Collapse to view only § 74.870 - Wireless video assist devices.

§ 74.801 - Definitions.

600 MHz duplex gap. An 11 megahertz guard band at 652–663 MHz that separates part 27 600 MHz service uplink and downlink frequencies.

600 MHz guard band. Designated frequency band at 614–617 MHz that prevents interference between licensed services in the 600 MHz service band and channel 37.

600 MHz service band. Frequencies in the 617–652 MHz and 663–698 MHz bands that are reallocated and reassigned for 600 MHz band services under part 27.

Cable television system operator. A cable television operator is defined in § 76.5(cc) of the rules.

Large venue owner or operator. Large venue owner or operator refers to a person or organization that owns or operates a venue that routinely uses 50 or more low power auxiliary station devices, where the use of such devices is an integral part of major events or productions. Routinely using 50 or more low power auxiliary station devices means that the venue owner or operator uses 50 or more such devices for most events or productions.

Low power auxiliary station. An auxiliary station authorized and operated pursuant to the provisions set forth in this subpart. Devices authorized as low power auxiliary stations are intended to transmit over distances of approximately 100 meters for uses such as wireless microphones, cue and control communications, and synchronization of TV camera signals.

Motion picture producer. Motion picture producer refers to a person or organization engaged in the production or filming of motion pictures.

Professional sound company. Professional sound company refers to a person or organization that provides audio services that routinely use 50 or more low power auxiliary station devices, where the use of such devices is an integral part of major events or productions. Routinely using 50 or more low power auxiliary station devices means that the professional sound company uses 50 or more such devices for most events or productions.

Spectrum Act. Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112–96).

Television program producer. Television program producer refers to a person or organization engaged in the production of television programs.

Wireless assist video device. An auxiliary station authorized and operated by motion picture and television program producers pursuant to the provisions of this subpart. These stations are intended to transmit over distances of approximately 300 meters for use as an aid in composing camera shots on motion picture and television sets.

(Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 14662, Apr. 7, 1978; 51 FR 4603, Feb. 6, 1986; 51 FR 9966, Mar. 24, 1986; 54 FR 41842, Oct. 12, 1989; 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003; 79 FR 40689, July 14, 2014; 80 FR 71728, Nov. 17, 2015; 82 FR 41559, Sept. 1, 2017]

§ 74.802 - Frequency assignment.

(a)(1) Frequencies within the following bands may be assigned for use by low power auxiliary stations:

26.100–26.480 MHz 54.000–72.000 MHz 76.000–88.000 MHz 161.625–161.775 MHz (except in Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands) 174.000–216.000 MHz 450.000–451.000 MHz 455.000–456.000 MHz 470.000–488.000 MHz 488.000–494.000 MHz (except Hawaii) 494.000–608.000 MHz 614.000–698.000 MHz 941.500–944.000 MHz 944.000–952.000 MHz 952.850–956.250 MHz 956.45–959.85 MHz 1435–1525 MHz 6875.000–6900.000 MHz 7100.000–7125.000 MHz Note to paragraph (a)(1):

Frequency assignments in the 614.000–698.000 MHz band are subject to conditions established in proceedings pursuant to GN Docket No. 12–268. This band is being transitioned to the 600 MHz service band, the 600 MHz guard band, and the 600 MHz duplex gap during the post-incentive auction transition period (as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter), which began on April 13, 2017. Low power auxiliary stations must comply with the applicable conditions with respect to any assignment to operate on frequencies repurposed for the 600 MHz service band, the 600 MHz guard band, and the 600 MHz duplex gap, respectively. This rule will be further updated, pursuant to public notice or subsequent Commission action, to reflect additional changes that implement the determinations made in these proceedings.

(2) The 653.000–657.000 MHz segment of the 600 MHz duplex gap may be assigned for use by low power auxiliary service.

Note to paragraph (a)(2):

The specific frequencies for the 600 MHz duplex gap will be determined in light of further proceedings pursuant to GN Docket No. 12–268 and the rule will be updated accordingly pursuant to a future public notice.

(b)(1) Operations in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting are limited to locations at least 4 kilometers outside the protected contours of co-channel TV stations shown in the following table. These contours are calculated using the methodology in § 73.684 of this chapter and the R–6602 curves contained in § 73.699 of this chapter.

