception to the provision of paragraph (a) of this section, the Commission may approve antenna systems not conforming to the technical standards where a persuasive showing is made that:
(1) Indicates in detail why an antenna system complying with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section cannot be installed, and
(2) Includes a statement indicating that frequency coordination as required in § 74.604 (a) was accomplished.
§ 74.643   Interference to geostationary-satellites.
Applicants and licensees must comply with § 101.145 of this chapter to minimize the potential of interference to geostationary-satellites.
§ 74.644   Minimum path lengths for fixed links.
(a) The distance between end points of a fixed link must equal or exceed the value set forth in the table below or the EIRP must be reduced in accordance with the equation set forth below.
(b) For paths shorter than those specified in the Table, the EIRP shall not exceed the value derived from the following equation.
For transmitters using Automatic Transmitter Power Control, EIRP corresponds to the maximum transmitter power available, not the coordinated transmit power or the nominal transmit power.
Stations licensed based on an application filed before April 16, 2003, in the 2450-2483.5 MHz band, for EIRP values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal.
(c) Upon an appropriate technical showing, applicants and licensees unable to meet the minimum path length requirement may be granted an exception to these requirements.
Links authorized prior to April 1, 1987, are excluded from this requirement, except that, effective April 1, 1992, the Commission will require compliance with the criteria where an existing link would otherwise preclude establishment of a new link.
§ 74.651   Equipment changes.
(a) Modifications may be made to an existing authorization in accordance with §§ 1.929 and 1.947 of this chapter.
(b) Multiplexing equipment may be installed on any licensed TV broadcast STL, TV relay or translator relay station without authority from the Commission.
(c) Permissible changes in equipment operating in the bands 18.3-18.58 GHz and 19.26-19.3 GHz. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, licensees of stations that remain co-primary under the provisions of § 74.602(g) may not make modifications to their systems that increase interference to satellite earth stations, or result in a facility that would be more costly to relocate.
§ 74.655   Authorization of equipment.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, all transmitting equipment first marketed for use under this subpart or placed into service after October 1, 1981, must be authorized under the certification procedure or Declaration of Conformity procedure, as detailed in paragraph (f) of this section. Equipment which is used at a station licensed prior to October 1, 1985, which has not been authorized as detailed in paragraph (f) of this section, may continue to be used by the licensee or its successors or assignees, provided that if operation of such equipment causes harmful interference due to its failure to comply with the technical standards set forth in this subpart, the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference. However, such equipment may not be further marketed or reused under part 74 after October 1, 1985.
The verification procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment previously authorized under subpart J of part 2 of this chapter may remain in use. See § 2.950 of this chapter.
(b) Certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity is not required for transmitters used in conjunction with TV pickup stations operating with a peak output power not greater than 250 mW. Pickup stations operating in excess of 250 mW licensed pursuant to applications accepted for filing prior to October 1, 1980 may continue operation subject to periodic renewal. If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference.
(c) The license of a TV auxiliary station may replace transmitting equipment with authorized equipment, as detailed under paragraph (f) of this section, without prior FCC approval, provided the proposed changes will not depart from any of the terms of the station or system authorization or the Commission's technical rules governing this service, and also provided that any changes made to authorized transmitting equipment is in compliance with the provisions of part 2 of this chapter concerning modifications to authorized equipment.
(d) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be used in this service may authorize the equipment under the certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedures, as appropriate, following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.
(e) An applicant for a TV broadcast auxiliary station may also authorize an individual transmitter, as specified in paragraph (f) of this section, by following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.
(f) Transmitters designed to be used exclusively for a TV STL station, a TV intercity relay station, a TV translator relay station, or a TV microwave booster station, shall be authorized under Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. All other transmitters will be authorized under the certification procedure.
§ 74.661   Frequency tolerance.
Stations in this service shall maintain the carrier frequency of each authorized transmitter to within the following percentage of the assigned frequency.
Table 1 to § 74.661
1 Television translator relay stations shall maintain a frequency tolerance of 0.002%.
2 Stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005, for tolerance values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal. Existing equipment and equipment of product lines in production before April 16, 2003, authorized via certification or Declaration of Conformity before March 17, 2005, for tolerance values exceeding those specified above, may continue to be manufactured and/or marketed, but may not be authorized for use under station license except at stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005. Any non-conforming equipment authorized under a station license, and replaced on or after March 17, 2005, must be replaced by conforming equipment.
The Declaration of Conformity procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. See § 2.950 of this chapter.
§ 74.662   Frequency monitors and measurements.
The licensee of a television broadcast auxiliary station must provide means for measuring the operating frequency in order to ensure that the emissions are confined to the authorized channel.
§ 74.663   Modulation limits.
If amplitude modulation is employed, negative modulation peaks shall not exceed 100%.
§ 74.682   Station identification.
(a) Each television broadcast auxiliary station operating with a transmitter output power of 1 watt or more must, when actually transmitting programs, transmit station identification at the beginning and end of each period of operation, and hourly, as close to the hour as feasible, at a natural break in program offerings by one of the following means:
(1) Transmission of its own call sign by visual or aural means or by automatic transmission in international Morse telegraphy.
