[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 119 (Monday, June 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33875-33880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16513]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 73 and 74

[MM Docket No. 98-93; FCC 98-117]


1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Streamlining of Radio Technical 
Rules

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On June 15, 1998, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed 
Rule Making and Order. The Commission adopted a number of changes in 
this proceeding to promote greater technical flexibility in the FM 
service and to streamline and expedite the processing of applications 
in several services.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 22, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Doyle, Dale Bickel or William 
Scher, Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau (202) 418-2780.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rule Making and Order (Order) in MM Docket No. 98-93 and 
FCC No. 98-117, adopted June 11, 1998 and released June 15, 1998. The 
complete text of this Order is available for inspection and copying 
during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 
1919 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554 and may also be purchased from 
the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, 
(202) 857-3800 (phone), (202) 857-3805 (facsimile), 1231 20th St., 
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.

Synopsis of Order

    1. The Commission is making a number of amendments to the FM 
technical rules in order to clarify existing rules. Because these 
amendments are non-controversial and will have no adverse effect on any 
party, we find that notice and comment procedures are unnecessary and 
need not be followed prior to their adoption.

Ordering Clauses

    2. Accordingly, it is ordered, that these minor rule changes shall 
become effective July 22, 1998.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 73

    Radio, reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 74

    Radio, reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Deputy Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Accordingly, Parts 73 and 74 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334 and 336.

    2. Amend Sec. 73.45 by revising paragraph (c) introductory text and 
paragraph (c)(2) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.45  AM antenna systems.

* * * * *
    (c) Should any changes be made or otherwise occur which would 
possibly alter the resistance of the antenna system, the licensee must 
commence the determination of the operating power by

[[Page 33876]]

a method described in Sec. 73.51(a)(1) or (d). (If the changes are due 
to the construction of FM or TV transmitting facilities, see 
Secs. 73.316, 73.685, and 73.1692.) Upon completion of any necessary 
repairs or adjustments, or upon completion of authorized construction 
or modifications, the licensee must make a new determination of the 
antenna resistance using the procedures described in Sec. 73.54. 
Operating power should then be determined by a direct method as 
described in Sec. 73.51. Notification of the value of resistance of the 
antenna system must be filed with the FCC in Washington, DC as follows:
    (1) * * *
    (2) Whenever AM stations use direct reading power meters pursuant 
to Sec. 73.51, a letter notification to the FCC in Washington, DC, 
Attention: Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, must be filed in 
accordance with Sec. 73.54(e).
    3. Amend Sec. 73.54 by revising paragraph (d) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec. 73.54  Antenna resistance and reactance measurements.

* * * * *
    (d) A letter of notification must be filed with the FCC in 
Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, 
when determining power by the direct method pursuant to Section 73.51 
and must specify the antenna or common point resistance at the 
operating frequency. The following information must also be kept on 
file at the station:
* * * * *
    4. Amend Sec. 73.58 by revising paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.58  Indicating instruments.

* * * * *
    (f) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee prevent the 
restoration of the meter to service within the above allowed period, 
information requested in accordance with Sec. 73.3549 may be filed by 
letter with the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services 
Division, Mass Media Bureau, to request additional time as may be 
required to complete repairs of the defective instrument.
    5. Amend Sec. 73.68 by revising paragraph (b), the note following 
paragraph (b) and paragraph (d)(1) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.68  Sampling systems for antenna monitors.

* * * * *
    (b) A station having an antenna sampling system constructed 
according to the specifications given in paragraph (a) of this section 
may obtain approval of that system by submitting an informal letter 
request to the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services 
Division, Mass Media Bureau. The request for approval, signed by the 
licensee or authorized representative, must contain sufficient 
information to show that the sampling system is in compliance with all 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.

    Note to paragraph (b): A public notice dated December 9, 1985 
giving additional information on approval of antenna sampling 
systems is available through the Internet at <a href="http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/
asd/decdoc/letter/1985-12-09_sample.html">http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/
asd/decdoc/letter/1985-12-09_sample.html</a>.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (1) Special Temporary Authority (see Sec. 73.1635) shall be 
requested and obtained from the Commission's Audio Services Division, 
Mass Media Bureau in Washington to operate with parameters at variance 
with licensed values pending issuance of a modified license specifying 
parameters subsequent to modification or replacement of components.
* * * * *
    6. Amend Sec. 73.69 by revising paragraphs (c) and (d)(5) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 73.69  Antenna monitors.