Type of station Protected contour Channel Contour
(dBu)
Propagation curve Analog: Class A TV, LPTV,
translator and booster
Low VHF (2–6)47F(50,50) High VHF (7–13)56F(50,50) UHF (14–51)64F(50,50) Digital: Full service TV, Class A TV, LPTV, translator and boosterLow VHF (2–6)28F(50,90) High VHF (7–13)36F(50,90) UHF (14–51)41F(50,90)

(2) Low power auxiliary stations may operate closer to co-channel TV broadcast stations than the distances specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section provided that such operations either—

(i) Are coordinated with TV broadcast stations that could be affected by the low power auxiliary station operation, and coordination is completed prior to operation of the low power auxiliary station; or

(ii) Are limited to an indoor location that is not being used for over-the-air television viewing, and the following conditions are met with respect to the TV channel used: The TV signal falls below a threshold of −84 dBm over the entire channel; the signal is scanned across the full 6 megahertz channel where the wireless microphones would be operated; and to the extent that directional antennas are used, they are rotated to the place of maximum signal.

(c) Specific frequency operation is required when operating within the 600 MHz duplex gap or the bands allocated for TV broadcasting.

(1) The frequency selection shall be offset from the upper or lower band limits by 25 kHz or an integral multiple thereof.

(2) One or more adjacent 25 kHz segments within the assignable frequencies may be combined to form a channel whose maximum bandwidth shall not exceed 200 kHz.

(d) Low power auxiliary licensees will not be granted exclusive frequency assignments.

(e) Clearing mechanisms for the 700 MHz Band. This section sets forth provisions relating to the transition of low power auxiliary stations operating at 698–806 MHz (700 MHz band).

(1) Any low power auxiliary station that operates at frequencies in the 700 MHz band while transitioning its operations out of that band must not cause harmful interference and must accept interference from any commercial or public safety wireless licensees in the 700 MHz band.

(2) Any low power auxiliary station that operates at frequencies in the 700 MHz band will have until no later than June 12, 2010 to transition its operations completely out of the 700 MHz band, subject to the following. During this transition period, any commercial or public safety licensee in the 700 MHz band may choose one or both of the following voluntary methods to notify low power auxiliary stations:

(i) Any commercial or public safety licensee in the 700 MHz band may notify the Commission that it has initiated or will be initiating operations on specified frequencies in a particular market(s) in the 700 MHz band. The wireless operations initiated by the commercial or public safety 700 MHz licensees may include system testing or trials. Following receipt of the notification, the Commission will issue a public notice providing that operators of low power auxiliary stations, including wireless microphones, in the 700 MHz band in those market(s) will be required to cease operations within 60 days after the Commission's notice is released.

(ii) Any commercial or public safety licensee in the 700 MHz band may notify any low power auxiliary station users operating in the 700 MHz band that it has initiated or will be initiating operations on specified frequencies in the market in which the low power auxiliary station is operating. The wireless operations initiated by the commercial or public safety 700 MHz licensees may include system testing or trials. Upon receipt of such notice, the low power auxiliary station in the affected market area must cease operation within 60 days.

(iii) In the event that both of these notice provisions in paragraphs (e)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section are used with respect to a particular low power auxiliary station, the low power auxiliary station will have to cease operations in the market(s) in accordance with whichever notice provides for earlier termination of its operations.

(3) Notwithstanding this 60 day notice requirement, any low power auxiliary station that causes harmful interference to any commercial or public safety 700 MHz licensee must cease operations immediately, consistent with the rules for secondary use.

(f) Operations in 600 MHz band assigned to wireless licensees under part 27 of this chapter. A low power auxiliary 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. During the post-auction transition period, low power auxiliary stations will operate on a secondary basis to licensees of part 27 of this chapter, i.e., they must not cause to and must accept harmful interference from these licensees, and must comply with the distance separations in § 15.236(e)(2) of this chapter from the areas specified in § 15.713(j)(10) of this chapter in which a licensee has commenced operations, as defined in § 27.4 of this chapter.

[52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987, as amended at 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003; 75 FR 3638, Jan. 22, 2010; 79 FR 48545, Aug. 15, 2014; 80 FR 71728, Nov. 17, 2015; 80 FR 73085, Nov. 23, 2015; 81 FR 4975, Jan. 29, 2016; 82 FR 41560, Sept. 1, 2017]

§ 74.803 - Frequency selection to avoid interference.

(a) Where two or more low power auxiliary licensees need to operate in the same area, the licensees shall endeavor to select frequencies or schedule operation in such manner as to avoid mutual interference. If a mutually satisfactory arrangement cannot be reached, the Commission shall be notified and it will specify the frequency or frequencies to be employed by each licensee.

(b) The selection of frequencies in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting for use in any area shall be guided by the need to avoid interference to TV broadcast reception. In these bands, low power auxiliary station usage is secondary to TV broadcasting and land mobile stations operating in the UHF-TV spectrum and must not cause harmful interference. If such interference occurs, low power auxiliary station operation must immediately cease and may not be resumed until the interference problem has been resolved.