(2) Visual or aural transmission of the call sign of the TV broadcast station with which it is licensed as an auxiliary.
(3) Visual or aural transmission of the call sign of the TV broadcast station whose signals are being relayed or, where programs are obtained directly from network lines and relayed, the network identification.
(b) Identification transmissions during operation need not be made when to make such transmission would interrupt a single consecutive speech, play, religious service, symphony concert, or any type of production. In such cases, the identification transmission shall be made at the first interruption of the entertainment continuity and at the conclusion thereof.
(c) During occasions when a television pickup station is being used to deliver program material for network distribution it may transmit the network identification in lieu of its own or associated TV station call sign during the actual program pickup. However, if it is providing the network feed through its own associated TV broadcast station it shall perform the station identification required by paragraph (a) of this section at the beginning and end of each period of operation.
(d) A period of operation is defined as a single uninterrupted transmission or a series of intermittent transmissions from a single location or continuous or intermittent transmission from a television pickup station covering a single event from various locations, within a single broadcast day.
(e) Regardless of the method used for station identification it shall be performed in a manner conducive to prompt association of the signal source with the responsible licensee. In exercising the discretion provided by this rule, licensees are expected to act in a responsible manner to assure that result.
(f) TV microwave boosters stations will be assigned individual call signs. However, station identification will be accomplished by the retransmission of identification as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 74.690   Transition of the 1990-2025 MHz band from the Broadcast Auxiliary Service to emerging technologies.
(a) New Entrants are collectively defined as those licensees proposing to use emerging technologies to implement Mobile Satellite Services in the 2000-2020 MHz band (MSS licensees), those licensees authorized after July 1, 2004 to implement new Fixed and Mobile services in the 1990-1995 MHz band, and those licensees authorized after September 9, 2004 in the 1995-2000 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands. New entrants may negotiate with Broadcast Auxiliary Service licensees operating on a primary basis and fixed service licensees operating on a primary basis in the 1990-2025 MHz band (Existing Licensees) for the purpose of agreeing to terms under which the Existing Licensees would relocate their operations to the 2025-2110 MHz band, to other authorized bands, or to other media; or, alternatively, would discontinue use of the 1990-2025 MHz band. New licensees in the 1995-2000 MHz and 2020-2025 MHz bands are subject to the specific relocation procedures adopted in WT Docket 04-356.
(b) An Existing Licensee in the 1990-2025 MHz band allocated for licensed emerging technology services will maintain primary status in the band until the Existing Licensee's operations are relocated by a New Entrant, are discontinued under the terms of paragraph (a) of this section, or become secondary under the terms of paragraph (e)(6) of this section or the Existing Licensee indicates to a New Entrant that it declines to be relocated.
(c) The Commission will amend the operating license of the Existing Licensee to secondary status only if the following requirements are met:
(1) The service applicant, provider, licensee, or representative using an emerging technology guarantees payment of all relocation costs, including all engineering, equipment, site and FCC fees, as well as any reasonable additional costs that the relocated Existing Licensee might incur as a result of operation in another authorized band or migration to another medium;
(2) The New Entrant completes all activities necessary for implementing the replacement facilities, including engineering and cost analysis of the relocation procedure and, if radio facilities are used, identifying and obtaining, on the incumbents' behalf, new microwave or Local Television Transmission Service frequencies and frequency coordination.
(3) The New Entrant builds the replacement system and tests it for comparability with the existing system.
(d) The Existing Licensee is not required to relocate until the alternative facilities are available to it for a reasonable time to make adjustments, determine comparability, and ensure a seamless handoff. If, within one year after the relocation to new facilities the Existing Licensee demonstrates that the new facilities are not comparable to the former facilities, the New Entrant must remedy the defects.
(e) Subject to the terms of this paragraph (e), the relocation of Existing Licensees will be carried out by MSS licensees in the following manner:
(1) Existing Licensees and MSS licensees may negotiate individually or collectively for relocation of Existing Licensees to one of the channel plans specified in § 74.602(a)(3) of this chapter. Parties may not decline to negotiate, though Existing Licensees may decline to be relocated.
(i) MSS licensees may relocate all Existing Licensees in Nielsen Designated Market Areas (DMAs) 1-30, as such DMAs existed on September 6, 2000, and all fixed stations operating in the 1990-2025 MHz band on a primary basis, except those Existing Licensees that decline relocation. Such relocation negotiations shall be conducted as “mandatory negotiations,” as that term is used in § 101.73 of this chapter. If these parties are unable to reach a negotiated agreement, MSS Licensees may involuntarily relocate such Existing Licensees and fixed stations after December 8, 2004.
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) On the date that the first MSS licensee begins operations in the 2000-2020 MHz band, a one-year mandatory negotiation period begins between MSS licensees and Existing Licensees in Nielsen DMAs 31-210, as such DMAs existed on September 6, 2000. After the end of the mandatory negotiation period, MSS licensees may involuntary relocate any Existing Licensees with which they have been unable to reach a negotiated agreement. As described elsewhere in this paragraph (e), MSS Licensees are obligated to relocate these Existing Licensees within the specified three- and five-year time periods.