* * * * *
    (c) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee prevent the 
restoration of the monitor to service within the allowed period, an 
informal letter request in accordance with Sec. 73.3549 of the 
Commission's rules must be filed with the FCC, Attention: Audio 
Services Division, Mass Media Bureau in Washington, DC for such 
additional time as may be required to complete repairs of the defective 
instrument.
    (d) * * *
    (5) An informal letter request for modification of license shall be 
submitted to the FCC, Attention: Audio Services Division, Mass Media 
Bureau in Washington, DC within 30 days of the date of monitor 
replacement. Such request shall specify the make, type, and serial 
number of the replacement monitor, phase and sample current 
indications, and other data obtained pursuant to paragraph (d) of this 
section.
* * * * *
    7. Amend Sec. 73.151 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text 
and (a)(1) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec. 73.151  Field strength measurements to establish performance of 
directional antennas.

    (a) In addition to the information required by the license 
application form, the following showing must be submitted to establish, 
for each mode of directional operation, that the effective measured 
field strength (RMS) at 1 kilometer (km) is not less than 85 percent of 
the effective measured field strength (RMS) specified for the standard 
radiation pattern, or less than that specified in Sec. 73.189(b) for 
the class of station involved, whichever is the higher value, and that 
the measured field strength at 1 km in any direction does not exceed 
the field shown in that direction on the standard radiation pattern for 
that mode of directional operation:
    (1) A tabulation of inverse field strengths in the horizontal plane 
at 1 km, as determined from field strength measurements taken and 
analyzed in accordance with Sec. 73.186, and a statement of the 
effective measured field strength (RMS). Measurements shall be made in 
at least the following directions:
* * * * *
    8. Amend Sec. 73.213 by revising paragraph (a) introductory text to 
read as follows:


Sec. 73.213  Grandfathered short-spaced stations.

    (a) Stations at locations authorized prior to November 16, 1964, 
that did not meet the separation distances required by Sec. 73.207 and 
have remained continuously short-spaced since that time may be modified 
or relocated with respect to such short-spaced stations, provided that 
(i) any area predicted to receive interference lies completely within 
any area currently predicted to receive co-channel or first-adjacent 
channel interference as calculated in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) 
of this section, or that (ii) a showing is provided pursuant to 
paragraph (a)(2) of this section that demonstrates that the public 
interest would be served by the proposed changes.
* * * * *
    9. Amend Sec. 73.258 by revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.258  Indicating instruments.

* * * * *
    (d) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee prevent the 
restoration of the meter to service within the above allowed period, an 
informal letter request in accordance with Sec. 73.3549 may be filed 
with the FCC, Attention: Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, in 
Washington, DC for such

[[Page 33877]]

additional time as may be required to complete repairs of the defective 
instrument.
    10. Amend Sec. 73.312 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 73.312  Topographic data.

* * * * *
    (b) The Commission will not ordinarily require the submission of 
topographical maps for areas beyond 24 km (15 miles) from the antenna 
site, but the maps must include the principal city or cities to be 
served. If it appears necessary, additional data may be requested.
* * * * *
    11. Amend Sec. 73.313 by revising paragraphs (c)(2) and (d)(2) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 73.313  Prediction of coverage.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) To use the chart for other ERP values, convert the ordinate 
scale by the appropriate adjustment in dB. For example, the ordinate 
scale for an ERP of 50 kW should be adjusted by 17 dB [10 log (50 kW) = 
17 dBk], and therefore a field strength of 60 dBu would correspond to 
the field strength value at (60-17 =) 44 dBu on the chart. When 
predicting the distance to field strength contours, use the maximum ERP 
of the main radiated lobe in the pertinent azimuthal direction (do not 
account for beam tilt). When predicting field strengths over areas not 
in the plane of the maximum main lobe, use the ERP in the direction of 
such areas, determined by considering the appropriate vertical 
radiation pattern.
    (d) * * *
    (2) Where the 3 to 16 kilometers portion of a radial extends in 
whole or in part over a large body of water or extends over foreign 
territory but the 50 uV/m (34 dBu) contour encompasses land area within 
the United States beyond the 16 kilometers portion of the radial, the 
entire 3 to 16 kilometers portion of the radial must be included in the 
computation of antenna height above average terrain. However, where the 
50 uV/m (34 dBu) contour does not so encompass United States land area, 
and (i) the entire 3 to 16 kilometers portion of the radial extends 
over large bodies of water or over foreign territory, such radial must 
be completely omitted from the computation of antenna height above 
average terrain, and (ii) where a part of the 3 to 16 kilometers 
portion of a radial extends over large bodies of water or foreign 
territory, only that part of the radial extending from 3 kilometers to 
the outermost portion of land in the United States covered by the 
radial used must be used in the computation of antenna height above 
average terrain.
* * * * *
    12. Amend Sec. 73.503 by revising the note at the end of the 
section to read as follows:


Sec. 73.503  Licensing requirements and service.

