Collapse to view only § 74.682 - Station identification.

§ 74.600 - Eligibility for license.

A license for a station in this subpart will be issued only to a television broadcast station, a Class A TV station, a television broadcast network-entity, a low power TV station, or a TV translator station.

[ 65 FR 30011, May 10, 2000]

§ 74.601 - Classes of TV broadcast auxiliary stations.

(a) TV pickup stations. A land mobile station used for the transmission of TV program material and related communications from scenes of events occurring at points removed from TV station studios to a TV broadcast, Class A TV or low power TV station or other purposes as authorized in § 74.631.

(b) TV STL station (studio-transmitter link). A fixed station used for the transmission of TV program material and related communications from the studio to the transmitter of a TV broadcast, Class A TV or low power TV station or other purposes as authorized in § 74.631.

(c) TV relay station. A fixed station used for transmission of TV program material and related communications for use by TV broadcast, Class A TV and low power TV stations or other purposes as authorized in § 74.631.

(d) TV translator relay station. A fixed station used for relaying programs and signals of TV broadcast or Class A TV stations to Class A TV, LPTV, TV translator, and to other communications facilities that the Commission may authorize or for other purposes as permitted by § 74.631.

(e) TV broadcast licensee. Licensees and permittees of TV broadcast, Class A TV and low power TV stations, unless specifically otherwise indicated.

(f) TV microwave booster station. A fixed station in the TV broadcast auxiliary service that receives and amplifies signals of a TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay, or TV translator relay station and retransmits them on the same frequency.

[65 FR 30012, May 10, 2000]

§ 74.602 - Frequency assignment.

(a) The following frequencies are available for assignment to television pickup, television STL, television relay and television translator relay stations. The band segments 17,700–18,580 and 19,260–19,700 MHz are available for broadcast auxiliary stations as described in paragraph (g) of this section. The band segment 6425–6525 MHz is available for broadcast auxiliary stations as described in paragraph (i) of this section. The bands 6875–7125 MHz and 12700–13200 MHz are co-equally shared with stations licensed pursuant to Parts 78 and 101 of the Commission's Rules. Broadcast network-entities may also use the 1990–2110, 6425–6525 and 6875–7125 MHz bands for mobile television pickup only.

Band A MHz Band B MHz Band D 1 GHz Group A channels Group B channels Designation Channel boundaries Designation Channel boundaries 1990–2008A0112.700–12.725B0112.7125–12.7375 2008–2025A0212.725–12.750B0212.7375–12.7625 2025–2042A0312.750–12.775B0312.7625–12.7875 2042–2059A0412.775–12.800B0412.7875–12.8125 2059–20766875–6900A0512.800–12.825B0512.8125–12.8375 2076–20936900–6925A0612.825–12.850B0612.8375–12.8625 2093–21106925–6950A0712.850–12.875B0712.8625–12.8875 2450–24676950–6975A0812.875–12.900B0812.8875–12.9125 2467–2483.56975–7000A0912.900–12.925B0912.9125–12.9375 7000–7025A1012.925–12.950B1012.9375–12.9625 7025–7050A1112.950–12.975B1112.9625–12.9875 7050–7075A1212.975–13.000B1212.9875–12.0125 7075–7100A1313.000–13.025B1313.0125–13.0375 7100–7125A1413.025–13.050B1413.0375–13.0625 A1513.050–13.075B1513.0625–13.0875 A1613.075–13.100B1613.0875–13.1125 A1713.100–13.125B1713.1125–13.1375 A1813.125–13.150B18 213.1375–13.1625 A19 213.150–13.175B19 213.1625–13.1875 A20 213.175–13.200B20 213.1875–13.2125 A2113.200–13.225B2113.2125–13.2375 A2213.225–13.250

1 For fixed stations using Band D Channels, applicants are encouraged to use alternate A and B channels such that adjacent R.F. carriers are spaced 12.5 MHz. As example, a fixed station, relaying several channels, would use A01, B01, A02, B02, A03, etc.

2 The band 13.15–13.20 GHz is reserved for television pickup and CARS pickup stations inside a 50 km radius of the 100 television markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter. Outside a 50 km radius of the 100 television markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter, television pickup stations, CARS stations and NGSO FSS gateway earth stations shall operate on a primary co-equal basis. The band 13.20–13.2125 GHz is reserved for television pickup stations on a primary basis and CARS pickup stations on a secondary basis inside a 50 km radius of the 100 television markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter. Outside a 50 km radius of the 100 markets delineated in § 76.51 of this chapter, television pickup stations and NGSO FSS gateway earth stations shall operate on a co-primary basis, CARS stations shall operate on a secondary basis. Fixed television auxiliary stations licensed pursuant to applications accepted for filing before September 1, 1979, may continue operation on channels in the 13.15–13.25 GHz band, subject to periodic license renewals. NGSO FSS gateway uplink transmissions in the 13.15–13.2125 GHz segment shall be limited to a maximum EIRP of 3.2 dBW towards 0 degrees on the radio horizon. These provisions shall not apply to GSO FSS operations in the 12.75–13.25 GHz band.

(1) Frequencies shown above between 2450 and 2500 MHz in Band A are allocated to accommodate the incidental radiations of industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment, and stations operating therein must accept any interference that may be caused by the operation of such equipment. Frequencies between 2450 and 2500 MHz are also shared with other communication services and exclusive channel assignments will not be made, nor is the channeling shown above necessarily that which will be employed by such other services.

(2) In the band 2483.5–2500 MHz, no applications for new stations or modification to existing stations to increase the number of transmitters will be accepted. Existing licensees as of July 25, 1985, and licensees whose initial applications were filed on or before July 25, 1985, are grandfathered and their operations are on a co-primary basis with the mobile-satellite and radiodetermination-satellite services, and in the segment 2495–2500 MHz, their operations are also on a co-primary basis with part 27 fixed and mobile except aeronautical mobile service operations.

(3)(i) After January 7, 2004, stations may adhere to the channel plan specified in paragraph (a) of this section, or the following channel plan in Band A:

Channel A1r—2025.5–2037.5 MHz Channel A2r—2037.5–2049.5 MHz Channel A3r—2049.5–2061.5 MHz Channel A4—2061.5–2073.5 MHz Channel A5r—2073.5–2085.5 MHz Channel A6r—2085.5–2097.5 MHz Channel A7r—2097.5–2109.5 MHz

(ii) Stations adhering to the channel plan specified in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section may also use the following 40 data return link (DRL) channels to facilitate their operations in the 2025.5–2109.5 MHz band:

Lower band DRL channels 2025.000–2025.025 MHz 2025.025–2025.050 MHz 2025.050–2025.075 MHz 2025.075–2025.100 MHz 2025.100–2025.125 MHz 2025.125–2025.150 MHz 2025.150–2025.175 MHz 2025.175–2025.200 MHz 2025.200–2025.225 MHz 2025.225–2025.250 MHz 2025.250–2025.275 MHz 2025.275–2025.300 MHz 2025.300–2025.325 MHz 2025.325–2025.350 MHz 2025.350–2025.375 MHz 2025.375–2025.400 MHz 2025.400–2025.425 MHz 2025.425–2025.450 MHz 2025.450–2025.475 MHz 2025.475–2025.500 MHz Upper band DRL channels 2109.500–2109.525 MHz 2109.525–2109.550 MHz 2109.550–2109.575 MHz 2109.575–2109.600 MHz 2109.600–2109.625 MHz 2109.625–2109.650 MHz 2109.650–2109.675 MHz 2109.675–2109.700 MHz 2109.700–2109.725 MHz 2109.725–2109.750 MHz 2109.750–2109.775 MHz 2109.775–2109.800 MHz 2109.800–2109.825 MHz 2109.825–2109.850 MHz 2109.850–2109.875 MHz 2109.875–2109.900 MHz 2109.900–2109.925 MHz 2109.925–2109.950 MHz 2109.950–2109.975 MHz 2109.975–2110.000 MHz

(iii) Broadcast Auxiliary Service, Cable Television Remote Pickup Service, and Local Television Transmission Service licensees will be required to use the Band A channel plan in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section after completion of relocation by an Emerging Technologies licensee in accordance with § 74.690 or § 78.40. Licensees declining relocation may continue to use their existing channel plan but must discontinue use of the 1990–2025 MHz band when they indicate to an Emerging Technologies licensee, acting pursuant to § 74.690 or § 78.40 of this chapter, that they decline to be relocated.