(c) In the 941.5–944 MHz, 944–952 MHz, 952.850–956.250 MHz, 956.45–959.85 MHz, 6875.000–6900.000 MHz, and 7100.000–7125.000 MHz bands low power auxiliary station usage is secondary to other uses (e.g. Aural Broadcast Auxiliary, Television Broadcast Auxiliary, Cable Relay Service, Fixed Point to Point Microwave) and must not cause harmful interference. In the 941.5–944 MHz band, low power auxiliary station usage also is secondary to Federal operations in the band. In each of these bands, 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 must 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.

(d) In the 1435–1525 MHz band, low power auxiliary station (LPAS) authorizations are limited to operations at fixed locations, and only to the extent that applicable requirements have been met for the proposed operations at those specified locations.

(1) Each authorization is limited to specific events or situations for which there is a need to deploy large numbers of LPAS for specified time periods, and use of other available spectrum resources at that particular location is insufficient to meet the LPAS licensee's needs.

(2) The access to spectrum in the band must be coordinated with the frequency coordinator for aeronautical mobile telemetry, the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Committee (AFTRCC) prior to operations at the specified location and period of time, with AFTRCC indicating whether any specific frequencies in the band are unavailable for use. LPAS devices must complete authentication and location verification before operations begin, employ software-based controls or similar functionality to prevent devices in the band from operating except in the specific channels, locations, and time periods that have been coordinated, and be capable of being tuned to any frequency in the band.

(3) LPAS users may have access to no more than 30 megahertz of spectrum (one third of the 1435–1525 MHz band) for their operations at the specified locations. Different users in the same general area each can access up to 30 megahertz of spectrum for their respective operations. All licensees that have successfully coordinated with AFTRCC for access to the 1435–1525 MHz band for operations at their specified locations in the same general area must, to the extent necessary, coordinate their particular access to and use of spectrum with other licensees to minimize the potential for interference between and among the different operations.

[42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987; 80 FR 71728, Nov. 17, 2015; 82 FR 41560, Sept. 1, 2017]

§ 74.831 - Scope of service and permissible transmissions.

The license for a low power auxiliary station authorizes the transmission of cues and orders to production personnel and participants in broadcast programs, motion pictures, and major events or productions and in the preparation therefor, the transmission of program material by means of a wireless microphone worn by a performer and other participants in a program, motion picture, or major event or production during rehearsal and during the actual broadcast, filming, recording, or event or production, or the transmission of comments, interviews, and reports from the scene of a remote broadcast. Low power auxiliary stations operating in the 941.5–944 MHz, 944–952 MHz, 952.850–956.250 MHz, 956.45–959.85 MHz, 6875–6900 MHz, and 7100–7125 MHz bands may, in addition, transmit synchronizing signals and various control signals to portable or hand-carried TV cameras which employ low power radio signals in lieu of cable to deliver picture signals to the control point at the scene of a remote broadcast.

[82 FR 41560, Sept. 1, 2017]

§ 74.832 - Licensing requirements and procedures.

(a) A license authorizing operation of one or more low power auxiliary stations will be issued only to the following:

(1) A licensee of an AM, FM, TV, or International broadcast station or low power TV station. Low power auxiliary stations will be licensed for used with a specific broadcast or low power TV station or combination of stations licensed to the same licensee within the same community.

(2) A broadcast network entity.

(3) A cable television system operator who operates a cable system that produces program material for origination or access cablecasting, as defined in § 76.5(r).

(4) Motion picture producers as defined in § 74.801.

(5) Television program producers as defined in § 74.801.

(6) Licensees and conditional licensees of stations in the Broadband Radio Service as defined in section 27.1200 of this chapter, or entities that hold an executed lease agreement with a Broadband Radio Service or Educational Broadband Service licensee.

(7) Large venue owners or operators as defined in § 74.801.

(8) Professional sound companies as defined in § 74.801.

(b) An application for a new or renewal of low power auxiliary license shall specify the frequency band or bands desired. Only those frequency bands necessary for satisfactory operation shall be requested.

(c) Licensees of AM, FM, TV, and International broadcast stations; low power TV stations; and broadcast network entities may be authorized to operate low power auxiliary stations in the frequency bands set forth in § 74.802(a).

(d) Cable television operations, motion picture and television program producers, large venue owners or operators, and professional sound companies may be authorized to operate low power auxiliary stations in the bands allocated for TV broadcasting, the 653–657 MHz band, the 941.5–944 MHz band, the 944–952 MHz band, the 952.850–956.250 MHz band, the 956.45–959.85 MHz band, the 1435–1525 MHz band, the 6875–6900 MHz band, and the 7100–7125 MHz band. In the 6875–6900 MHz and 7100–7125 MHz bands, entities eligible to hold licenses for cable television relay service stations (see § 78.13 of this chapter) shall also be eligible to hold licenses for low power auxiliary stations.