* * * * *
    Note to Sec. 73.503: Commission interpretation on this rule, 
including the acceptable form of acknowledgements, may be found in 
the Second Report and Order in Docket No. 21136 (Commission Policy 
Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcast 
Stations), 86 FCC 2d 141 (1981); the Memorandum Opinion and Order in 
Docket No. 21136, 90 FCC 2d 895 (1982), and the Memorandum Opinion 
and Order in Docket 21136, 97 FCC 2d 255 (1984). See also, 
``Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of 
Educational Broadcast Stations,'' Public Notice, 7 FCC Rcd 827 
(1992), which can be retrieved through the Internet at <a href="http://
www.fcc.gov/mmb/asd/nature.html">http://
www.fcc.gov/mmb/asd/nature.html</a>.

    13. Amend Sec. 73.561 by revising paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 73.561  Operating schedule; time sharing.

* * * * *
    (c) A departure from the regular schedule set forth in a time-
sharing agreement will be permitted only in cases where a written 
agreement to that effect is reduced to writing, is signed by the 
licensees of the stations affected thereby, and is filed in triplicate 
by each licensee with the Commission, Attention: Audio Services 
Division, Mass Media Bureau, prior to the time of the proposed change. 
If time is of the essence, the actual departure in operating schedule 
may precede the actual filing of the written agreement, provided that 
appropriate notice is sent to the Commission in Washington, DC, 
Attention: Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau.
    (d) In the event that causes beyond the control of a permittee or 
licensee make it impossible to adhere to the operating schedule in 
paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section or to continue operating, the 
station may limit or discontinue operation for a period not exceeding 
30 days without further authority from the Commission, Provided, That 
notification is sent to the Commission in Washington, DC, Attention: 
Audio Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, no later than the 10th day 
of limited or discontinued operation. During such period, the permittee 
shall continue to adhere to the requirements of 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 
permittee or licensee will notify the FCC, Attention: Audio Services 
Division of the date that normal operations resumed. If causes beyond 
the control of the permittee or licensee make it impossible to comply 
within the allowed period, Special Temporary Authority (see Section 
73.1635) must be requested to remain silent for such additional time as 
deemed necessary. The license of a broadcasting station that fails to 
transmit broadcast signals for any consecutive 12 month period expires 
as a matter of law at the end of that period, notwithstanding any 
provision, term, or condition of license to the contrary.
    14. Amend Sec. 73.1350 by revising paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 73.1350  Transmission system operation.

* * * * *
    (g) Whenever a transmission system control point is established at 
a location other than the main studio or transmitter, a letter of 
notification of that location must be sent to the FCC in Washington, 
DC, Attention: Audio Services Division (radio) or Video Services 
Division (television), Mass Media Bureau, within 3 days of the initial 
use of that point. The letter should include a list of all control 
points in use, for clarity. This notification is not required if 
responsible station personnel can be contacted at the transmitter or 
studio site during hours of operation.
* * * * *
    15. Amend Sec. 73.1560 by revising paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 73.1560  Operating power and mode tolerances.

* * * * *
    (d) Reduced power operation. In the event it becomes technically 
impossible to operate at authorized power, a broadcast station may 
operate at reduced power for a period of not more than 30 days without 
specific authority from the FCC. If operation at reduced power will 
exceed 10 consecutive days, notification must be made to the FCC in 
Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services Division (radio) or Video 
Services Division (television), Mass Media Bureau, not later than the 
10th day of the lower power operation. In the event that normal power 
is restored within the 30 day period, the licensee must notify the FCC 
of the date that normal operation was restored. If causes beyond the 
control of the licensee prevent restoration of the authorized power 
within 30 days, a request for Special Temporary Authority (see

[[Page 33878]]

Sec. 73.1635) must be made to the FCC in Washington, DC for additional 
time as may be necessary.
    16. Amend Sec. 73.1680 by revising paragraph (b) introductory text 
to read as follows:


Sec. 73.1680  Emergency antennas.