(2) Before negotiating with MSS licensees, Existing Licensees in Nielsen Designated Market Areas where there is a BAS frequency coordinator must coordinate and select a band plan for the market area. If an Existing Licensee wishes to operate in the 2025-2110 MHz band using the channels A03-A07 as specified in the Table in § 74.602(a) of this part, then all licensees within that Existing Licensee's market must agree to such operation and all must operate on a secondary basis to any licensee operating on the channel plan specified in § 74.602(a)(3) of this part. All negotiations must produce solutions that adhere to the market area's band plan.
(3)-(4) [Reserved]
(5) As of the date the first MSS licensee begins operations in the 1990-2025 MHz band, MSS Licensees must relocate Existing Licensees in DMAs 31-100, as they existed as of September 6, 2000, within three years, and in the remaining DMAs, as they existed as of September 6, 2000, within five years.
(6) On December 9, 2013, all Existing Licensees will become secondary in the 1990-2025 MHz band. Upon written demand by any MSS licensee, Existing Licensees must cease operations in the 1990-2025 MHz band within six months.
§ 74.701   Definitions.
(a) Television broadcast translator station. A station in the broadcast service operated for the purpose of retransmitting the programs and signals of a television broadcast station, without significantly altering any characteristic of the original signal other than its frequency and amplitude, for the purpose of providing television reception to the general public.
(b) Primary station. The television station which provides the programs and signals being retransmitted by a television broadcast translator station.
(c) Analog to Digital Replacement Translator (DRT). A television translator licensed to a full power television station that allows it to restore service to any loss areas that may have occurred as a result of its transition from analog to digital.
(d) Digital to Digital Replacement Translator (DTDRT). A television translator licensed to a full power television station that allows it to restore service to any loss areas that may have occurred as a result of the station being assigned a new channel pursuant to the Incentive Auction and repacking process.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Low power TV station. A station authorized under the provisions of this subpart G of this part that may retransmit the programs and signals of a TV broadcast station and that may originate programming in any amount greater than 30 seconds per hour.
(g) [Reserved]
(h) Local origination. Program origination if the parameters of the program source signal, as it reaches the transmitter site, are under the control of the low power TV station licensee. Transmission of TV program signals generated at the transmitter site constitutes local origination. Local origination also includes transmission of programs reaching the transmitter site via TV STL stations, but does not include transmission of signals obtained from either terrestrial or satellite microwave feeds or low power TV stations.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Television broadcast translator station (“TV translator station”). A station operated for the purpose of retransmitting the programs and signals of a television broadcast station, without significantly altering any characteristic of the original signal other than its frequency, for the purpose of providing television reception to the general public.
(k) Low power TV station (“LPTV station”). A station authorized under the provisions of this subpart that may retransmit the programs and signals of a television broadcast station, may originate programming in any amount greater than 30 seconds per hour for the purpose of providing television reception to the general public and, subject to a minimum video program service requirement, may offer services of an ancillary or supplementary nature, including subscription-based services. ( See § 74.790.)
(l) Digital program origination. For purposes of this part, digital program origination shall be any transmissions other than the simultaneous retransmission of the programs and signals of a TV or DTV broadcast station or transmissions related to service offerings of an ancillary or supplementary nature. Origination shall include locally generated television program signals and program signals obtained via video recordings (tapes and discs), microwave, common carrier circuits, or other sources.
(m) Existing low power television or television translator station. When used in this subpart, the terms existing low power television and existing television translator station refer to a low power television station or television translator station that is either licensed or has a valid construction permit.
§ 74.702   Channel assignments.
(a) An applicant for a new low power TV or TV translator station or for changes in the facilities of an authorized station shall endeavor to select a channel on which its operation is not likely to cause interference. The applications must be specific with regard to the channel requested. Only one channel will be assigned to each station.
(1) Any one of the 12 standard VHF Channels (2 to 13 inclusive) may be assigned to a low power TV or TV translator station.
(2) Any one of the UHF Channels from 14 to 36, inclusive, may be assigned to a low power TV or TV translator station. In accordance with § 73.603(c) of this chapter, Channel 37 will not be assigned to such stations.
(b) Changes in the Table of TV Allotments (§ 73.622(j) of this chapter), authorizations to construct new full power television stations or to authorizations to change facilities of existing such stations, may be made without regard to existing or proposed low power TV or TV translator stations. Where such a change results in a low power TV or TV translator station causing actual interference to reception of the full power television station, the licensee or permittee of the low power TV or TV translator station shall eliminate the interference or file an application for a change in channel assignment pursuant to § 73.3572 of this chapter.
(c) [Reserved]
§ 74.703   Interference.
