73.816: Difference between revisions

In some rare cases, LPFM stations may operate directional antennas.  For most LPFM stations, a directional antenna does not provide any benefit, if anything, using a directional antenna would actually decrease the station's overall coverage.  There is a common misunderstanding that directional antennas will provide "more range".  Much of this misconception comes from those who are familiar with directional antennas used in the Amateur Radio Service and does not take into consideration the limitations of Effective Radiated Power (ERP) in the broadcast services.

This rule was originally enacted in the 2000 ''LPFM Report and Order'' with an across-the-board prohibition on directional antennas.  In the ''Order on Reconsideration'' enacted in September, 2000 at the request of the New York State Thruway Authority, the rule was amended to allow for directional antennas operating LPFM stations for a traveler's information station.  In the 2012 ''Sixth Report and Order'', the FCC allowed for the use of second adjacent channel waivers.  With those new rules came the ability for LPFM stations to use directional antennas solely to meet a second-adjacent channel short-spacing issue in addition to the existing exempt use for Travelers Information Service.  In 2020, the ''LPFM Tech Order'' expanded the scope of directional antennas where they could be used for any purpose.  At that time, the FCC required that LPFM stations using a directional antenna would need to get a proof of performance (which would be expanded in a subsequent non-LPFM proceeding to allow for computer modeling), as well as the verification process.  The 2020 order did exempt specific activities from the proof and verification requirements including second-adjacent waiver, travelers information service and for the first time, due to international agreement.