73.825

This rule is being considered by the FCC for amendment in a rulemaking proceeding.

Part 73, Subpart G, Section 73.825 is a regulation that addresses the minimum distance separations between LPFM stations operating on the Reserved Band channels 201 through 220 (88.1 to 91.9 MHz) with television stations operating on Channel 6.

Protection of TV Channel 6

Related article: Required minimum distance separation to TV facilities

LPFM stations operating on the reserved band frequencies 88.1 to 91.9 (Channels 201 to 220) must provide protection to TV stations operating on radio frequency (RF) channel 6 (82-88 MHz). LPFM stations can demonstrate protection through the use of a distance separation chart. There are separate distance separation charts for full-power TV stations and for low-power TV (LPTV) facilities including LPTV stations, class A TV stations, TV translators and digital replacement translator stations.

LPFM stations may waive the distance separation requirements by getting a letter of consent from the impacted TV station.

LPFM stations that do not meet the distance separation requirements may conduct a technical study and request a waiver using the contour method that applies to FM translators as outlined in §74.1205 of the FCC Rules. Applicants using the waiver method must notify the impacted TV station of the LPFM proposal.

Rule being considered for elimination

FM facilities in the reserved band must provide protection to TV stations operating on Channel 6. The original rules for full-service noncommercial FM stations and FM translators was created in 1985 to address concerns that older TV receivers from the 1960s and 1970s would receive interference from FM stations. This LPFM rule is a byproduct of the full-service FM rule.

The FCC is currently considering in MB Docket 03-185 to completely repeal the three FM to TV6 rules (§§ 73.525, 73,825 and 74.1205). In the larger part of the proceeding, the FCC is considering the future of LPTV stations operating analog audio carriers on 87.75 MHz (also referred to as "FM6" or "Franken FM") and the potential for FM expansion into the Channel 6 spectrum on a shared basis with TV stations.

In support to repealing the rule, National Public Radio noted that the rule applies to analog television since the digital transition, there has been a 100 percent change in consumer receiving equipment and that modern receivers are more resistant to this type of interference.

Opposing the rule repeal includes National Association of Broadcasters, America's Public Television Stations (PBS) and WPVI-TV, Philadelphia, PA.