(4) [Reserved]

(b) Subject to the conditions of paragraph (a) of this section, frequency assignments will normally be made as requested, provided that the frequency selection provisions of § 74.604 have been followed and that the frequency requested will cause no interference to existing users in the area. The Commission reserves the right to assign frequencies other than those requested if, in its opinion, such action is warranted.

(c) Fixed link stations will be authorized to operate on one channel only.

(d) Cable Television Relay Service stations may be assigned channels in Band D between 12,700 and 13,200 MHz subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to TV STL and TV relay stations authorized at the time of such grants. Similarly, new TV STL and TV relay stations must not cause harmful interference to cable television relay stations authorized at the time of such grants. The use of channels between 12,700 and 13,200 MHz by TV pickup stations is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to Cable Television Relay Service stations, TV STL and TV relay stations, except as provided for in § 74.602(a) Note 2. Band D channels are also shared with certain Private Operational Fixed Stations, see § 74.638.

(e) Communication common carriers in the Local Television Transmission Service (Part 101) may be assigned frequencies available to television broadcast station licensees and broadcast network entities for the purpose of providing service to television broadcast stations and broadcast network entities, respectively.

(f) TV auxiliary stations licensed to low power TV stations and translator relay stations will be assigned on a secondary basis, i.e., subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to other TV auxiliary stations assigned to TV broadcast stations, or to cable television relay service stations (CARS) operating between 12,700 and 13,200 MHz. Auxiliary stations licensed to low power TV stations and translator relay stations must accept any interference caused by stations having primary use of TV auxiliary frequencies.

(g) The following frequencies are available for assignment to television STL, television relay stations and television translator relay stations. Stations operating on frequencies in the sub-bands 18.3–18.58 GHz and 19.26–19.3 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before the Commission as of September 18, 1998 may continue those operations on a shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 78, and 101 of this chapter. Such stations, however, are subject to relocation by licensees in the fixed-satellite service. Such relocation is subject to the provisions of §§ 101.85 through 101.97 of this chapter. No new applications for new licenses will be accepted in the 19.26–19.3 GHz band after June 8, 2000, and no new applications for new licenses will be accepted in the 18.3–18.58 GHz band after November 19, 2002. The provisions of § 74.604 do not apply to the use of these frequencies. Licensees may use either a two-way link or one or both frequencies of a frequency pair for a one-way link and shall coordinate proposed operations pursuant to procedures required in § 101.103(d) of this chapter.

(1) 2 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channel:

Transmit (receive) (MHz) Receive (transmit) (MHz) 18141.0n/a

(2) 6 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

Transmit (receive) (MHz) Receive (transmit) (MHz) 216 MHz Separation 18145.0n/a 18151.018367.0 18157.018373.0 18163.018379.0 18169.018385.0 18175.018391.0 18181.018397.0 18187.018403.0 18193.018409.0 18199.018415.0 18205.018421.0 18211.018427.0 18217.018433.0 18223.018439.0 18229.018445.0 18235.018451.0 18241.018457.0 18247.018463.0 18253.018469.0 18259.018475.0 18265.018481.0 18271.018487.0 18277.018493.0 18283.018499.0 18289.018505.0 18295.018511.0 18301.018517.0 18307.018523.0 18313.018529.0 18319.018535.0 18325.018541.0 18331.018547.0 18337.018553.0 18343.018559.0 18349.018565.0 18355.018571.0 18361.018577.0

(3) 10 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

Transmit (receive) (MHz) Receive (transmit) (MHz) 1560 MHz Separation 17705.019265.0 17715.019275.0 17725.019285.0 17735.019295.0 17745.019305.0 17755.019315.0 17765.019325.0 17775.019335.0 17785.019345.0 17795.019355.0 17805.019365.0 17815.019375.0 17825.019385.0 17835.019395.0 17845.019405.0 17855.019415.0 17865.019425.0 17875.019435.0 17885.019445.0 17895.019455.0 17905.019465.0 17915.019475.0 17925.019485.0 17935.019495.0 17945.019505.0 17955.019515.0 17965.019525.0 17975.019535.0 17985.019545.0 17995.019555.0 18005.019565.0 18015.019575.0 18025.019585.0 18035.019595.0 18045.019605.0 18055.019615.0 18065.019625.0 18075.019635.0 18085.019645.0 18095.019655.0 18105.019665.0 18115.019675.0 18125.019685.0 18135.019695.0

(4) 20 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

Transmit (receive) (MHz) Receive (transmit) (MHz) 1560 MHz Separation 17710.019270.0 17730.019290.0 17750.019310.0 17770.019330.0 17790.019350.0 17810.019370.0 17830.019390.0 17850.019410.0 17870.019430.0 17890.019450.0 17910.019470.0 17930.019490.0 17950.019510.0 17970.019530.0 17990.019550.0 18010.019570.0 18030.019590.0 18050.019610.0 18070.019630.0 18090.019650.0 18110.019670.0 18130.019690.0

(5) 40 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

Transmit (receive) (MHz) Receive (transmit) (MHz) 1560 MHz Separation 17720.019280.0 17760.019320.0 17800.019360.0 17840.019400.0 17880.019440.0 17920.019480.0 17960.019520.0 18000.019560.0 18040.019600.0 18080.019640.0 18120.019680.0

(6) 80 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

Transmit (receive) (MHz) Receive (transmit) (MHz) 1560 MHz Separation 17740.019300.0 17820.019380.0 17900.019460.0 17980.019540.0 18060.019620.0

(h) TV STL, TV relay stations, and TV translator relay stations may be authorized to operate fixed point-to-point service on the UHF TV channels 14–69 on a secondary basis and subject to the provisions of subpart G of this part:

(1) Applications for authorization in accordance with this paragraph must comply with the following technical limits or be accompanied by an engineering analysis demonstrating why these limits must be exceeded:

(i) Maximum EIRP is limited to 35 dBW;

(ii) Transmitting antenna beamwidth is limited to 25 degrees (measured at the 3 dB points); and

(iii) Vertical polarization is used.

(2) These stations must not interfere with and must accept interference from current and future full-power UHF-TV stations, LPTV stations, and translator stations. They will also be secondary to land mobile stations in areas where land mobile sharing is currently permitted.

(3) TV STL and TV relay stations licensed for operation on UHF TV channels 52–69 based on applications filed before April 16, 2003, may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorizations until the end of transition to digital television in their market (DTV Transition), as set forth in §§ 73.622 through 73.625 of this chapter. Applications for TV STL and TV relay stations operating on UHF TV channels 52–69 will not be accepted for filing on or after April 16, 2003.

