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Allocations

Intro to Allocations

U.S. Non-Federal-Government Allocations

54 - 72 MHz
FIXED
MOBILE

NG5 NG14 NG115 NG149

FCC Rule Parts:
Radio Broadcast (TV)(73)
LPTV, TV Translator/Booster (74G)
Low Power Auxiliary (74H)

Relevant FCC Auctions:
Auction 25 (Closed Broadcast), $57,820,350
Auction 28 (Broadcast), $1,210,000
Auction 54 (Closed Broadcast), $4,657,600
Auction 64 (Full Power Television Station Construction Permits), $23,367,850
Auction 81 (Low Power Television (LPTV)), $834,600
Auction 85 (Low Power Television (LPTV)), $134,725
Auction 90 (VHF Commercial Television (NJ & DE)), $2,631,200
Total net auction bids: $90,656,325

U.S. Federal Government Allocations

54 - 73 MHz

ITU Region 1 Allocations

68 - 74.8 MHz
FIXED
MOBILE except aeronautical mobile

5.149 5.175 5.177 5.179 NG5 NG14 NG115 NG149

ITU Region 2 Allocations

68 - 72 MHz
FIXED
MOBILE

5.149 5.173 5.175 5.177 5.179 NG5 NG14 NG115 NG149

ITU Region 3 Allocations

68 - 74.8 MHz
FIXED
MOBILE

5.149 5.173 5.175 5.176 5.177 5.179 NG5 NG14 NG115 NG149

SpectrumWiki

Television Broadcast

Amateur Radio 6 m Band

Radio-Based Clock Synchronization

Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS)

Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service

Auditory Assistance Devices

Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL)

TV White Space Devices

2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) Agenda Item 1.1

WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.1

Footnotes

5.149 In making assignments to stations of other services to which the bands:
13 360-13 410 kHz,
25 550-25 670 kHz,
37.5-38.25 MHz,
73-74.6 MHz in Regions 1 and 3,
150.05-153 MHz in Region 1,
322-328.6 MHz,
406.1-410 MHz,
608-614 MHz in Regions 1 and 3,
1 330-1 400 MHz,
1 610.6-1 613.8 MHz,
1 660-1 670 MHz,
1 718.8-1 722.2 MHz,
2 655-2 690 MHz,
3 260-3 267 MHz,
3 332-3 339 MHz,
3 345.8-3 352.5 MHz,
4 825-4 835 MHz, 4 950-4 990 MHz,
4 990-5 000 MHz,
6 650-6 675.2 MHz,
10.6-10.68 GHz,
14.47-14.5 GHz,
22.01-22.21 GHz,
22.21-22.5 GHz,
22.81-22.86 GHz,
23.07-23.12 GHz,
31.2-31.3 GHz,
31.5-31.8 GHz in Regions 1 and 3,
36.43-36.5 GHz,
42.5-43.5 GHz,
48.94-49.04 GHz,
76-86 GHz,
92-94 GHz,
94.1-100 GHz, 102-109.5 GHz,
111.8-114.25 GHz,
128.33-128.59 GHz,
129.23-129.49 GHz,
130-134 GHz,
136-148.5 GHz,
151.5-158.5 GHz,
168.59-168.93 GHz,
171.11-171.45 GHz,
172.31-172.65 GHz,
173.52-173.85 GHz,
195.75-196.15 GHz,
209-226 GHz,
241-250 GHz,
252-275 GHz
are allocated, administrations are urged to take all practicable steps to protect the radio astronomy service from harmful interference. Emissions from spaceborne or airborne stations can be particularly serious sources of interference to the radio astronomy service (see Nos. 4.5 and 4.6 and Article 29). (WRC 07)

5.173 Different category of service: in the French overseas departments and communities in Region 2 and Guyana, the allocation of the frequency band 68-72 MHz to the fixed and mobile services is on a primary basis (see No. 5.33). (WRC 15)

5.175 Alternative allocation: in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Russian Federation, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine, the bands 68-73 MHz and 76-87.5 MHz are allocated to the broadcasting service on a primary basis. In Latvia and Lithuania, the bands 68-73 MHz and 76 87.5 MHz are allocated to the broadcasting and mobile, except aeronautical mobile, services on a primary basis. The services to which these bands are allocated in other countries and the broadcasting service in the countries listed above are subject to agreements with the neighbouring countries concerned. (WRC 07)

5.176 Additional allocation: in Australia, China, Korea (Rep. of), the Philippines, the Dem. People’s Rep. of Korea and Samoa, the band 68-74 MHz is also allocated to the broadcasting service on a primary basis. (WRC 07)

5.177 Additional allocation: in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, the Russian Federation, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine, the band 73-74 MHz is also allocated to the broadcasting service on a primary basis, subject to agreement obtained under No. 9.21. (WRC 07)

5.179 Additional allocation: in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, the Russian Federation, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Ukraine, the bands 74.6-74.8 MHz and 75.2 75.4 MHz are also allocated to the aeronautical radionavigation service, on a primary basis, for ground-based transmitters only. (WRC 12)

NG5  In the band 535-1705 kHz, AM broadcast licensees and permittees may use their AM carrier on a secondary basis to transmit signals intended for both broadcast and non-broadcast purposes. In the band 88-108 MHz, FM broadcast licensees and permittees are permitted to use subcarriers on a secondary basis to transmit signals intended for both broadcast and non-broadcast purposes. In the bands 54-72, 76-88, 174-216, 470-608, and 614-698 MHz, TV broadcast licensees and permittees are permitted to use subcarriers on a secondary basis for both broadcast and non-broadcast purposes. Use of the band 614-698 MHz is subject to the provisions specified in NG33.