(e) An application for low power auxiliary stations or for a change in an existing authorization shall specify the broadcast station, or the network with which the low power broadcast auxiliary facilities are to be principally used as given in paragraph (h) of this section; or it shall specify the motion picture or television production company, the cable television operator, the professional sound company, or, if applicable, the venue with which the low power broadcast auxiliary facilities are to be solely used. A single application, filed on FCC Form 601 may be used in applying for the authority to operate one or more low power auxiliary units. The application must specify the frequency bands which will be used. Motion picture producers, television program producers, cable television operators, large venue owners or operators, and professional sound companies are required to attach a single sheet to their application form explaining in detail the manner in which the eligibility requirements given in paragraph (a) of this section are met. In addition, large venue owners or operators and professional sound companies shall include on the attachment the following certification and shall sign and date the certification: “The applicant hereby certifies that it routinely uses 50 or more low power auxiliary station devices, where the use of such devices is an integral part of major events or productions.”

(f) Applications for the use of the bands allocated for TV broadcasting must specify the usual area of operation within which the low power auxiliary station will be used. This area of operation may, for example, be specified as the metropolitan area in which the broadcast licensee serves, the usual area within which motion picture and television producers are operating, or the location of the venue. Licenses issued to large venue owners or operators are specific to a single venue and authorize operation only at that venue. Because low power auxiliary stations operating in these bands will only be permitted in areas removed from existing co-channel TV broadcast stations, licensees have full responsibility to ensure that operation of their stations does not occur at distances less than those specified in § 74.802(b).

(g) Low power auxiliary licensees shall specify the maximum number of units that will be operated.

(h) For broadcast licensees, low power auxiliary stations will be licensed for use with a specific broadcast station or combination of broadcast stations licensed to the same licensee and to the same community. Licensing of low power auxiliary stations for use with a specific broadcast station or combination of such stations does not preclude their use with other broadcast stations of the same or a different licensee at any location. Operation of low power auxiliary stations outside the area of operation specified in the authorization, or in other bands is permitted without further authority of the Commission. However, operation of low power auxiliary stations shall, at all times, be in accordance with the requirements of § 74.882 of this subpart. Also, a low power auxiliary station that is being used with a broadcast station or network other than one with which it is licensed, must, in addition to meeting the requirements of § 74.861 of this subpart, not cause harmful interference to another low power auxiliary station which is being used with the broadcast station(s) or network with which it is licensed.

(i) In case of permanent discontinuance of operations of a station licensed under this subpart, the licensee shall cancel the station license using FCC Form 601. For purposes of this section, a station which is not operated for a period of one year is considered to have been permanently discontinued.

(j) The license shall be retained in the licensee's files at the address shown on the authorization.

[42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 9221, Mar. 4, 1982; 47 FR 21503, May 18, 1982; 47 FR 55938, Dec. 14, 1982; 51 FR 4603, Feb. 6, 1986; 51 FR 9966, Mar. 24, 1986; 52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987; 55 FR 46012, Oct. 31, 1990; 58 FR 19776, Apr. 16, 1993; 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003; 69 FR 72045, Dec. 10, 2004; 79 FR 40689, July 14, 2014; 80 FR 71729, Nov. 17, 2015; 82 FR 41560, Sept. 1, 2017; 84 FR 2759, Feb. 8, 2019]

§ 74.833 - Temporary authorizations.

(a) Special temporary authority may be granted for low power 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 remote pickup broadcast 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 low power auxiliary station must include full particulars including: licensees name and address, statement of eligibility, facility identification number of the associated broadcast station (if any), type and manufacturer of equipment, power output, emission, frequency or frequencies proposed to be used, commencement and termination date, location of proposed operation, and purpose for which request is made including any particular justification.

(d) A request for special temporary authority shall specify a frequency band consistent with the provisions of § 74.802: 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, In no case will operation of a low power auxiliary broadcast station be authorized on frequencies employed for the safety of life and property.

(e) The user shall have full control over the transmitting equipment during the period it is operated.

(f) Special temporary authority to permit operation of low power auxiliary stations pending Commission action on an application for regular authority will not normally be granted.

[42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 47 FR 9221, Mar. 4, 1982; 47 FR 55939, Dec. 14, 1982; 58 FR 19776, Apr. 16, 1993; 68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003]

§ 74.851 - Certification of equipment; prohibition on manufacture, import, sale, lease, offer for sale or lease, or shipment of devices that operate in the 700 MHz Band or the 600 MHz Band; labeling for 700 MHz or 600 MHz band equipment destined for non-U.S. markets; disclosures.

(a) Applications for new low power auxiliary stations will not be accepted unless the transmitting equipment specified therein has been certificated for use pursuant to provisions of this subpart.