(4) TV translator relay stations licensed for operation on UHF TV channels 52–59 based on applications filed before the end of DTV transition may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorizations indefinitely. TV translator relay stations licensed for operation on UHF TV channels 60–69 based on applications filed before the end of DTV transition may continue to operate under the terms of their current authorizations until the end of DTV Transition. Applications for TV translator relay stations operating on UHF TV channels 52–69 will not be accepted for filing on or after the end of DTV Transition.

(5)(i) The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station that operates on frequencies in the 600 MHz band assigned to wireless licensees under part 27 of this chapter must cease operations on those frequencies no later than the end of the post-auction transition period as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter. The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station may be required to cease operations on a date earlier than the end of the post-auction transition period if it receives a notification pursuant to paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section.

(ii) A wireless licensee assigned to frequencies in the 600 MHz band under part 27 of this chapter must notify the licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station of its intent to commence operations, as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter, and the likelihood of harmful interference from the TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station to those operations within the wireless licensee's licensed geographic service area.

(A) The wireless licensee must:

(1) Notify the licensee of the TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station in the form of a letter, via certified mail, return receipt requested; and

(2) Send such notification not less than 30 days in advance of the approximate date of commencement of such operations.

(B) The licensee of the TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station must cease the subject operation within 30 days of receiving the notification pursuant to this section.

(iii) By the end of the post-auction transition period, all TV STL, TV relay station and TV translator relay station licensees must modify or cancel their authorizations and vacate the 600 MHz band. Applications for TV STL, TV relay and TV translator relay stations in the 600 MHz band will not be accepted for filing on or after the end date for the post-auction transition period.

(6) The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station that operates on the UHF spectrum that is reserved for guard band channels as a result of the broadcast television incentive auction conducted under section 6403 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–96) must cease operations on those frequencies no later than the end of the post-auction transition period as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter. The licensee of a TV STL, TV relay station, or TV translator relay station may be required to cease operations on a date earlier than the end of the post-auction transition period if it receives a notification pursuant to paragraph (h)(5)(ii) of this section.

(i) 6425 to 6525 MHz—Mobile Only. Paired and un-paired operations permitted. Use of this spectrum for direct delivery of video programs to the general public or multi-channel cable distribution is not permitted. This band is co-equally shared with mobile stations licensed pursuant to parts 78 and 101 of this chapter. The following channel plans apply.

(1) 1 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels.

Transmit (or receive MHz) Receive (or transmit) (MHz) 6425.56475.5 6450.56500.5

(2) 8 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels.

Transmit (or receive MHz) Receive (or transmit) (MHz) 6430.06480.0 6438.06488.0 6446.06496.0 6455.06505.0 6463.06513.0 6471.06521.0

(3) 25 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels.

Transmit (or receive MHz) Receive (or transmit (MHz) 6437.56487.5 6462.56512.5
(Secs. 4, 5, 303, 48 Stat., as amended, 1066, 1068, 1082; 47 U.S.C. 154, 155, 303) [28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 74.602, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 74.603 - Sound channels.

(a) The frequencies listed in § 74.602(a) may be used for the simultaneous transmission of the picture and sound portions of TV broadcast programs and for cue and order circuits, either by means of multiplexing or by the use of a separate transmitter within the same channel. When multiplexing of a TV STL station is contemplated, consideration should be given to the requirements of § 73.687 of this Chapter regarding the overall system performance requirements. Applications for new TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay and TV translator relay stations shall clearly indicate the nature of any mutliplexing proposed. Multiplexing equipment may be installed on licensed equipment without authority of the FCC, provided the installation of such apparatus on a TV STL station shall not result in degradation of the overall system performance of the TV broadcast station below that permitted by § 73.687 of this chapter.

(b) [Reserved]

(c) Aural STL or intercity relay stations licensed as of July 10, 1970, to operate in the frequency band 942–947 MHz, may continue to so operate pending a decision as to their disposition through a future rule making proceeding.

(d) Remote pickup broadcast stations may be used in conjunction with television pickup stations for the transmission of the aural portion of television programs or events that occur outside a television studio and for the transmission of cues, orders, and other related communications necessary thereto. The rules governing remote pickup broadcast stations are contained in Subpart D of this part.

[28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 47 FR 55936, Dec. 14, 1982; 48 FR 24385, June 1, 1983; 68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.604 - Interference avoidance.

(a) [Reserved]

(b) Where two or more licensees are assigned a common channel for TV pickup, TV STL, or TV relay purposes in the same area and simultaneous operation is contemplated, they shall take such steps as may be necessary to avoid mutual interference, including consultation with the local coordination committee, if one exists. If a mutual agreement to this effect cannot be reached, the Commission must be notified and it will take such action as may be necessary, including time sharing arrangements, to assure an equitable distribution of available frequencies.

(c) For those interference disputes brought to the Commission for resolution, TV broadcast auxiliary channels will have the following priority for purposes of interference protection:

(1) All fixed links for full service broadcast stations and cable systems.

(2) TV and CARS pickup stations.

(3) Fixed or mobile stations serving translator or low power TV stations.

(4) Backup facilities; TV pickup stations used outside a licensee's local service area.

(5) Any transmission, pursuant to § 74.631(f), that does not involve the delivery of program material to a licensee's associated TV broadcast station.

(d) Interference between two stations having the same priority shall be resolved in favor of the station licensed first on a particular path.

[48 FR 17091, Apr. 21, 1983, as amended at 68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.605 - Registration of stationary television pickup receive sites.

Licensees of TV pickup stations in the 6875–7125 MHz and 12700–13200 MHz bands shall register their stationary receive sites using the Commission's Universal Licensing System.

[76 FR 59571, Sept. 27, 2011]

§ 74.631 - Permissible service.

(a) The licensee of a television pickup station authorizes the transmission of program material, orders concerning such program material, and related communications necessary to the accomplishment of such transmissions, from the scenes of events occurring in places other than a television studio, to its associated television broadcast station, to an associated television relay station, to such other stations as are broadcasting the same program material, or to the network or networks with which the television broadcast station is affiliated. Television pickup stations may be operated in conjunction with other television broadcast stations not aformentioned in this paragraph: Provided, That the transmissions by the television pickup station are under the control of the licensee of the television pickup station and that such operation shall not exceed a total of 10 days in any 30-day period. Television pickup stations may be used to provide temporary studio-transmitter links or intercity relay circuits consistent with § 74.632 without further authority of the Commission: Provided, however, That prior Commission authority shall be obtained if the transmitting antenna to be installed will increase the height of any natural formation or man-made structure by more than 6.1 meters (20 feet) and will be in existence for a period of more than 2 consecutive days.

Note:

As used in this subpart, “associated television broadcast station” means a television broadcast station licensed to the licensee of the television auxiliary broadcast station and with which the television auxiliary station is licensed as an auxiliary facility.

(b) A television broadcast STL station is authorized to transmit visual program material between the studio and the transmitter of a television broadcast station for simultaneous or delayed broadcast.

(c) A TV relay station is authorized to transmit visual program material between TV broadcast stations for simultaneous or delayed broadcast, or may be used to transmit visual program material from a remote pickup receiver site of a single station.

(d) The transmitter of an STL, TV relay station or TV translator relay station may be multiplexed to provide additional communication channels. A TV broadcast STL or TV relay station will be authorized only in those cases where the principal use is the transmission of television broadcast program material for use by its associated TV broadcast station. However, STL or TV relay stations so licensed may be operated at any time for the transmission of multiplexed communications whether or not visual program material is being transmitted, provided that such operation does not cause harmful interference to TV broadcast pickup, STL or TV relay stations transmitting television broadcast program material.