* * * * *
    (b) Prior authority from the FCC is not required by licensees and 
permittees to erect and commence operations using an emergency antenna 
to restore program service to the public. However, an informal letter 
request to continue operation with the emergency antenna must be made 
within 24 hours to the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services 
Division (radio) or Video Services Division (television), Mass Media 
Bureau, within 24 hours after commencement of its use. The request is 
to include a description of the damage to the authorized antenna, a 
description of the emergency antenna, and the station operating power 
with the emergency antenna.
* * * * *
    17. Revise Sec. 73.1750 to read as follows:


Sec. 73.1750  Discontinuance of operation.

    The licensee of each station shall notify by letter the FCC in 
Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services Division (radio) or Video 
Services Division (television), Mass Media Bureau, of the permanent 
discontinuance of operation at least two days before operation is 
discontinued. Immediately after discontinuance of operation, the 
licensee shall forward the station license and other instruments of 
authorization to the FCC, Attention: Audio Services Division (radio) or 
Video Services Division (television), Mass Media Bureau, for 
cancellation. The license of any station that fails to transmit 
broadcast signals for any consecutive 12 month period expires as a 
matter of law at the end of that period, notwithstanding any provision, 
term, or condition of the license to the contrary. If a licensee 
surrenders its license pursuant to an interference reduction agreement, 
and its surrender is contingent on the grant of another application, 
the licensee must identify in its notification the contingencies 
involved.
    18. Amend Sec. 73.3542 by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 73.3542  Application for emergency authorization.

* * * * *
    (b) Emergency operating authority issued under this section may be 
cancelled or modified by the FCC without prior notice or right to 
hearing. See also Sec. 73.1250, Broadcasting Emergency Information, for 
situations in which emergency operation may be conducted without prior 
authorization, and Sec. 73.1635, Special Temporary Authorization (STA), 
for temporary operating authorizations necessitated by circumstances 
not within the ambit of this section.
    19. Amend Sec. 73.3544 by revising paragraph (b) introductory text 
to read as follows:


Sec. 73.3544  Application to obtain a modified station license.

* * * * *
    (b) An informal application, see Sec. 73.3511(b), may be filed with 
the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services Division (radio) 
or Video Services Division (television), Mass Media Bureau, to cover 
the following changes:
* * * * *
    20. Revise Sec. 73.3549 to read as follows:


Sec. 73.3549  Requests for extension of time to operate without 
required monitors, indicating instruments, and EAS encoders and 
decoders.

    Requests for extension of authority to operate without required 
monitors, transmission system indicating instruments, or encoders and 
decoders for monitoring and generating the EAS codes and Attention 
Signal should be made to the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio 
Services Division (radio) or Video Services Division (television), Mass 
Media Bureau. Such requests must contain information as to when and 
what steps were taken to repair or replace the defective equipment and 
a brief description of the alternative procedures being used while the 
equipment is out of service.
    21. Add a new Sec. 73.3617 to read as follows:


Sec. 73.3617  Broadcast information available on the Internet.

    The Mass Media Bureau and each of its Divisions provide information 
on the Internet regarding broadcast rules and policies, pending and 
completed rulemakings, and pending applications. These sites also 
include copies of public notices and texts of recent decisions. The 
Mass Media Bureau Internet address ishttp://www.fcc.gov/mmb/; the Audio 
Services Division address ishttp://www.fcc.gov/mmb/asd/; the Video 
Services Division address is http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/vsd/; the Policy 
and Rules Division address is http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/prd/; and the 
Enforcement Division address is http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/enf/.
Alphabetical Index
    22. Add the following references to the Alphabetical Index at the 
end of part 73, in alphabetical order:

Construction Near or Installation On an AM Tower........         73.1692
                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
Information available on the Internet...................         73.3617
                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
Installation On or Construction Near an AM Tower........         73.1692
                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
                                                                        

PART 74--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER 
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES

    23. The authority citation for part 74 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307 and 554.

    24. Amend Sec. 74.734 by revising paragraph (a)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 74.734  Attended and unattended operation.

    (a) * * *
    (4) A letter notification must be filed with the FCC in Washington, 
DC, Attention: Video Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, 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.
* * * * *
    25. Amend Sec. 74.751 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:

[[Page 33879]]

Sec. 74.751  Modification of transmission systems.

* * * * *
    (c) Other equipment changes not specifically referred to in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be made at the discretion of 
the licensee, provided that the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Video 
Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, is notified in writing upon the 
completion of such changes.
* * * * *
    26. Amend Sec. 74.763 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 74.763  Time of operation.

* * * * *
    (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 in Washington, DC, Attention: Video Services 
Division, Mass Media Bureau, 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 in 
Washington, DC, Attention: Video Services Division, Mass Media Bureau, 
shall be notified in writing 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 Sec. 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.
* * * * *
    27. Amend Sec. 74.784 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 74.784  Rebroadcasts.

