[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 30, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28079-28080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-13115]



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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 80, 90, and 95

[WT Docket No. 95-56, FCC 95-174]


Low Power Radio and Automated Maritime Telecommunications Systems 
Operations in the 216-217 MHz Band

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Commission had adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making 
which seeks to permit the shared use of the 216-217 MHz band, on a 
secondary, non-interference basis, for a new Low Power Radio Service to 
include law enforcement tracking systems, auditory assistance devices 
for the hearing-impaired, and health care assistance devices for 
disabled and ill persons. Further, the Commission seeks to permit 
Automated Maritime Telecommunications Systems (AMTS) coast stations to 
also share this band on a secondary, non-interference basis for point-
to-point network control communications. This action stems from the 
Commission's Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Notice of Inquiry in PR 
Docket 92-257 which sought to compile a record of viable, alternative 
uses for this one megahertz of maritime mobile spectrum. Thus, the 
proposed rules should aid law enforcement efforts in the recovery of 
stolen goods, further the goals of the Americans With Disabilities Act 
of 1990 (ADA), increase access to educational and health care 
opportunities for persons with disabilities and illnesses, increase the 
number of channels available to the AMTS for operational control 
communications, and promote the efficient use of maritime spectrum.

DATES: Comments must be filed on or before July 18, 1995, and reply 
comments must be filed on or before August 17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Roger Noel of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rule Making, WT Docket No. 95-56, FCC 95-174, adopted April 
25, 1995, and released, May 16, 1995. The [[Page 28080]] full text of 
this Notice of Proposed Rule Making is available for inspection and 
copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 
239) 1919 M Street, NW. Washington, DC. The complete text may be 
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, International 
Transcription Services, 2100 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037, 
telephone (202) 857-3800.

Summary of Notice of Proposed Rule Making

    1. The Commission initiated the instant proceeding to explore 
alternative uses of the 216-217 MHz band. Presently, this one megahertz 
of spectrum is allocated on a primary basis to the AMTS. In 1992, 
however, the Commission reallocated one megahertz of radio spectrum 
from the AMTS to the Interactive Video and Data Service (IVDS), 
effectively ``orphaning'' the 216-217 MHz band. Thus, in PR Docket 92-
257, the Commission sought alternative uses for the spectrum that would 
not cause harmful interference to adjacent Television Channel 13 
operations 9210-216 MHz).
    2. The Commission proposes to permit a new Low Power Radio Service 
and AMTS coast station to share this one megahertz of spectrum on a 
secondary basis. Low Power Radio Services would include law enforcement 
tracking system, auditory assistance devices for the hearing impaired, 
and health care assistance devices for disabled and ill persons. A law 
enforcement tracking system includes extremely small radio transmitters 
attached to money and goods that are likely to be stolen. When 
activated, the small transmitters emit a low power signal that can be 
tracked by direction finding equipment, allowing authorities to quickly 
recover the stolen money or goods. An auditory assistance system 
consists of a short range transmitter and special receivers that allow 
persons with hearing disabilities to enjoy educational or entertaining 
audio presentations. Similarly, low power health care aids could be 
used for short range, one-way medical telemetry. Finally, AMTS coast 
stations could utilize highly directional antennas to transmit network 
control communications, thereby increasing system efficiencies.
    3. There are forty, 25 kHz channels available in the 216-217 MHz 
band. The Commission proposes to allocate thirty channels (216.0125-
216.7375 MHz) to the Low Power Radio Service and ten channels 
(216.7625-216.9875 MHz) for AMTS point-to-point communications. The 
twenty channels closest to TV Channel 13 would be limited to 100 
milliwatts transmitter output power, and the other twenty channels 
would be limited to 1 watt. The Low Power Radio Service (excluding two 
channels set aside exclusively for law enforcement tracking systems) 
would be administered under Part 95 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 
part 95. The exclusive tracking system channels would be administered 
under the Police Radio Service in Part 90. Further, the AMTS channels 
would be administered under the maritime service rules in Part 80.
    4. Under the proposed rules, authorizations in the Low Power Radio 
Service would be granted based on Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) 
and Rural Statistical Areas (RSAs). The Commission did not propose to 
place a limit on the number of licensees per MSA and RSA or the total 
number of licenses a single entity could obtain. AMTS coast stations 
would simply add the new channels to their current station 
authorization. The Commission seeks specific comments concerning the 
proposed rule amendments.
    5. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

Reason for Action

    The Commission proposes to allow low power devices to share 
Automated Maritime Traffic System frequencies in the 216-217 MHz band.

Objectives

    We seek to make better use of currently unused portions of the 
spectrum while taking advantage of alternative low power technologies.

Legal Basis

    The proposed action is authorized under Sections 4(i) and 303(r) of 
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and 
303(r).

Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance Requirements

    Our proposed addition of 47 CFR 95.1031 would require the low power 
transmitters to be type accepted by the Commission.

Federal Rules Which Overlap, Duplicate or Conflict with These Rules

    None.

Description, Potential Impact, and Small Entities Involved

    Allowing low power devices to be licensed in the 216-217 MHz band 
would use the radio spectrum more efficiently, assist law enforcement 
organizations, and facilitate implementation of the provisions of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Any Significant Alternatives Minimizing the Impact on Small Entities 
Consistent With the Stated Objectives

    None.

Lists of Subjects

47 CFR Part 80

    Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

47 CFR Part 90

    Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

47 CFR Part 95

    Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

    Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-13115 Filed 5-26-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M