(a) An application for a new low power TV or TV translator station or for a change in the facilities of such an authorized station will not be granted when it is apparent that interference will be caused. Except where there is a written agreement between the affected parties to accept interference, or where it can be shown that interference will not occur due to terrain shielding and/or Longley-Rice terrain dependent propagation methods, the licensee of a new low power TV or TV translator station shall protect existing low power TV and TV translator stations from interference within the protected contour defined in § 74.792 and shall protect existing Class A TV stations within the protected contours defined in § 73.6010 of this chapter. Such written agreement shall accompany the application. Copies of OET Bulletin No. 69 are available for inspection through the Federal Communications Commission's Reference Information Center. This document is also available on the FCC homepage at https://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/documents/bulletins/#69.
(b) It shall be the responsibility of the licensee of a low power TV or TV translator station to correct at its expense any condition of interference to the direct reception of the signal of any full-power TV broadcast station operating on the same channel as that used by the low power TV or TV translator station or an adjacent channel which occurs as a result of the operation of the low power TV or TV translator station. Interference will be considered to occur whenever reception of a regularly used signal is impaired by the signals radiated by the low power TV or TV translator station, regardless of the quality of the reception or the strength of the signal so used. If the interference cannot be promptly eliminated by the application of suitable techniques, operation of the offending low power TV or TV translator station shall be suspended and shall not be resumed until the interference has been eliminated. If the complainant refuses to permit the low power TV or TV translator station to apply remedial techniques that demonstrably will eliminate the interference without impairment of the original reception, the licensee of the low power TV or TV translator station is absolved of further responsibility.
(c) It shall be the responsibility of the licensee of a low power TV or TV translator station to correct any condition of interference which results from the radiation of radio frequency energy outside its assigned channel. Upon notice by the FCC to the station licensee or operator that such interference is caused by spurious emissions of the station, operation of the station shall be immediately suspended and not resumed until the interference has been eliminated. However, short test transmissions may be made during the period of suspended operation to check the efficacy of remedial measures.
(d) When a low-power TV or TV translator station causes interference to a CATV system by radiations within its assigned channel at the cable headend or on the output channel of any system converter located at a receiver, the earlier user, whether cable system or low-power TV or TV translator station, will be given priority on the channel, and the later user will be responsible for correction of the interference. When a low-power TV or TV translator station causes interference to a BRS or EBS system by radiations within its assigned channel on the output channel of any system converter located at a receiver, the earlier user, whether BRS system or low-power TV or TV translator station, will be given priority on the channel, and the later user will be responsible for correction of the interference.
(e) Low power TV and TV translator stations are being authorized on a secondary basis to existing land mobile uses and must correct whatever interference they cause to land mobile stations or cease operation.
(f)-(g) [Reserved]
(h) In each instance where suspension of operation is required, the licensee shall submit a full report to the FCC after operation is resumed containing details of the nature of the interference, the source of the interfering signals, and the remedial steps taken to eliminate the interference. This report shall be filed via a Resumption of Operations notice in the FCC's Licensing and Management System (LMS).
(i) [Reserved]
§§ 74.706-74.708   [Reserved]
§ 74.709   Land mobile station protection.
(a) Stations in the Land Mobile Radio Service, using the following channels in the indicated cities will be protected from interference caused by low power TV or TV translator stations, and low power TV and TV translator stations must accept any interference from stations in the land mobile service operating on the following channels:
Table 1 to Paragraph ( a )
(b) The protected contours for the land mobile radio service are 130 kilometers from the above coordinates, except where limited by the following:
(1) If the land mobile channel is the same as the channel in the following list, the land mobile protected contour excludes the area within 145 kilometers of the corresponding coordinates from list below. Except if the land mobile channel is 15 in New York or Cleveland or 16 in Detroit, the land mobile protected contour excludes the area within 95 kilometers of the corresponding coordinates from the list below.
(2) If the land mobile channel is one channel above or below the channel in the following list, the land mobile protected contour excludes the area within 95 kilometers of the corresponding coordinates from the list below.
Table 2 to Paragraph ( b )(2)
(c) A low power TV or TV translator station application will not be accepted if it specifies a site that is within the protected contour of a co-channel or first adjacent channel land mobile assignment.
(d) The low power TV or TV translator station field strength is calculated from the proposed effective radiated power (ERP) and the antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) in pertinent directions.
(1) The field strength is calculated using Figure 10c of § 73.699 (F(50, 10) charts) of part 73 of this chapter.
(2) A low power TV or TV translator station application will not be accepted if it specifies the same channel as one of the land mobile assignments and its field strength at the land mobile protected contour exceeds 52 dBu.
(3) A low power TV or TV translator station application will not be accepted if it specifies a channel that is one channel above or below one of the land mobile assignments and its field strength at the land mobile protected contour exceeds 76 dBu.
(e) To protect stations in the Offshore Radio Service, a low power TV or TV translator station construction permit application will not be accepted if it specifies operation on channels 15, 16, 17 or 18 in the following areas. West Longitude and North Latitude are abbreviated as W.L. and N.L. respectively.
(1) On Channel 15: west of 92°00′ W.L.; east of 98°30′ W.L.; and south of a line extending due west from 30°30′ N.L., 92°00′ W.L. to 30°30′ N.L., 96°00′ W.L.; and then due southwest to 28°00′ N.L., 98°30′ W.L.