* * * * *
    (b) The licensee of a low power TV or TV translator station shall 
not rebroadcast the programs of any other TV broadcast station or other 
station authorized under the provisions of this Subpart without 
obtaining prior consent of the station whose signals or programs are 
proposed to be retransmitted. The FCC, Attention: Video Services 
Division, Mass Media Bureau, shall be notified of the call letters of 
each station rebroadcast, and the licensee of the low power TV or TV 
broadcast translator station shall certify it has obtained written 
consent from the licensee of the station whose programs are being 
retransmitted.
* * * * *
    28. Amend Sec. 74.1231 by revising paragraph (b) introductory text 
to read as follows:


Sec. 74.1231  Purpose and permissible service.

* * * * *
    (b) An FM translator may be used for the purpose of retransmitting 
the signals of a primary FM radio broadcast station or another 
translator station the signal of which is received directly through 
space, converted, and suitably amplified. However, an FM translator 
providing fill-in service may use any terrestrial facilities to receive 
the signal that is being rebroadcast. An FM booster station or a 
noncommercial educational FM translator station that is operating on a 
reserved channel (Channels 201-220) and is owned and operated by the 
licensee of the primary noncommercial educational station it 
rebroadcasts may use alternative signal delivery means, including, but 
not limited to, satellite and terrestrial microwave facilities. 
Provided, however, that an applicant for a noncommercial educational 
translator operating on a reserved channel (Channel 201-220) and owned 
and operated by the licensee of the primary noncommercial educational 
FM station it rebroadcasts complies with either paragraph (b)(1) or 
(b)(2) of this section:
* * * * *
    29. Amend Sec. 74.1234 by revising paragraph (a)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 74.1234  Unattended operation.

    (a) * * *
    (4) The FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Services Division, 
Mass Media Bureau, shall be supplied by letter with the name, address, 
and telephone number of a person or persons who may be contacted to 
secure suspension of operation of the translator promptly should such 
action be deemed necessary by the Commission. Such information shall be 
kept current by the licensee.
* * * * *
    30. Amend Sec. 74.1235 by revising paragraph (c) and adding 
paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2) and (d)(3) to read as follows:


Sec. 74.1235  Power limitations and antenna systems.

* * * * *
    (c) The effective radiated power of FM booster stations shall be 
limited such that the predicted service contour of the booster station, 
computed in accordance with Sec. 73.313 paragraphs (a) through (d) of 
this chapter, may not extend beyond the corresponding service contour 
of the primary FM station that the booster rebroadcasts. In no event 
shall the ERP of the booster station exceed 20% of the maximum 
allowable ERP for the primary station's class.
    (d) * * *
    (1) Translator stations located within 125 kilometers of the 
Mexican border may operate with an ERP up to 50 watts (0.050 kW) ERP. A 
booster station may not produce a 34 dBu interfering contour in excess 
of 32 km from the transmitter site in the direction of the Mexican 
border, nor may the 60 dBu service contour of the booster station 
exceed 8.7 km from the transmitter site in the direction of the Mexican 
border.
    (2) Translator stations located between 125 kilometers and 320 
kilometers from the Mexican border may operate with an ERP in excess of 
50 watts, up to the maximum permitted ERP of 250 watts per 
Sec. 74.1235(b)(2). However, in no event shall the location of the 60 
dBu contour lie within 116.3 km of the Mexican border.
    (3) Applications for translator or booster stations within 320 km 
of the Canadian border may employ an ERP up to a maximum of 250 watts, 
as specified in Sec. 74.1235(a) and (b). The distance to the 34 dBu 
interfering contour may not exceed 60 km in any direction.
* * * * *
    31. Amend Sec. 74.1251 by revising paragraph (b)(6) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 74.1251  Technical and equipment modifications.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (6) Any change in the output frequency of a translator.
* * * * *
    32. Add a new Sec. 74.1290 to read as follows:


Sec. 74.1290  FM translator and booster station information available 
on the Internet.

    The Mass Media Bureau's Audio Services Division provides 
information on the Internet regarding FM translator and booster 
stations, rules, and policies at http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/asd/.

Alphabetical Index

    33. Add the following reference to the Alphabetical Index at the 
end of part 74, in alphabetical order:

[[Page 33880]]



                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
Information on the Internet, FM translator and booster                  
 stations...............................................         74.1290
                                                                        
*                  *                  *                  *              
                  *                  *                  *               
                                                                        

[FR Doc. 98-16513 Filed 6-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P