(e) Except as provided in paragraphs (a), (d), (f) and (j) of this section, all program material transmitted over a TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station shall be used by or intended for use by a TV broadcast station owned by or under the common control of the licensee of the TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station. Program material transmitted over a TV pickup, STL or TV relay station and so used by the licensee of such facility may, with the permission of the licensee of the broadcast auxiliary facility, be used by other TV broadcast stations and by non-broadcast closed circuit educational TV systems operated by educational institutions.

(f) A TV broadcast pickup, STL, or TV relay station may be used for the transmission of material to be used by others, including but not limited to other broadcast stations, cable television systems, and educational institutions. This use shall not interfere with the use of these broadcast auxiliary facilities for the transmission of programs and associated material intended to be used by the television station or stations licensed to or under common control of the licensee of the TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station. This use of the broadcast auxiliary facilities must not cause harmful interference to broadcast auxiliary stations operating in accordance with the basic frequency allocation, and the licensee of the TV pickup, STL, or TV relay station must retain exclusive control over the operation of the facilities. Prior to operating pursuant to the provisions of this section, the licensee shall, for the intended location or area-of-operation, notify the appropriate frequency coordination committee or any licensee(s) assigned the use of the proposed operating frequency, concerning the particulars of the intended operation and must provide the name and telephone number of a person who may be contacted in the event of interference.

(g) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, a television translator relay station is authorized for the purpose of relaying the programs and signals of a television broadcast station to television broadcast translator stations for simultaneous retransmission.

(h) A TV microwave booster station is authorized to retransmit the signals of a TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay, or TV translator relay station.

(i) TV broadcast auxiliary stations authorized pursuant to this subpart may additionally be authorized to supply programs and signals of TV broadcast stations to cable television systems or CARS stations. Where the licensee of a TV broadcast auxiliary station supplies programs and signals to cable television systems or CARS stations, the TV auxiliary licensee must have exclusive control over the operation of the TV auxiliary stations licensed to it. Contributions to capital and operating expenses may be accepted only on a cost-sharing, non-profit basis, prorated on an equitable basis among all parties being supplied with program material.

(j) A broadcast network-entity may use television auxiliary service stations to transmit their own television program materials to broadcast stations, other broadcast network-entities, cable systems and cable network-entities: Provided, however, that the bands 1990–2110 MHz, 6425–6525 MHz and 6875–7125 MHz may be used by broadcast network-entities only for television pick-up stations.

[28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 29 FR 15524, Nov. 19, 1964; 43 FR 1950, Jan. 13, 1978; 44 FR 32381, June 6, 1979; 47 FR 55937, Dec. 14, 1982; 48 FR 17092, Apr. 21, 1983; 49 FR 7130, Feb. 27, 1984; 52 FR 7142, Mar. 9, 1987; 68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.632 - Licensing requirements.

(a) Licenses for television pickup, television STL, television microwave booster, or television relay stations will be issued only to licensees of television broadcast stations, and broadcast network-entities and, further, on a secondary basis, to licensees of low power television stations. A separate application is required for each fixed station and the application shall be specific with regard to the frequency requested. A mobile station license may be issued for any number of mobile transmitters to operate in a specific area or frequency band and the applicant shall be specific with regard to the frequencies requested.

(b) A license for a TV relay station may be issued in any case where the circuit will operate between TV broadcast stations either by means of “off-the-air” pickup and relay or location of the initial relay station at the studio or transmitter of a TV broadcast station.

(c) An application for a new TV pickup station shall designate the TV broadcast station with which it is to be operated and specify the area in which the proposed operation is intended. The maximum permissible area of operation will generally be that of a standard metropolitan area, unless a special showing is made that a larger area is necessary.

(d) Licensees who have two or more TV broadcast stations located in different cities shall, in applying for a new TV pickup station, designate the TV broadcast station in conjunction with which it is to be operated principally. Operation in a city which is not the city of license of the associated TV broadcast station is on a secondary, non-interference basis to home-city users.

(e) A license for a TV translator relay station will be issued only to licensees of low power TV and TV translator stations. However, a television translator relay station license may be issued to a cooperative enterprise wholly owned by licensees of television broadcast translators or licensees of television broadcast translators and cable television owners or operators upon a showing that the applicant is qualified under the Communication Act of 1934, as amended.

(f) Licensees of TV pickup, TV STL, TV relay, and TV translator relay stations may be authorized to operate one or more TV microwave booster stations for the purpose of relaying signals over a path that cannot be covered with a single station.

[28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 44 FR 32382, June 6, 1979; 47 FR 55937, Dec. 14, 1982; 48 FR 9012, Mar. 3, 1983; 48 FR 17092, Apr. 21, 1983; 48 FR 21486, May 12, 1983; 49 FR 7130, Feb. 27, 1984; 49 FR 10930, Mar. 23, 1984; 52 FR 7142, Mar. 9, 1987; 58 FR 19775, Apr. 16, 1993; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998; 68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003; 82 FR 41548, Sept. 1, 2017]

§ 74.633 - Temporary authorizations.

(a) Special temporary authority may be granted for TV broadcast auxiliary station operation which cannot be conducted in accordance with § 74.24. Such authority will normally be granted only for operations of a temporary nature. Where operation is seen as likely on a continuing annual basis, an application for a regular authorization should be submitted.

(b) A request for special temporary authority for the operation of a television broadcast auxiliary station must be made in accordance with the procedures of § 1.931(b) of this chapter.

(c) All requests for special temporary authority of a television broadcast auxiliary station must include full particulars including: licensee's name and address, facility identification number of the associated broadcast station(s) (if any), call letters of the television broadcast STL or intercity relay station (if assigned), type and manufacturer of equipment, effective isotropic radiated power, emission, frequency or frequencies proposed for use, commencement and termination date and location of the proposed operation, and purpose for which request is made including any particular justification.

(d) A request for special temporary authority shall specify a channel or channels consistent with the provisions of § 74.602: Provided, That in the case of events of wide-spread interest and importance which cannot be transmitted successfully on these frequencies, frequencies assigned to other services may be requested upon a showing that operation thereon will not cause interference to established stations: And provided further, That in no case will a television auxiliary broadcast operation be authorized on frequencies employed for the safety of life and property.

(e) When the transmitting equipment utilized is not licensed to the user, the user shall nevertheless have full control over the use of the equipment during the period it is operated.

(f) Special temporary authority to permit operation of a TV auxiliary broadcast station of any class pending FCC action on an application for regular authority will not normally be granted.

(Sec. 318, 48 Stat. 1089, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 318) [28 FR 13720, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 47 FR 9221, Mar. 4, 1982; 47 FR 55937, Dec. 14, 1982; 50 FR 23710, June 5, 1985; 52 FR 10570, Apr. 2, 1987; 58 FR 19775, Apr. 16, 1993; 68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.634 - Remote control operation.

(a) A TV auxiliary station may be operated by remote control provided that such operation is conducted in accordance with the conditions listed below:

(1) The remote control system must be designed, installed, and protected so that the transmitter can only be activated or controlled by persons authorized by the licensee.

(2) The remote control equipment must be maintained to ensure proper operation.

(3) The remote control system must be designed to prevent inadvertent transmitter operation caused by malfunctions in the circuits between the control point and transmitter.

(b) The FCC may notify the licensee to cease or modify operation in the case of frequency usage disputes. interference or similar situations where such action appears to be in the public interest, convenience and necessity.

[28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at, 47 FR 55937, Dec. 14, 1982; 50 FR 48600, Nov. 26, 1985; 60 FR 55483, Nov. 1, 1995]

§ 74.635 - Unattended operation.