(2) On Channel 16: west of 86°40′ W.L.; east of 96°30′ W.L.; and south of a line extending due west from 31°00′ N.L., 86°40′ W.L. to 31°00′ N.L., 95°00′ W.L. and then due southwest to 29°30′ N.L., 96°30′ W.L.
(3) On Channel 17: west of 86°30′ W.L.; east of 96°00′ W.L.; and south of a line extending due west from 31°00′ N.L., 86°30′ W.L. to 31°30′ N.L., 94°00′ W.L. and then due southwest to 29°30′ N.L., 96°00′ W.L.
(4) On Channel 18: west of 87°00′ W.L.; east of 95°00′ W.L.; and south of 31°00′ N.L.
The Chief, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau waived the rules of this section to allow channel 15 to be used for land mobile operation in Los Angeles County, CA (DA 08-2823; adopted December 30, 2008). Notwithstanding the channels listed in paragraph (a) or (b)(2) of this section, the waiver requires LPTV and translator stations to protect this land mobile operation.
§ 74.710   [Reserved]
§ 74.720   Digital low power TV distributed transmission systems.
(a) A digital low power TV or TV translator (LPTV) station may be authorized to operate multiple synchronized transmitters on its assigned channel to provide service consistent with the requirements of this section. Such operation is called a distributed transmission system (DTS). Except as expressly provided in this section, LPTV stations operating a DTS facility must comply with all rules in this part applicable to LPTV single-transmitter stations.
(b) For purposes of compliance with this section, a digital LPTV station's “authorized facility” is the facility authorized for the station in a license or construction permit for non-DTS, single-transmitter-location operation. A digital LPTV station's “authorized service area” is defined as the area within its protected contour (described by § 74.792) as determined using the authorized facility.
(c) The protected area for each DTS transmitter is determined based on the F(50,90) field strength given in § 74.792), calculated in accordance with § 73.625(b) of this chapter. The combined protected area of an LPTV DTS station is the logical union of the protected areas of all DTS transmitters, that falls within the station's authorized service area as defined in paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) The DTS limiting area for each DTS transmitter is determined using the field strength from § 74.792 and the F(50,50) curves.
(e) An application proposing use of DTS will not be accepted for filing unless it meets all of the following conditions:
(1) The combined protected area covers all of the applicant's authorized service area;
(2) Each DTS transmitter's LPTV DTS limiting contour falls within the authorized facility's LPTV DTS limiting contour;
(3) Each DTS transmitter's protected area is contiguous with at least one other DTS transmitter's protected area;
(4) The “combined field strength” of all DTS transmitters in a network does not cause interference to another station in excess of the criteria specified in § 74.793. The combined field strength at a given location is determined by a “root-sum-square” calculation, in which the combined field strength is equal to the square root of the sum of the squared field strengths from each transmitter in the DTS network at that location; and
(5) Each DTS transmitter must be located within the station's authorized service area.
(f) All transmitters operating under a single LPTV DTS license must follow the same digital broadcast television transmission standard.
§ 74.731   [Reserved]
§ 74.732   Eligibility and licensing requirements.
(a) A license for a low power TV or TV translator station may be issued to any qualified individual, organized group of individuals, broadcast station licensee, or local civil governmental body.
(b) More than one low power TV or TV translator station may be licensed to the same applicant whether or not such stations serve substantially the same area. Low power TV and TV translator stations are not counted for purposes of § 73.3555, concerning multiple ownership.
(c) Only one channel will be assigned to each low power TV or TV translator station. Additional low power or translator stations may be authorized to provide additional reception. A separate application is required for each station and each application must be complete in all respects.
(d) The FCC will not act on applications for new low power TV or TV translator stations, for changes in facilities of existing stations, or for changes in output channel tendered by displaced stations pursuant to § 73.3572(a)(1), when such changes will result in a major change until the applicable time for filing a petition to deny has passed pursuant to § 73.3584(c).
(e) A proposal to change the primary TV station being retransmitted or an application of a licensed translator station to include low power TV station operation, i.e., program origination will be subject only to a notification requirement.
(f) Applications for transfer of ownership or control of a low power TV or TV translator station will be subject to petitions to deny.
(g)-(h) [Reserved]
§ 74.733   [Reserved]
§ 74.734   Attended and unattended operation.
(a) Low power TV and TV translator stations may be operated without a designated person in attendance if the following requirements are met:
(1) If the transmitter site cannot be promptly reached at all hours and in all seasons, means shall be provided so that the transmitting apparatus can be turned on and off at will from a point that readily is accessible at all hours and in all seasons.
(2) The transmitter also shall be equipped with suitable automatic circuits that will place it in a nonradiating condition in the absence of a signal on the input channel or circuit.
(3) The transmitting and the ON/OFF control, if at a location other than the transmitter site, shall be adequately protected against tampering by unauthorized persons.