(b) Any manufacturer of a transmitter to be used in this service may apply for certification for such transmitter following the certification procedure set forth in part 2 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. Attention is also directed to part 1 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations which specifies the fees required when filing an application for certification.

(c) An applicant for a low power auxiliary station may also apply for certification for an individual transmitter by following the certification procedure set forth in part 2 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations. The application for certification must be accompanied by the proper fees as prescribed in part 1 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations.

(d) Low power auxiliary station equipment authorized to be used pursuant to an application accepted for filing prior to December 1, 1977 may continue to be used by the licensee or its successors or assignees: Provided, however, If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference due to its failure to comply with the technical standards set forth in this subpart, the Commission may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference.

(e) Each instrument of authority which permits operation of a low power auxiliary station using equipment which has not been certificated will specify the particular transmitting equipment which the licensee is authorized to use.

(f) All transmitters marketed for use under this subpart shall be certificated by the Federal Communications Commission for this purpose. (Refer to subpart I of part 2 of the Commission's rules and regulations.)

(g) No person shall manufacture, import, sell, lease, offer for sale or lease, or ship low power auxiliary stations that are capable of operating in the 700 MHz band (698–806 MHz). This prohibition does not apply to devices manufactured solely for export.

(h) Any person who manufactures, sells, leases, or offers for sale or lease low power auxiliary stations, including wireless microphones, that are destined for non-U.S. markets and that are capable of operating in the 700 MHz band shall include labeling and make clear in all sales, marketing, and packaging materials, including online materials, relating to such devices that the devices cannot be operated in the U.S.

(i) As of January 13, 2018, applications for certification shall no longer be accepted for low power auxiliary stations or wireless video assist devices that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz service band or the 600 MHz guard band, or for low power auxiliary stations that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz duplex gap unless the operations are limited to the 653–657 MHz segment.

(j) As of October 13, 2018, no person shall manufacture, import, sell, lease, offer for sale or lease, or ship low power auxiliary stations or wireless video assist devices that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz service band or the 600 MHz guard bands, or low power auxiliary stations that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz duplex gap unless the operations are limited to the 653–657 MHz segment. This prohibition does not apply to devices manufactured solely for export.

(k) As of October 13, 2018, any person who manufacturers, sells, leases, or offer for sale or lease low power auxiliary stations or wireless video assist devices that are destined for non-U.S. markets and that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz service band or the 600 MHz guard bands, or low power auxiliary stations that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz duplex gap unless such operations are limited to the 653–657 MHz segment, shall include labeling and make clear in all sales, marketing, and packaging materials, including online materials, relating to such devices that the devices cannot be operated in the United States.

(l) Disclosure requirements for low power auxiliary stations and wireless video assist devices capable of operating in the 600 MHz service band. Any person who manufactures, sells, leases, or offers for sale or lease low power auxiliary stations or wireless video devices that are capable of operating in the 600 MHz service band on or after July 13, 2017, is subject to the following disclosure requirements:

(1) Such persons must display the consumer disclosure text, as specified by the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, at the point of sale or lease of each such low power auxiliary station or wireless video assist device. The text must be displayed in a clear, conspicuous, and readily legible manner. One way to fulfill the requirement in this section is to display the consumer disclosure text in a prominent manner on the product box by using a label (either printed onto the box or otherwise affixed to the box), a sticker, or other means. Another way to fulfill this requirement is to display the text immediately adjacent to each low power auxiliary station or wireless video assist device offered for sale or lease and clearly associated with the model to which it pertains.

(2) If such persons offer such low power auxiliary stations or wireless video assist device via direct mail, catalog, or electronic means, they shall prominently display the consumer disclosure text in close proximity to the images and descriptions of each such low power auxiliary station or wireless video assist device. The text should be in a size large enough to be clear, conspicuous, and readily legible, consistent with the dimensions of the advertisement or description.

(3) If such persons have Web sites pertaining to these low power auxiliary stations or wireless video assist devices, the consumer disclosure text must be displayed there in a clear, conspicuous, and readily legible manner (even in the event such persons do not sell low power auxiliary stations or wireless video assist devices directly to the public).

(4) The consumer disclosure text described in paragraph (l)(1) of this section is set forth as Figure 1 to this paragraph.

(Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 42 FR 43637, Aug. 22, 1977; 43 FR 13576, Mar. 31, 1978; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998; 75 FR 3639, Jan. 22, 2010; 80 FR 71729, Nov. 17, 2015; 82 FR 41561, Sept. 1, 2017; 83 FR 10640, 10643, Mar. 12, 2018]

§ 74.852 - Equipment changes.

(a) The licensee of a low power auxiliary station may make any changes in the equipment that are deemed desirable or necessary, including replacement with certificated equipment, without prior Commission approval: Provided, The proposed changes will not depart from any of the terms of the station authorization or the Commission's technical rules governing this service: And provided further, That any changes made to certificated transmitted equipment shall be in compliance with the provisions of part 2 of the Commission's rules and regulations concerning modification of certificated equipment.