(a) TV relay stations, TV translator relay stations, TV STL stations, and TV microwave booster stations may be operated unattended under the following conditions:

(1) The transmitter must be provided with adequate safeguards to prevent improper operation.

(2) The transmitter shall be so installed and protected that it is not accessible to other than duly authorized persons;

(3) TV relay stations, TV STL stations, TV translator relay stations, and TV microwave booster stations used with these stations, shall be observed at the receiving end of the microwave circuit as often as necessary to ensure proper station operation by a person designated by the licensee, who must institute measures sufficient to ensure prompt correction of any condition of improper operation. However, an STL station (and any TV microwave booster station) associated with a TV broadcast station operated by remote control may be observed by monitoring the TV station's transmitted signal at the remote control point. Additionally, a TV translator relay station (and any associated TV microwave booster station) may be observed by monitoring the associated TV translator station's transmitted signal.

(b) The FCC may notify the licensee to cease or modify operation in the case of frequency usage disputes, interference or similar situations where such action appears to be in the public interest, convenience and necessity.

[28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 31 FR 15314, Dec. 7, 1966; 43 FR 1950, Jan. 13, 1978; 47 FR 55937, Dec. 14, 1982; 49 FR 7131, Feb. 27, 1984; 50 FR 32417, Aug. 12, 1985]

§ 74.636 - Power limitations.

(a) On any authorized frequency, transmitter peak output power and the average power delivered to an antenna in this service must be the minimum amount of power necessary to carry out the communications desired and shall not exceed the values listed in the following table. Application of this principle includes, but is not to be limited to, requiring a licensee who replaces one or more of its antennas with larger antennas to reduce its antenna input power by an amount appropriate to compensate for the increased primary lobe gain of the replacement antenna(s). In no event shall the average equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP), as referenced to an isotropic radiator, exceed the values specified in the following table. In cases of harmful interference, the Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, order a change in the effective radiated power of this station. The table follows:

Frequency band (MHz) Maximum allowable transmitter power Maximum allowable EIRP 2Mobile (W) Fixed (dBW) Mobile (dBW) 2,025 to 2,11012.0 + 45 + 35 2,450 to 2,483.512.0 + 45 + 35 6,425 to 6,52512.0 + 35 6,875 to 7,12512.0 + 55 + 35 12,700 to 13,2501.5 + 55 + 45 17,700 to 18,600 + 5518,600 to 18,800 1 + 3518,800 to 19,700 + 55

1 The power delivered to the antenna is limited to −3 dBW.

2 Stations licensed based on an application filed before April 16, 2003, for EIRP values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal.

(b) The EIRP of transmitters that use Automatic Transmitter Power Control (ATPC) shall not exceed the EIRP specified on the station authorization. The EIRP of non-ATPC transmitters shall be maintained as near as practicable to the EIRP specified on the station authorization.

[68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.637 - Emissions and emission limitations.

(a) The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean transmitter power (PMEAN) in accordance with the following schedule:

(1) When using frequency modulation:

(i) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 50% up to and including 100% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 25 dB in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth (BREF);

(ii) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 100% up to and including 250% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 35 dB in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth;

(iii) On any frequency removed from the assigned (center) frequency by more than 250% of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 log10 (PMEAN in watts) dB, or 80 dB, whichever is the lesser attenuation, in any 100 kHz reference bandwidth.

(2) When using transmissions employing digital modulation techniques:

(i) For operating frequencies below 15 GHz, in any 4 kHz reference bandwidth (BREF), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 50 decibels:

A = 35 + 0.8 (G − 50) + 10 Log10 B. (Attenuation greater than 80 decibels is not required.) Where: A = Attenuation (in decibels) below the mean output power level. G = Percent removed from the carrier frequency. B = Authorized bandwidth in megahertz.

(ii) For operating frequencies above 15 GHz, in any 1 MHz reference bandwidth (BREF), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 11 decibels:

A = 11 + 0.4 (G−50) + 10 Log10 B. (Attenuation greater than 56 decibels is not required.)

(iii) In any 4 kHz reference bandwidth (BREF), the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 Log10 (PMEAN in watts) decibels, or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.

(3) Amplitude Modulation. For vestigial sideband AM video: On any frequency removed from the center frequency of the authorized band by more than 50%: at least 50 dB below peak power of the emission.

(b) For all emissions not covered in paragraph (a) of this section, the peak power of emissions shall be attenuated below the peak envelope transmitter power (PPEAK) in accordance with the following schedule:

(1) On any frequency 500 Hz inside the channel edge up to and including 2500 Hz outside the same edge, the following formula will apply:

A = 29 Log10 [(25/11)[(D + 2.5 − (W/2)] 2] dB (Attenuation greater than 50 decibels is not required.) Where: A = Attenuation (in dB) below the peak envelope transmitter power. D = The displacement frequency (kHz) from the center of the authorized bandwidth. W = the channel bandwidth (kHz).

(2) On any frequency removed from the channel edge by more than 2500 Hz: At least 43 + 10 Log10 (PPEAK in watts) dB.

(c) For purposes of compliance with the emission limitation requirements of this section:

(1) If the transmitter modulates a single carrier, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when digital modulation occupies 50 percent or more of the total peak frequency deviation of a transmitted radio frequency carrier. The total peak frequency deviation will be determined by adding the deviation produced by the digital modulation signal and the deviation produced by any frequency division multiplex (FDM) modulation used. The deviation (D) produced by the FDM signal must be determined in accordance with § 2.202(f) of this chapter.

(2) If the transmitter modulates two or more carriers, with at least one using digital modulation and one using frequency or other analog modulation, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when the necessary bandwidth of the digital signal(s) is 50 percent or more of the aggregate bandwidth of the system, comprising the digital necessary bandwidth(s), the analog necessary bandwidth(s), and any bandwidth(s) between the digital and analog necessary bandwidths. In this case, the aggregate bandwidth shall be used for the authorized bandwidth (B) in paragraph (a) of this section, and for purposes of compliance with the bandwidth limitations in paragraph (g) of this section and in § 74.602 of this subpart; and the sum of the powers of the analog and digital signals shall be used for mean transmitter power (PMEAN) in paragraph (a) or the peak envelope transmitter power (PPEAK) in paragraph (b) of this section, and for purposes of compliance with the power limitations in § 74.636 of this subpart.

(3) For demonstrating compliance with the attenuation requirements for frequency modulation and digital modulation in paragraph (a) of this section, the resolution bandwidth (BRES) of the measuring equipment used for measurements removed from the center frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth shall be 100 kHz for operating frequencies below 1 GHz, and 1 MHz for operating frequencies above 1 GHz. The resolution bandwidth for frequencies removed from the center frequency by less than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth shall be the reference bandwidth (BREF) specified in the individual emission limitations, but may be reduced to not less than one percent of the authorized bandwidth (B), adjusted upward to the nearest greater resolution bandwidth available on the measuring equipment. In all cases, if BRES and BREF are not equal, then the attenuation requirement must be increased (or decreased) as determined by a factor of 10 log10 [(BREF in megahertz)/(BRES in megahertz)] decibels, where a positive factor indicates an increase in the attenuation requirement and a negative factor indicates a decrease in the attenuation requirement.

(4) Stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005, using equipment not conforming with the emission limitations specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal. Existing equipment and equipment of product lines in production before April 16, 2003, authorized via certification or Declaration of Conformity before March 17, 2005, for equipment not conforming to the emission limitations requirements specified above, may continue to be manufactured and/or marketed, but may not be authorized for use under a station license except at stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005. Any non-conforming equipment authorized under a station license, and replaced on or after March 17, 2005, must be replaced by conforming equipment.