(4) A notification must be filed with the FCC via a Change of Control Point Notice in LMS providing the name, address, and telephone number of a person or persons who may be called to secure suspension of operation of the transmitter promptly should such action be deemed necessary by the FCC. Such information shall be kept current by the licensee.
(5) In cases where the antenna and supporting structure are considered to be a hazard to air navigation and are required to be painted and lighted under the provisions of part 17 of the Rules, the licensee shall make suitable arrangements for the daily observations, when required, and lighting equipment inspections required by §§ 17.37 and 17.38 of the FCC rules.
(b) An application for authority to construct a new low power TV station (when rebroadcasting the programs of another station) or TV translator station or to make changes in the facilities of an authorized station, and that proposes unattended operation, shall include an adequate showing as to the manner of compliance with this section.
§ 74.735   Power limitations.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) The maximum ERP of a low power TV or TV translator station (average power) shall not exceed:
(1) 3 kW for VHF channels 2-13; and
(2) 15 kW for UHF channels 14-36.
(c) The limits in paragraph (b) of this section apply to the effective radiated power in the horizontally polarized plane. For either omnidirectional or directional antennas, where the ERP values of the vertically and horizontally polarized components are not of equal strength, the ERP limits shall apply to the horizontal polarization, and the vertical ERP shall not intentionally exceed the horizontal ERP in any direction. Applications proposing the use of directional antenna systems must be accompanied by the following:
(1) Complete description of the proposed antenna system, including the manufacturer and model number of the proposed directional antenna. It is not acceptable to label the antenna with only a generic term such as “Yagi” or “Dipole”. A specific model number must be provided. In the case of individually designed antennas with no model number, or in the case of a composite antenna composed of two or more individual antennas, the antenna should be described as a “custom” or “composite” antenna, as appropriate. A full description of the design of the antenna should also be submitted.
(2) Relative field azimuth plane pattern (patterns for both horizontal and vertical polarization should be included if elliptical or circular polarization is used) of the proposed directional antenna. A value of 1.0 should be used for the maximum radiation in the horizontal polarization. The plot of the pattern should be oriented so that 0° corresponds to the maximum radiation of the directional antenna or, alternatively in the case of a symmetrical pattern, to the line of symmetry. The 0° on the plot should be referenced to the actual azimuth with respect to true North.
(3) A tabulation of the relative field pattern required in paragraph (c)(2), of this section. The tabulation should use the same zero degree reference as the plotted pattern, and be tabulated at least every 10°. In addition, tabulated values of all maximas and minimas, with their corresponding azimuths, should be submitted.
(4) All azimuth plane patterns must be plotted in a PDF attachment to the application in a size sufficient to be easily viewed.
(5) The horizontal plane patterns that are required are the patterns for the complete directional antenna system. In the case of a composite antenna composed of two or more individual antennas, this means that the patterns for the composite antenna composed of two or more individual antennas, not the patterns for each of the individual antennas, must be submitted.
(6) If an elevation pattern is submitted in the application form, similar tabulations and PDF attachments shall be provided for the elevation pattern.
(7) If a matrix pattern is submitted in the application form, similar tabulations shall be provided as necessary in the form of a spreadsheet to accurately represent the pattern.
§ 74.736   [Reserved]
§ 74.737   Antenna location.
(a) An applicant for a new low power TV or TV translator station or for a change in the facilities of an authorized station shall endeavor to select a site that will provide a line-of-sight transmission path to the entire area intended to be served and at which there is available a suitable signal from the primary station, if any, that will be retransmitted.
(b) The transmitting antenna should be placed above growing vegetation and trees lying in the direction of the area intended to be served, to minimize the possibility of signal absorption by foliage.
(c) A site within 8 kilometers of the area intended to be served is to be preferred if the conditions in paragraph (a) of this section can be met.
(d) Consideration should be given to the accessibility of the site at all seasons of the year and to the availability of facilities for the maintenance and operation of the transmitting equipment.
(e) The transmitting antenna should be located as near as is practical to the transmitter to avoid the use of long transmission lines and the associated power losses.
(f) Consideration should be given to the existence of strong radio frequency fields from other transmitters at the site of the transmitting equipment and the possibility that such fields may result in the retransmissions of signals originating on frequencies other than that of the primary station being rebroadcast.
§ 74.750   Transmission system facilities.
(a) A low power TV or TV translator station shall operate with a transmitter that is either certificated for licensing under the provisions of this subpart or type notified for use under part 73 of this chapter.
(b) External preamplifiers also may be used provided that they do not cause improper operation of the transmitting equipment, and use of such preamplifiers is not necessary to meet the provisions of § 74.795(b).
(c) through (d) [Reserved]
(e) The following procedures shall apply:
(1) Any manufacturer of apparatus intended for use at low power TV or TV translator stations may request certification by following the procedures set forth in part 2, subpart J, of this chapter.
(2) Low power TV and TV translator transmitting apparatus that has been certificated by the FCC will normally be authorized without additional measurements from the applicant or licensee.
(3) Applications for certification of modulators to be used with existing certificated TV translator apparatus must include the specifications electrical and mechanical interconnecting requirements for the apparatus with which it is designed to be used.