(b) Any equipment changes made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall be set forth in the next application for renewal of license.

(Sec. 5, 48 Stat. 1068; 47 U.S.C. 155) [42 FR 14729, Mar. 16, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 13576, Mar. 31, 1978; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998]

§ 74.861 - Technical requirements.

(a) Except as specified in paragraph (e) of this section, transmitter power is the power at the transmitter output terminals and delivered to the antenna, antenna transmission line, or any other impedance-matched, radio frequency load. For the purpose of this subpart, the transmitter power is the carrier power.

(b) Each authorization for a new low power auxiliary station shall require the use of certificated equipment. Such equipment shall be operated in accordance with the emission specifications included in the certification grant and as prescribed in paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section.

(c) Low power auxiliary transmitters not required to operate on specific carrier frequencies shall operate sufficiently within the authorized frequency band edges to insure the emission bandwidth falls entirely within the authorized band.

(d) For low power auxiliary stations operating in the bands other than those allocated for TV broadcasting, the following technical requirements are imposed.

(1) For all bands except the 1435–1525 MHz band, the maximum transmitter power which will be authorized is 1 watt. In the 1435–1525 MHz band, the maximum transmitter power which will be authorized is 250 milliwatts. Licensees may accept the manufacturer's power rating; however, it is the licensee's responsibility to observe specified power limits.

(2) If a low power auxiliary station employs amplitude modulation, modulation shall not exceed 100 percent on positive or negative peaks.

(3) For the 26.1–26.480 MHz, 161.625–161.775 MHz, 450–451 MHz, and 455–456 MHz bands, the occupied bandwidth shall not be greater than that necessary for satisfactory transmission and, in any event, an emission appearing on any discrete frequency outside the authorized band shall be attenuated, at least, 43+10 log 10 (mean output power, in watts) dB below the mean output power of the transmitting unit. The requirements of this paragraph shall also apply to the applications for certification of equipment for the 944–952 MHz band until January 13, 2018.

(4)(i) For the 653–657 MHz, 941.5–944 MHz, 944–952 MHz, 952.850–956.250 MHz, 956.45–959.85 MHz, 1435–1525 MHz, 6875–6900 MHz and 7100–7125 MHz bands, analog emissions within the band from one megahertz below to one megahertz above the carrier frequency shall comply with the emission mask in section 8.3.1.2 of the European Telecommunications Institute Standard ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08), Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wireless microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range; Part 1: Technical characteristics and methods of measurement. Beyond one megahertz below and above the carrier frequency, emissions shall comply with the limits specified in section 8.4 of ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08).

(ii) For the 653–657 MHz, 941.5–944 MHz, 944–952 MHz, 952.850–956.250 MHz, 956.45–959.85 MHz, and 1435–1525 MHz bands, digital emissions within the band from one megahertz below to one megahertz above the carrier frequency shall comply with the emission mask in section 8.3.2.2 (Figure 4) of the European Telecommunications Institute Standard ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08), Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wireless microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range; part 1: Technical characteristics and methods of measurement. Beyond one megahertz below and above the carrier frequency, emissions shall comply with the limits specified in section 8.4 of ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08).

(iii) In the 6875–6900 MHz and 7100–7125 MHz bands, digital emissions within the band from one megahertz below to one megahertz above the carrier frequency shall comply with the emission mask in section 8.3.2.2 (Figure 5) of the European Telecommunications Institute Standard ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08), Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wireless microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range; part 1: Technical characteristics and methods of measurement. Beyond one megahertz below and above the carrier frequency, emissions shall comply with the limits specified in section 8.4 of ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08).

(iv) For the 944–952 MHz band, the requirements of this paragraph (d)(4) shall not apply to the applications for certification of equipment for that band until nine months after release of the Commission's Channel Reassignment Public Notice, as defined in section 73.3700(a)(2) of this chapter.

(e) For low power auxiliary stations operating in the 600 MHz duplex gap and the bands allocated for TV broadcasting, the following technical requirements apply:

(1) The power may not exceed the following values.

(i) 54–72, 76–88, and 174–216 MHz bands: 50 mW EIRP

(ii) 470–608 and 614–698: 250 mW conducted power

(iii) 600 MHz duplex gap: 20 mW EIRP

(2) Transmitters may be either crystal controlled or frequency synthesized.

(3) Any form of modulation may be used. A maximum deviation of ±75 kHz is permitted when frequency modulation is employed.

(4) The frequency tolerance of the transmitter shall be 0.005 percent.

(5) The operating bandwidth shall not exceed 200 kHz.