Note 1 to paragraph (c)(4):

The Declaration of Conformity procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. See § 2.950 of this chapter.

(d) In the event that interference to other stations is caused by emissions outside the authorized channel, the FCC may require greater attenuation than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section.

(e) The following limitations also apply to the operation of TV microwave booster stations:

(1) The booster station must receive and amplify the signals of the originating station and retransmit them on the same frequency without significantly altering them in any way. The characteristics of the booster transmitter output signal shall meet the requirements applicable to the signal of the originating station.

(2) The licensee is responsible for correcting any condition of interference that results from the radiation of radio frequency energy outside the assigned channel. Upon notice by the FCC to the station licensee that interference is being caused, operation of the apparatus must be immediately suspended and may not be resumed until the interference has been eliminated or it can be demonstrated that the interference is not due to spurious emissions. However, short term test transmissions may be made during the period of suspended operation to determine the efficacy of remedial measures.

(3) In each instance where suspension of operation is required, the licensee must submit a full report to the FCC after operation is resumed. The report must contain details of the nature of the interference, the source of interfering signals, and the remedial steps taken to eliminate the interference.

(f) In the event a station's emissions outside its authorized channel cause harmful interference, the Commission may require the licensee to take such further steps as may be necessary to eliminate the interference.

(g) The maximum bandwidth which will be authorized per frequency assignment is set out in the table which follows. Regardless of the maximum authorized bandwidth specified for each frequency band, the Commission reserves the right to issue a license for less than the maximum bandwidth if it appears that less bandwidth would be sufficient to support an applicant's intended communications.

Table 1 to Paragraph (g)

Frequency Band (MHz) Maximum authorized bandwidth (MHz) 1,990 to 2,11018 6,425 to 6,52525 6,875 to 7,12525 12,700 to 13,25025 17,700 to 19,70080
[45 FR 78692, Nov. 26, 1980, as amended at 48 FR 50734, Nov. 3, 1983; 49 FR 7131, Feb. 27, 1984; 49 FR 37778, Sept. 26, 1984; 50 FR 7342, Feb. 22, 1985; 50 FR 34150, Aug. 23, 1985; 50 FR 48600, Nov. 26, 1985; 52 FR 7142, Mar. 9, 1987; 58 FR 51251, Oct. 1, 1993; 68 FR 12769, Mar. 17, 2003; 82 FR 50836, Nov. 2, 2017]

§ 74.638 - Frequency coordination.

(a) Coordination of all frequency assignments for fixed stations in all bands above 2110 MHz, and for mobile (temporary fixed) stations in the bands 6425–6525 MHz and 17.7–19.7 GHz, will be in accordance with the procedure established in paragraph (b) of this section, except that the prior coordination process for mobile (temporary fixed) assignments may be completed orally and the period allowed for response to a coordination notification may be less than 30 days if the parties agree. Coordination of all frequency assignments for all mobile (temporary fixed) stations in all bands above 2110 MHz, except the bands 6425–6525 MHz and 17.7–19.7 GHz, will be conducted in accordance with the procedure established in paragraph (b) of this section or with the procedure in paragraph (d) of this section. Coordination of all frequency assignments for all fixed stations in the band 1990–2110 MHz will be in accordance with the procedure established in paragraph (c) of this section. Coordination of all frequency assignments for all mobile (temporary fixed) stations in the band 1990–2110 MHz will be conducted in accordance with the procedure in paragraph (d) of this section.

(b) For each frequency coordinated under this paragraph, the interference protection criteria in 47 CFR 101.105(a), (b), and (c) and the frequency usage coordination procedures in 47 CFR 101.103(d) will apply.

(c) For each frequency coordinated under this paragraph, the following frequency usage coordination procedures will apply:

(1) General requirements. Applicants are responsible for selecting the frequency assignments that are least likely to result in mutual interference with other licensees in the same area. Applicants may consult local frequency coordination committees, where they exist, for information on frequencies available in the area. Proposed frequency usage must be coordinated with existing licensees and applicants in the area whose facilities could affect or be affected by the new proposal in terms of frequency interference on active channels, applied-for channels, or channels coordinated for future growth. Coordination must be completed prior to filing an application for regular authorization, for major amendment to a pending application, or for major modification to a license.

(2) To be acceptable for filing, all applications for regular authorization, or major amendment to a pending application, or major modification to a license, must include a certification attesting that all co-channel and adjacent-channel licensees and applicants potentially affected by the proposed fixed use of the frequency(ies) have been notified and are in agreement that the proposed facilities can be installed without causing harmful interference to those other licensees and applicants.

(d) For each frequency coordinated under this paragraph, applicants are responsible for selecting the frequency assignments that are least likely to result in mutual interference with other licensees in the same area. Applicants may consult local frequency coordination committees, where they exist, for information on frequencies available in the area. In selecting frequencies, consideration should be given to the relative location of receive points, normal transmission paths, and the nature of the contemplated operation.

[68 FR 12770, Mar. 17, 2003, as amended at 75 FR 17061, Apr. 5, 2010]

§ 74.641 - Antenna systems.

(a) For fixed stations operating above 2025 MHz, the following standards apply:

(1) Fixed TV broadcast auxiliary stations shall use directional antennas that meet the performance standards indicated in the following table. Upon adequate showing of need to serve a larger sector, or more than a single sector, greater beamwidth or multiple antennas may be authorized. Applicants shall request, and authorization for stations in this service will specify, the polarization of each transmitted signal. Booster station antennas having narrower beamwidths and reduced sidelobe radiation may be required in congested areas, or to resolve interference problems.

(i) Stations must employ an antenna that meets the performance standards for Category B. In areas subject to frequency congestion, where proposed facilities would be precluded by continued use of a Category B antenna, a Category A antenna must be employed. The Commission may require the use of a high performance antenna where interference problems can be resolved by the use of such antennas.

(ii) Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown in this paragraph in the following manner:

(A) With either the maximum beamwith to 3 dB points requirement or with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and

(B) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.

Antenna Standards

Frequency (MHz) Category Maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points 1 (included angle in degrees) Minimum antenna gain (dbi) Minimum radiation suppression to angle in degrees from centerline of main beam in decibels 5° to 10° 10° to 15° 15° to 20° 20° to 30° 30° to 100° 100° to 140° 140° to 180° 1,990 to 2,110A
B
5.0
8.0
n/a
n/a
12
5
18
18
22
20
25
20
29
25
33
28
39
36
6,875 to 7,125A
B
1.5
2.0
n/a
n/a
26
21
29
25
32
29
34
32
38
35
41
39
49
45
12,700 to 13,250A
B
1.0
2.0
n/a
n/a
23
20
28
25
35
28
39
30
41
32
42
37
50
47
17,700 to 19,700A
B
2.2
2.2
38
38
25
20
29
24
33
28
36
32
42
35
55
36
55
36

1 If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwith to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the elevation planes.

(2) New periscope antenna systems will be authorized upon a certification that the radiation, in a horizontal plane, from an illuminating antenna and reflector combination meets or exceeds the antenna standards of this section. This provision similarly applies to passive repeaters employed to redirect or repeat the signal from a station's directional antenna system.

(3) The choice of receiving antennas is left to the discretion of the licensee. However, licensees will not be protected from interference which results from the use of antennas with poorer performance than identified in the table of this section.

(4) [Reserved]

(5) Pickup stations are not subject to the performance standards herein stated.