(4) Other rules concerning certification, including information regarding withdrawal of type acceptance, modification of certificated equipment, and limitations on the findings upon which certification is based, are set forth in part 2, subpart J, of this chapter.
(f) The transmitting antenna system may be designed to produce horizontal, elliptical, or circular polarization.
(g) Low power TV or TV translator stations installing new certificated transmitting apparatus incorporating modulating equipment need not make equipment performance measurements and shall so indicate on the station license application. Stations adding new or replacing modulating equipment in existing low power TV or TV translator station transmitting apparatus must have a qualified person examine the transmitting system after installation. A report of the methods, measurements, and results must be kept in the station records. However, stations installing modulating equipment solely for the limited local origination of signals permitted by § 74.790 need not comply with the requirements of this paragraph (g).
§ 74.751   Modification of transmission systems.
(a) No change, either mechanical or electrical, may be made in apparatus which has been certificated by the Commission without prior authority of the Commission. If such prior authority has been given to the manufacturer of certificated equipment, the manufacturer may issue instructions for such changes citing its authority. In such cases, individual licensees are not required to secure prior Commission approval but shall notify the Commission when such changes are completed.
(b) Formal application (FCC Form 2100, Schedule C) is required for any of the following changes:
(1) Replacement of the transmitter as a whole, except replacement with a transmitter of identical power rating which has been certificated by the FCC for use by low power TV and TV translator stations, or any change which could result in a change in the electrical characteristics or performance of the station.
(2) Any change in the transmitting antenna system, including the direction of radiation, directive antenna pattern, antenna gain, transmission line loss characteristics, or height of antenna center of radiation.
(3) Any change in the overall height of the antenna structure, except where notice to the Federal Aviation Administration is specifically not required under § 17.14(b) of this chapter.
(4) Any horizontal change of the location of the antenna.
(5) A change in frequency assignment.
(6) [Reserved]
(7) A change of authorized operating power.
(c) Notwithstanding the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section, a station may file in LMS a correction of geographic coordinates where the change is 3 seconds or fewer in latitude and/or 3 seconds or fewer in longitude, provided there is no physical change in location and no other licensed parameters are changed. An exhibit should be attached to the application(s) specifying that it is a coordinate correction.
(d) Upon installation of new or replacement transmitting equipment for which prior FCC authority is not required under the provisions of this section, the licensee must place in the station records a certification that the new installation complies in all respects with the technical requirements of this part and the station authorization.
§ 74.761   [Reserved]
§ 74.762   Frequency measurements.
(a) The licensee of a low power TV station or a TV translator station must measure the frequency of its output channel as often as necessary to ensure operation consistent with the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standard (see § 73.682 of this chapter; for ATSC 1.0, § 73.682(d), ATSC A/53 Part 2, and for ATSC 3.0, § 73.682(f)(2)), and at least once each calendar year at intervals not exceeding 14 months.
(b) In the event that a low power TV or TV translator station is found to be operating inconsistent with the standard in paragraph (a) of this section, the licensee promptly shall suspend operation of the transmitter and shall not resume operation until the transmitter has been restored to its assigned frequency.
§ 74.763   Time of operation.
(a) A low power TV or TV translator station is not required to adhere to any regular schedule of operation. However, the licensee of a TV translator station is expected to provide service to the extent that such is within its control and to avoid unwarranted interruptions in the service provided.
(b) In the event that causes beyond the control of the low power TV or TV translator station licensee make it impossible to continue operating, the licensee may discontinue operation for a period of not more than 30 days without further authority from the FCC. Notification must be sent to the FCC via a Suspension of Operations Notice filing in LMS, not later than the 10th day of discontinued operation. During such period, the licensee shall continue to adhere to the requirements in the station license pertaining to the lighting of antenna structures. In the event normal operation is restored prior to the expiration of the 30 day period, the FCC shall be notified via a Resumption of Operations Notice filing in LMS of the date normal operations resumed. If causes beyond the control of the licensee make it impossible to comply within the allowed period, a request for Special Temporary Authority (see § 73.1635 of this chapter) shall be made to the FCC no later than the 30th day for such additional time as may be deemed necessary via LMS.
(c) Failure of a low power TV or TV translator station to operate for a period of 30 days or more, except for causes beyond the control of the licensee, shall be deemed evidence of discontinuation of operation and the license of the station may be cancelled at the discretion of the FCC. Furthermore, the station's license will expire as a matter of law, without regard to any causes beyond control of the licensee, if the station fails to transmit broadcast signals for any consecutive 12-month period, notwithstanding any provision, term, or condition of the license to the contrary.
(d) A television broadcast translator station shall not be permitted to radiate during extended periods when signals of the primary station are not being retransmitted.
§ 74.769   Familiarity with FCC rules.
Each licensee or permittee of a station authorized under this subpart shall be familiar with those rules relating to stations authorized under this subpart. Copies of the Commission's rules may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Publishing Office, Washington, DC 20401, or accessed online at https://www.ecfr.gov or https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR.