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

(i) On any frequency removed from the operating frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 25 dB;

(ii) On any frequency removed from the operating frequency by more than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 35 dB;

(iii) On any frequency removed from the operating frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: at least 43 + 10log10 (mean output power in watts) dB.

(7) Analog emissions within the band from one megahertz below to one megahertz above the carrier frequency shall comply with the emission mask in section 8.3.1.2 of the European Telecommunications Institute Standard ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08), Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wireless microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range; part 1: Technical characteristics and methods of measurement. Digital emissions within the band from one megahertz below to one megahertz above the carrier frequency shall comply with the emission mask in section 8.3.2.2 (Figure 4) of the European Telecommunications Institute Standard ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08), Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wireless microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range; part 1: Technical characteristics and methods of measurement. Beyond one megahertz below and above the carrier frequency, emissions shall comply with the limits specified in section 8.4 of ETSI EN 300 422–1 v1.4.2 (2011–08). The requirements of this paragraph (e)(7) shall not apply to applications for certification of equipment in these bands until nine months after release of the Commission's Channel Reassignment Public Notice, as defined in § 73.3700(a)(2) of this chapter.

(f) Unusual transmitting antennas or antenna elevations shall not be used to deliberately extend the range of low power auxiliary stations beyond the limited areas defined in § 74.831.

(g) Low power auxiliary stations shall be operated so that no harmful interference is caused to any other class of station operating in accordance with Commission's rules and regulations and with the Table of Frequency Allocations in part 2 thereof.

(h) In the event a station's emissions outside its authorized frequency band causes harmful interference, the Commission may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such further steps as may be necessary to eliminate the interference.

(i) Incorporation by reference. The material listed in this paragraph (i) is incorporated by reference in this section with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the FCC must publish a document in the Federal Register and the material must be available to the public. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the FCC and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the FCC through the Federal Communications Commission's Reference Information Center, phone: (202) 418–0270. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html or email [email protected]. The material may be obtained from the following source in this paragraph (i):

(1) European Telecommunications Standards Institute, 650 Route des Lucioles, 06921 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France. A copy of the standard is also available at http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/300400_300499/30042201/01.03.02_60/en_30042201v010302p.pdf.

(i) ETSI EN 300 422–1 V1.4.2 (2011–08): “Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum Matters (ERM); Wireless microphones in the 25 MHz to 3 GHz frequency range; Part 1: Technical characteristics and methods of measurement,” Copyright 2011, IBR approved for section 15.236(g).

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) [Reserved].

[43 FR 13576, Mar. 31, 1978, as amended at 52 FR 2535, Jan. 23, 1987; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998; 75 FR 3639, Jan. 22, 2010; 80 FR 71730, Nov. 17, 2015; 80 FR 73085, Nov. 23, 2015; 82 FR 41561, Sept. 1, 2017; 85 FR 64409, Oct. 13, 2020; 88 FR 21448, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 74.870 - Wireless video assist devices.

Television broadcast auxiliary licensees and motion picture and television producers, as defined in § 74.801 may operate wireless video assist devices on a non-interference basis on VHF and UHF television channels to assist with production activities.

(a) The use of wireless video assist devices must comply with all provisions of this subpart, except as indicated in paragraphs (b) through (i) of this section.

(b) Wireless video assist devices may only be used for scheduled productions. They may not be used to produce live events and may not be used for electronic news gathering purposes.

(c) Wireless video assist devices may operate with a bandwidth not to exceed 6 MHz on frequencies in the bands 180–210 MHz (TV channels 8–12) and 470–698 MHz (TV channels 14–51) subject to the following restrictions:

(1) The bandwidth may only occupy a single TV channel.

(2) Operation is prohibited within the 608–614 MHz (TV channel 37) band.

(3) Operation is prohibited within 129 km of a television broadcasting station, including Class A television stations, low power television stations and translator stations.

(4) For the area and frequency combinations listed in the table below, operation is prohibited within the distances indicated from the listed geographic coordinates.

Note to the following table:

All coordinates are referenced to the North American Datum of 1983.