(b) All fixed stations are to use antenna systems in conformance with the standards of this section. TV auxiliary broadcast stations are considered to be located in an area subject to frequency congestion and must employ a Category A antenna when:

(1) A showing by an applicant of a new TV auxiliary broadcast station or Cable Television Relay Service (CARS) station, which shares the 12.7–13.20 GHz band with TV auxiliary broadcast, indicates that use of a category B antenna limits a proposed project because of interference, and

(2) That use of a category A antenna will remedy the interference thus allowing the project to be realized.

(c) As an exception to the provisions of this section, the FCC may approve requests for use of periscope antenna systems where a persuasive showing is made that no frequency conflicts exist in the area of proposed use. Such approvals shall be conditioned to a standard antenna as required in paragraph (a) of this section when an applicant of a new TV auxiliary broadcast or Cable Television Relay station indicates that the use of the existing antenna system will cause interference and the use of a category A or B antenna will remedy the interference.

(d) As a further exception to the provision of paragraph (a) of this section, the Commission may approve antenna systems not conforming to the technical standards where a persuasive showing is made that:

(1) Indicates in detail why an antenna system complying with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section cannot be installed, and

(2) Includes a statement indicating that frequency coordination as required in § 74.604 (a) was accomplished.

[45 FR 78693, Nov. 26, 1980, as amended at 49 FR 7131, Feb. 27, 1984; 49 FR 37778, Sept. 26, 1984; 50 FR 7342, Feb. 22, 1985; 51 FR 19840, June 3, 1986; 52 FR 7143, Mar. 9, 1987; 55 FR 11587, Mar. 29, 1990; 56 FR 50663, Oct. 8, 1991; 62 FR 4922, Feb. 3, 1997; 68 FR 12771, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.643 - Interference to geostationary-satellites.

Applicants and licensees must comply with § 101.145 of this chapter to minimize the potential of interference to geostationary-satellites.

[68 FR 12771, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.644 - Minimum path lengths for fixed links.

(a) The distance between end points of a fixed link must equal or exceed the value set forth in the table below or the EIRP must be reduced in accordance with the equation set forth below.

Frequency band
(MHz)
Minimum path length
(km)
Below 1,990n/a 1,990–7,12517 12,200–13,2505 Above 17,700n/a

(b) For paths shorter than those specified in the Table, the EIRP shall not exceed the value derived from the following equation.

EIRP = MAXEIRP−40 log(A/B) dBW Where: EIRP = The new maximum EIRP (equivalent isotropically radiated power) in dBW. MAXEIRP = Maximum EIRP as set forth in the Table in § 74.636 of this part. A = Minimum path length from the Table above for the frequency band in kilometers. B = The actual path length in kilometers. Note 1 to paragraph (b):

For transmitters using Automatic Transmitter Power Control, EIRP corresponds to the maximum transmitter power available, not the coordinated transmit power or the nominal transmit power.

Note 2 to paragraph (b):

Stations licensed based on an application filed before April 16, 2003, in the 2450–2483.5 MHz band, for EIRP values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal.

(c) Upon an appropriate technical showing, applicants and licensees unable to meet the minimum path length requirement may be granted an exception to these requirements.

Note:

Links authorized prior to April 1, 1987, are excluded from this requirement, except that, effective April 1, 1992, the Commission will require compliance with the criteria where an existing link would otherwise preclude establishment of a new link.

[52 FR 7143, Mar. 9, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 12771, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.651 - Equipment changes.

(a) Modifications may be made to an existing authorization in accordance with §§ 1.929 and 1.947 of this chapter.

(b) Multiplexing equipment may be installed on any licensed TV broadcast STL, TV relay or translator relay station without authority from the Commission.

(c) Permissible changes in equipment operating in the bands 18.3–18.58 GHz and 19.26–19.3 GHz. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, licensees of stations that remain co-primary under the provisions of § 74.602(g) may not make modifications to their systems that increase interference to satellite earth stations, or result in a facility that would be more costly to relocate.

[28 FR 13718, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 38 FR 6827, Mar. 13, 1973; 47 FR 55938, Dec. 14, 1982; 49 FR 7131, Feb. 27, 1984; 58 FR 19776, Apr. 16, 1993; 61 FR 4368, Feb. 6, 1996; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998; 65 FR 54173, Sept. 7, 2000; 68 FR 12771, Mar. 17, 2003; 68 FR 16967, Apr. 8, 2003]

§ 74.655 - Authorization of equipment.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, all transmitting equipment first marketed for use under this subpart or placed into service after October 1, 1981, must be authorized under the certification procedure or Declaration of Conformity procedure, as detailed in paragraph (f) of this section. Equipment which is used at a station licensed prior to October 1, 1985, which has not been authorized as detailed in paragraph (f) of this section, may continue to be used by the licensee or its successors or assignees, provided that if operation of such equipment causes harmful interference due to its failure to comply with the technical standards set forth in this subpart, the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference. However, such equipment may not be further marketed or reused under part 74 after October 1, 1985.

Note 1 to paragraph (a):

The verification procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment previously authorized under subpart J of part 2 of this chapter may remain in use. See § 2.950 of this chapter.

(b) Certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity is not required for transmitters used in conjunction with TV pickup stations operating with a peak output power not greater than 250 mW. Pickup stations operating in excess of 250 mW licensed pursuant to applications accepted for filing prior to October 1, 1980 may continue operation subject to periodic renewal. If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference.

(c) The license of a TV auxiliary station may replace transmitting equipment with authorized equipment, as detailed under paragraph (f) of this section, without prior FCC approval, provided the proposed changes will not depart from any of the terms of the station or system authorization or the Commission's technical rules governing this service, and also provided that any changes made to authorized transmitting equipment is in compliance with the provisions of part 2 of this chapter concerning modifications to authorized equipment.

(d) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be used in this service may authorize the equipment under the certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedures, as appropriate, following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.

(e) An applicant for a TV broadcast auxiliary station may also authorize an individual transmitter, as specified in paragraph (f) of this section, by following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.

(f) Transmitters designed to be used exclusively for a TV STL station, a TV intercity relay station, a TV translator relay station, or a TV microwave booster station, shall be authorized under Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. All other transmitters will be authorized under the certification procedure.

[63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998, as amended at 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003; 82 FR 50836, Nov. 2, 2017]

§ 74.661 - Frequency tolerance.

Stations in this service shall maintain the carrier frequency of each authorized transmitter to within the following percentage of the assigned frequency.

Table 1 to § 74.661

Frequency band
(MHz)
Frequency tolerance (%) 2,025 to 2,1101 0.005 2,450 to 2,483.52 0.001 6,425 to 6,5250.005 6,875 to 7,1251 0.005 12,700 to 13,2501 0.005 17,700 to 18,8200.003 18,920 to 19,7000.003

1 Television translator relay stations shall maintain a frequency tolerance of 0.002%.

2 Stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005, for tolerance values exceeding those specified above, may continue to operate indefinitely in accordance with the terms of their current authorizations, subject to periodic renewal. Existing equipment and equipment of product lines in production before April 16, 2003, authorized via certification or Declaration of Conformity before March 17, 2005, for tolerance values exceeding those specified above, may continue to be manufactured and/or marketed, but may not be authorized for use under station license except at stations licensed pursuant to an application filed before March 17, 2005. Any non-conforming equipment authorized under a station license, and replaced on or after March 17, 2005, must be replaced by conforming equipment.

Note 1 to § 74.661:

The Declaration of Conformity procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. See § 2.950 of this chapter.

[52 FR 7143, Mar. 9, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003; 82 FR 50836, Nov. 2, 2017]

§ 74.662 - Frequency monitors and measurements.