§ 74.779   Electronic delivery of notices to LPTV stations.
In accordance with § 76.1600 of this title, beginning July 31, 2020, each licensee of a low power television station or noncommercial educational translator station that is entitled to notices under § 76.64(k), § 76.1601, § 76.1607, or § 76.1617 of this title shall receive such notices via email to the licensee's email address (not a contact representative's email address, if different from the licensee's email address) as displayed publicly in the Commission's Licensing and Management System (LMS), or the primary station's carriage-related email address if the noncommercial educational translator station does not have its own email address listed in LMS. Licensees are responsible for the continuing accuracy and completeness of this information.
§ 74.780   Broadcast regulations applicable to translators and low power stations.
The following rules are applicable to TV translator and low power TV stations:
(a) 47 CFR part 5—Experimental authorizations.
(b) 47 CFR 73.658—Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements.
(c) 47 CFR part 11—Emergency Alert System (for low power TV stations locally originating programming as defined by § 74.701(h)).
(d) 47 CFR 73.1030—Notifications concerning interference to radio astronomy, research, and receiving installations.
(e) 47 CFR 73.1206—Broadcast of telephone conversations.
(f) 47 CFR 73.1207—Rebroadcasts.
(g) 47 CFR 73.1208—Broadcast of taped, filmed, or recorded material.
(h) 47 CFR 73.1211—Broadcast of lottery information.
(i) 47 CFR 73.1212—Sponsorship identifications; list retention; related requirements.
(j) 47 CFR 73.1216—Licensee-conducted contests.
(k) 47 CFR 73.1515—Special field test authorizations.
(l) 47 CFR 73.1615—Operation during modification of facilities.
(m) 47 CFR 73.1635—Special temporary authorizations (STA).
(n) 47 CFR 73.1650—International agreements.
(o) 47 CFR 73.1680—Emergency antennas.
(p) 47 CFR 73.1692—Reserved.
(q) 47 CFR 73.1940—Legally qualified candidates for public office.
(r) 47 CFR 73.2080—Equal employment opportunities (for low power TV stations only).
(s) 47 CFR 73.3500—Application and report forms.
(t) 47 CFR 73.3511—Applications required.
(u) 47 CFR 73.3512—Where to file; number of copies.
(v) 47 CFR 73.3513—Signing of applications.
(w) 47 CFR 73.3514—Content of applications.
(x) 47 CFR 73.3516—Specification of facilities.
(y) 47 CFR 73.3517—Contingent applications.
(z) 47 CFR 73.3518—Inconsistent or conflicting applications.
(aa) 47 CFR 73.3519—Repetitious applications.
(bb) 47 CFR 73.3521—Mutually exclusive applications for low power TV and TV translator stations.
(cc) 47 CFR 73.3522—Amendment of applications.
(dd) 47 CFR 73.3525—Agreements for removing application conflicts.
(ee) 47 CFR 73.3533—Application for construction permit or modification of construction permit.
(ff) 47 CFR 73.3536—Application for license to cover construction permit.
(gg) 47 CFR 73.3538(a)(1), (3), and (4) and (b)—Application to make changes in an existing station.
(hh) 47 CFR 73.3539—Application for renewal of license.
(ii) 47 CFR 73.3540—Application for voluntary assignment or transfer of control.
(jj) 47 CFR 73.3541—Application for involuntary assignment of license or transfer of control.
(kk) 47 CFR 73.3542—Application for emergency authorization.
(ll) 47 CFR 73.3544—Application to obtain a modified station license.
(mm) 47 CFR 73.3545—Application for permit to deliver programs to foreign stations.
(nn) 47 CFR 73.3550—Requests for new or modified call sign assignments.
(oo) 47 CFR 73.3561—Staff consideration of applications requiring Commission action.
(pp) 47 CFR 73.3562—Staff consideration of applications not requiring action by the Commission.
(qq) 47 CFR 73.3564—Acceptance of applications.
(rr) 47 CFR 73.3566—Defective applications.
(ss) 47 CFR 73.3568—Dismissal of applications.
(tt) 47 CFR 73.3572—Processing of TV broadcast, low power TV, and TV translator station applications.
(uu) 47 CFR 73.3580—Local public notice of filing of broadcast applications.
(vv) 47 CFR 73.3584—Petitions to deny.
(ww) 47 CFR 73.3587—Informal objections.
(xx) 47 CFR 73.3591—Grants without hearing.
(yy) 47 CFR 73.3593—Designation for hearing.
(zz) 47 CFR 73.3594—Local public notice of designation for hearing.
(aaa) 47 CFR 73.3597—Procedures on transfer and assignment applications.
(bbb) 47 CFR 73.3598—Period of construction.
(ccc) 47 CFR 73.3601—Simultaneous modification and renewal of license.
(ddd) 47 CFR 73.3603—Special waiver procedure relative to applications.
(eee) 47 CFR 73.3612—Annual employment report (for low power TV stations only).
(fff) 47 CFR 73.3613—Availability to FCC of station contracts (network affiliation contracts for low power TV stations only).