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Order on Reconsideration: Difference between revisions
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== FCC decisions in response to the petitions == | == FCC decisions in response to the petitions == | ||
=== Third adjacent channel protection === | |||
The FCC generally affirms the decisions reached in the ''Order'' but makes some changes to address issues raised on ''reconsideration'': | |||
==== Radio Reading Services ==== | |||
A vulnerability was identified by NPR in respect to FM stations operating a Radio Reading Service because radios designed to receive subcarrier (or Subsidiary Communications Authority or SCA) broadcasts are more vulnerable to interference than mass marketed receivers. As a result, the FCC has identified a list of FM broadcast stations that are reported to be operating SCAs for Radio Reading Services. The FCC has extended third-adjacent channel protection requirements to any full-service FM station that is carrying a radio reading service. | |||
=== LPFM interference to the input of an FM translator === | |||
While the FCC denied the National Translator Association's request that interference to the input channel of an FM translator should be considered during the application process, the FCC agreed that any actual interference issues should be addressed. Therefore, if it turns out that the LPFM station causes interference with a translator's input signal in use at the time when the LPFM station is authorized, the LPFM must immediately cease operations until appropriate remedial action is taken. | |||
=== Directional antennas for public safety and transportation === | |||
At the suggestion of the New York State Thruway Authority, the FCC will permit LPFM stations operated for public safety reasons to be use directional antennas. NYSTA argued that the use of directional antennas will prevent signal energy from reaching unpopulated areas. The FCC amended §73.816 to reflect this. | |||
== Clarifications to the ''Report and Order'' == | |||
=== FM Translator protection to LP-100 stations === | |||
The FCC clarified that until an LP-100 station is on the air and licensed, it must be protected by FM Translator stations at the maximum ERP permitted to the LPFM station. This is because when LP-100 stations are authorized, they will be assigned a minimum and maximum ERP. For example, an LPFM station authorized to operate a maximum 100 watts ERP will be authorized at a minimum of 50 watts ERP. Once the LPFM station is licensed, then translators will protect the LPFM station at the actual ERP the station is operating. The FCC amended §74.1204(a) in order to clarify this. | |||
== Changes made by the Commission on their own motion == | |||
=== Protection to low-power TV stations on Channel 6 === | |||
In this ''Order'', the FCC recognized that no distance separation chart was put in for low power TV (LPTV) stations and TV translator stations operating on Channel 6. As a result, §73.825 was amended to add a second set of distance separation charts for LP-100 and LP-10 towards LPTV Channel 6 stations. | |||
=== LP-10 distance separation tables === | |||
Contours are normally based on a group of curves which looks at the ERP and HAAT. When the ERP is at such low level and the field strength is so strong that the distances are so short, that a "free space" calculation is used as opposed to the curves. If computing a distance using free-space results in a distance longer than 1.6 kilometers, then the distance is considered 1.6 kilometers. When the FCC did the distance separation charts for protections to Canada, it turned out that the second-adjacent channel requirements for LP-10 stations was longer than the distances for LP-100. This was because staff used the full free-space distance instead of capping at 1.6 km. The FCC amends §73.807(g) to address this anomaly. | |||
=== Protection to foreign low power facilities === | |||
The original ''Report and Order'' did not take into consideration any protections to low power FM facilities in Canada and Mexico. The FCC amends §73.807(g) to address this. | |||
== Denied reconsideration requests == | |||
In addition to the issues already discussed, the FCC denied reconsideration on various issues including: | |||
* The decision to continue protecting second-adjacent channel stations. | |||
* The decision to not authorize any LP-1000 stations. | |||
* The decision to not authorize any LPFM service classes as primary service. | |||
* The decision to not authorize a commercial LPFM service. | |||
* Adopting a new requirement for modulation monitors to prevent overmodulation. | |||
* Changing the cut-off date used for the protection of other stations for applications filed in the window. | |||
* Added protection requirements for LPFM stations located near cable TV headend facilities. | |||
{{LpfmProceedings}} | |||