The licensee of a television broadcast auxiliary station must provide means for measuring the operating frequency in order to ensure that the emissions are confined to the authorized channel.

[48 FR 38482, Aug. 24, 1983]

§ 74.663 - Modulation limits.

If amplitude modulation is employed, negative modulation peaks shall not exceed 100%.

[45 FR 78694, Nov. 26, 1980]

§ 74.682 - Station identification.

(a) Each television broadcast auxiliary station operating with a transmitter output power of 1 watt or more must, when actually transmitting programs, transmit station identification at the beginning and end of each period of operation, and hourly, as close to the hour as feasible, at a natural break in program offerings by one of the following means:

(1) Transmission of its own call sign by visual or aural means or by automatic transmission in international Morse telegraphy.

(2) Visual or aural transmission of the call sign of the TV broadcast station with which it is licensed as an auxiliary.

(3) Visual or aural transmission of the call sign of the TV broadcast station whose signals are being relayed or, where programs are obtained directly from network lines and relayed, the network identification.

(b) Identification transmissions during operation need not be made when to make such transmission would interrupt a single consecutive speech, play, religious service, symphony concert, or any type of production. In such cases, the identification transmission shall be made at the first interruption of the entertainment continuity and at the conclusion thereof.

(c) During occasions when a television pickup station is being used to deliver program material for network distribution it may transmit the network identification in lieu of its own or associated TV station call sign during the actual program pickup. However, if it is providing the network feed through its own associated TV broadcast station it shall perform the station identification required by paragraph (a) of this section at the beginning and end of each period of operation.

(d) A period of operation is defined as a single uninterrupted transmission or a series of intermittent transmissions from a single location or continuous or intermittent transmission from a television pickup station covering a single event from various locations, within a single broadcast day.

(e) Regardless of the method used for station identification it shall be performed in a manner conducive to prompt association of the signal source with the responsible licensee. In exercising the discretion provided by this rule, licensees are expected to act in a responsible manner to assure that result.

(f) TV microwave boosters stations will be assigned individual call signs. However, station identification will be accomplished by the retransmission of identification as provided in paragraph (a) of this section.

[31 FR 15488, Dec. 8, 1966; 32 FR 452, Jan. 17, 1967, as amended at 42 FR 36830, July 18, 1977; 43 FR 1951, Jan. 13, 1978; 44 FR 36041, June 20, 1979; 49 FR 7131, Feb. 27, 1984]

§ 74.690 - Transition of the 1990–2025 MHz band from the Broadcast Auxiliary Service to emerging technologies.

(a) New Entrants are collectively defined as those licensees proposing to use emerging technologies to implement Mobile Satellite Services in the 2000–2020 MHz band (MSS licensees), those licensees authorized after July 1, 2004 to implement new Fixed and Mobile services in the 1990–1995 MHz band, and those licensees authorized after September 9, 2004 in the 1995–2000 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands. New entrants may negotiate with Broadcast Auxiliary Service licensees operating on a primary basis and fixed service licensees operating on a primary basis in the 1990–2025 MHz band (Existing Licensees) for the purpose of agreeing to terms under which the Existing Licensees would relocate their operations to the 2025–2110 MHz band, to other authorized bands, or to other media; or, alternatively, would discontinue use of the 1990–2025 MHz band. New licensees in the 1995–2000 MHz and 2020–2025 MHz bands are subject to the specific relocation procedures adopted in WT Docket 04–356.

(b) An Existing Licensee in the 1990–2025 MHz band allocated for licensed emerging technology services will maintain primary status in the band until the Existing Licensee's operations are relocated by a New Entrant, are discontinued under the terms of paragraph (a) of this section, or become secondary under the terms of paragraph (e)(6) of this section or the Existing Licensee indicates to a New Entrant that it declines to be relocated.

(c) The Commission will amend the operating license of the Existing Licensee to secondary status only if the following requirements are met:

(1) The service applicant, provider, licensee, or representative using an emerging technology guarantees payment of all relocation costs, including all engineering, equipment, site and FCC fees, as well as any reasonable additional costs that the relocated Existing Licensee might incur as a result of operation in another authorized band or migration to another medium;

(2) The New Entrant completes all activities necessary for implementing the replacement facilities, including engineering and cost analysis of the relocation procedure and, if radio facilities are used, identifying and obtaining, on the incumbents' behalf, new microwave or Local Television Transmission Service frequencies and frequency coordination.

(3) The New Entrant builds the replacement system and tests it for comparability with the existing system.

(d) The Existing Licensee is not required to relocate until the alternative facilities are available to it for a reasonable time to make adjustments, determine comparability, and ensure a seamless handoff. If, within one year after the relocation to new facilities the Existing Licensee demonstrates that the new facilities are not comparable to the former facilities, the New Entrant must remedy the defects.

(e) Subject to the terms of this paragraph (e), the relocation of Existing Licensees will be carried out by MSS licensees in the following manner:

(1) Existing Licensees and MSS licensees may negotiate individually or collectively for relocation of Existing Licensees to one of the channel plans specified in § 74.602(a)(3) of this chapter. Parties may not decline to negotiate, though Existing Licensees may decline to be relocated.

(i) MSS licensees may relocate all Existing Licensees in Nielsen Designated Market Areas (DMAs) 1–30, as such DMAs existed on September 6, 2000, and all fixed stations operating in the 1990–2025 MHz band on a primary basis, except those Existing Licensees that decline relocation. Such relocation negotiations shall be conducted as “mandatory negotiations,” as that term is used in § 101.73 of this chapter. If these parties are unable to reach a negotiated agreement, MSS Licensees may involuntarily relocate such Existing Licensees and fixed stations after December 8, 2004.

(ii) [Reserved]

(iii) On the date that the first MSS licensee begins operations in the 2000–2020 MHz band, a one-year mandatory negotiation period begins between MSS licensees and Existing Licensees in Nielsen DMAs 31–210, as such DMAs existed on September 6, 2000. After the end of the mandatory negotiation period, MSS licensees may involuntary relocate any Existing Licensees with which they have been unable to reach a negotiated agreement. As described elsewhere in this paragraph (e), MSS Licensees are obligated to relocate these Existing Licensees within the specified three- and five-year time periods.

(2) Before negotiating with MSS licensees, Existing Licensees in Nielsen Designated Market Areas where there is a BAS frequency coordinator must coordinate and select a band plan for the market area. If an Existing Licensee wishes to operate in the 2025–2110 MHz band using the channels A03-A07 as specified in the Table in § 74.602(a) of this part, then all licensees within that Existing Licensee's market must agree to such operation and all must operate on a secondary basis to any licensee operating on the channel plan specified in § 74.602(a)(3) of this part. All negotiations must produce solutions that adhere to the market area's band plan.

(3)–(4) [Reserved]

(5) As of the date the first MSS licensee begins operations in the 1990–2025 MHz band, MSS Licensees must relocate Existing Licensees in DMAs 31–100, as they existed as of September 6, 2000, within three years, and in the remaining DMAs, as they existed as of September 6, 2000, within five years.

(6) On December 9, 2013, all Existing Licensees will become secondary in the 1990–2025 MHz band. Upon written demand by any MSS licensee, Existing Licensees must cease operations in the 1990–2025 MHz band within six months.

[65 FR 48180, Aug. 7, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 53756, Aug. 19, 2002; 68 FR 68252, Dec. 8, 2003; 69 FR 62621, Oct. 27, 2004; 69 FR 67836, Nov. 22, 2004; 74 FR 29613, June 23, 2009]