Area North latitude West longitude Excluded frequencies
(MHz)
Excluded channels 200 km 128 km 52 km Boston, MA42°21′24.4″71°03′23.2″470–47614476–48215482–48816488–49417Chicago, IL41°52′28.1″87°38′22.2″470–47614476–48215482–48816Cleveland, OH 141°29′51.2″81°41′49.5″470–47614476–48215482–48816488–49417Dallas/Fort Worth, TX32°47′09.5″96°47′38.0″476–48215482–48816488–49417Detroit, MI 142°19′48.1″83°02′56.7″470–47614476–48215482–48816488–49417Gulf of Mexico476–49415, 16, 17 Hawaii488–49417 Houston, TX29°45′26.8″95°21′37.8″482–48816488–49417494–50018Los Angeles, CA34°03′15.0″118°14′31.3″470–47614476–48215482–48816488–49417500–50619506–51220512–51821Miami, Fl25°46′38.4″80°11′31.2″470–47614476–48215New York/NE New Jersey40°45′73°59′37.5″470–47614476–48215482–48816488–49417494–50018500–50619506–51220Philadelphia, PA39°56′58.4″75°09′19.6″494–50018500–50619506–51220512–51821Pittsburgh, PA40°26′19.2″79°59′59.2″470–47614476–48215488–49417494–50018500–50619San Francisco/Oakland, CA37°46′38.7″122°24′43.9″476–48215482–48816488–49417494–50018Washington D.C./MD/VA38°53′51.4″77°00′31.9″482–48816488–49417494–50018500–50619

1 The distance separation requirements are not applicable in these cities until further order from the Commission.

(d) Wireless video assist devices are limited to a maximum of 250 milliwatts ERP and must limit power to that necessary to reliably receive a signal at a distance of 300 meters. Wireless video assist devices must comply with the emission limitations of § 74.637.

(e) The antenna of a wireless video assist device must be attached to the transmitter either permanently, or by means of a unique connector designed to allow replacement of authorized antennas but prevent the use of unauthorized antennas. When transmitting, the antenna must not be more that 10 meters above ground level.

(f)(1) A license for a wireless video assist device will authorize the license holder to use all frequencies available for wireless video assist devices, subject to the limitations specified in this section.

(2) Licensees may operate as many wireless video assist devices as necessary, subject to the notification procedures of this section.

(g) Notification procedure. Prior to the commencement of transmitting, licensees must notify the local broadcasting coordinator of their intent to transmit. If there is no local coordinator in the intended area of operation, licensees must notify all adjacent channel TV stations within 161 km (100 mi) of the proposed operating area.

(1) Notification must be made at least 10 working days prior to the date of intended transmission.

(2) Notifications must include:

(i) Frequency or frequencies.

(ii) Location.

(iii) Antenna height.

(iv) Emission type(s).

(v) Effective radiated power.

(vi) Intended dates of operation.

(vii) Licensee contact information.

(3)(i) Failure of a local coordinator to respond to a notification request prior to the intended dates of operation indicated on the request will be considered as having the approval of the coordinator. In this case, licensees must in addition notify all co-channel and adjacent channel TV stations within 161 km (100 mi) of the proposed operating area. This notification is for information purposes only and will not enable TV stations to prevent a WAVD from operating, but is intended to help identify the source of interference if any is experienced after a WAVD begins operation.

(ii) If there is no local coordinator in the intended area of operation, failure of any adjacent channel TV station to respond to a notification request prior to the intended dates of operation indicated on the request will be considered as having the approval of the TV station.

(4) Licensees must operate in a manner consistent with the response of the local coordinator, or, if there is no local coordinator in the intended area of operation, the responses of the adjacent channel TV stations. Disagreements may be appealed to the Commission. However, in those instances, the licensee will bear the burden of proof and proceeding to overturn the recommendation of the local coordinator or the co-channel or adjacent channel TV station.

(h) Licenses for wireless video assist devices may not be transferred or assigned.

(i) Operations in 600 MHz band assigned to wireless licensees under part 27 of this chapter. A wireless video assist device that operates on frequencies in the 600 MHz band assigned to wireless licensees under part 27of 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. During the post-auction transition period, wireless video assist devices will operate on a secondary basis to licensees of part 27 of this chapter, i.e., they must not cause to and must accept harmful interference from these licensees.

[68 FR 12772, Mar. 17, 2003, as amended at 68 FR 69331, Dec. 12, 2003; 79 FR 48545, Aug. 15, 2014]

§ 74.882 - Station identification.

(a) For transmitters used for voice transmissions and having a transmitter output power exceeding 50 mW, an announcement shall be made at the beginning and end of each period of operation at a single location, over the transmitting unit being operated, identifying the transmitting unit's call sign or designator, its location, and the call sign of the broadcasting station or name of the licensee with which it is being used. A period of operation may consist of a continuous transmission or intermittent transmissions pertaining to a single event.

(b) Each wireless video assist device, when transmitting, must transmit station identification at the beginning and end of each period of operation. Identification may be made by transmitting the station call sign by visual or aural means or by automatic transmission in international Morse telegraphy.

(1) A period of operation is defined as a single uninterrupted transmission or a series of intermittent transmissions from a single location.

(2) Station identification shall be performed in a manner conducive to prompt association of the signal source with the responsible licensee. In exercising the discretion provide by this rule, licensees are expected too act in a responsible manner to assure that result.

[68 FR 12774, Mar. 17, 2003]