NG14  TV broadcast stations authorized to operate in the bands 54-72, 76-88, 174-216, 470-608, and 614-698 MHz may use a portion of the television vertical blanking interval for the transmission of telecommunications signals, on the condition that harmful interference will not be caused to the reception of primary services, and that such telecommunications services must accept any interference caused by primary services operating in these bands. Use of the band 614-698 MHz is subject to the provisions specified in NG33.

NG115  In the bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-608 MHz, and 614-698 MHz, wireless microphones and wireless assist video devices may be authorized on a non-interference basis, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in 47 CFR part 74, subpart H.

NG149  The bands 54-72 MHz, 76-88 MHz, 174-216 MHz, 470-512 MHz, 512-608 MHz, and 614-698 MHz are also allocated to the fixed service to permit subscription television operations in accordance with 47 CFR part 73. Use of the band 614-698 MHz is subject to the provisions specified in NG33.

SpectrumWiki

Television Broadcast

Over-the-air television broadcasting in the United States uses the following spectrum. Each TV channel is 6 MHz wide. Digital broadcasting is by the ATSC standard. Some Low Power Television (LPTV), TV translators, and Class A television stations continue to broadcast in analog mode using the NTSC standard, but are mandated to transition to digital by September 1, 2015; however, the FCC has proposed extending this deadline in document FCC 14-151 (available under the related documents section).

VHF TV
54-72 MHz:	Channels 2-4
76-88 MHz:	Channels 5-6
174-216 MHz:	Channels 7-13

UHF TV
470-512 MHz:	Channels 14-20 (may be used for land mobile in major cities; see below)
512-608 MHz:	Channels 21-36
608-614 MHz:	Channel 37 (not used for TV broadcasting)
614-698 MHz:	Channels 38-51

Portions of channels 14-20 (470-512 MHz) are used by the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) in the following metropolitan areas:

Boston MA	channels 14 & 16
Chicago IL	channels 14 & 15
Dallas/Ft. Worth TX	channel 16
Houston TX	channel 17
Los Angeles CA	channels 14, 16 & 20
Miami FL	channel 14
New York NY/NE New Jersey	channels 14-16
Philadelphia PA	channels 19 & 20
Pittsburgh PA	channels 14 & 18
San Francisco-Oakland CA	channels 16 & 17
Washington DC	channels 17 & 18

PLMRS service is allowed by the FCC's rules in Cleveland OH (14 & 15) and Detroit MI (15 & 16), but interference issues with Canada prevent PLMRS from being deployed there.

A useful characteristic of digital (ATSC) signals is the addition of a narrowband pilot tone on the RF carrier. The pilot tone is at a nominal frequency of 309.440559441 kHz above the bottom edge of the channel, although the FCC may require small frequency offsets on a station-by-station basis to avoid interference between pilot tones of co-channel TV stations. Ancillary uses of the pilot tones include, for example, monitoring for sudden enhanced propagation events, such as meteor burst or sporadic E.

Channelized Bands
Band	Channel	Use	Service	Table
54 - 60 MHz	2	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
60 - 66 MHz	3	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
66 - 72 MHz	4	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
76 - 82 MHz	5	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
82 - 88 MHz	6	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
174 - 180 MHz	7	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
180 - 186 MHz	8	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
186 - 192 MHz	9	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
192 - 198 MHz	10	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
198 - 204 MHz	11	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
204 - 210 MHz	12	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
210 - 216 MHz	13	Broadcast Television (VHF)	Broadcasting	N
470 - 476 MHz	14	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
476 - 482 MHz	15	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
482 - 488 MHz	16	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
488 - 494 MHz	17	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
494 - 500 MHz	18	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
500 - 506 MHz	19	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
506 - 512 MHz	20	Broadcast Television (UHF) (may be used for land mobile in major metro areas)	Broadcasting	N
512 - 518 MHz	21	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
518 - 524 MHz	22	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
524 - 530 MHz	23	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
530 - 536 MHz	24	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
536 - 542 MHz	25	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
542 - 548 MHz	26	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
548 - 554 MHz	27	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
554 - 560 MHz	28	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
560 - 566 MHz	29	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
566 - 572 MHz	30	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
572 - 578 MHz	31	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
578 - 584 MHz	32	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
584 - 590 MHz	33	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
590 - 596 MHz	34	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
596 - 602 MHz	35	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
602 - 608 MHz	36	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
614 - 620 MHz	38	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
620 - 626 MHz	39	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
626 - 632 MHz	40	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
632 - 638 MHz	41	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
638 - 644 MHz	42	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
644 - 650 MHz	43	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
650 - 656 MHz	44	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
656 - 662 MHz	45	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
662 - 668 MHz	46	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
668 - 674 MHz	47	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
674 - 680 MHz	48	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
680 - 686 MHz	49	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
686 - 692 MHz	50	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N
692 - 698 MHz	51	Broadcast Television (UHF)	Broadcasting	N

External Links:

ATSC Digital TV Standard

FCC TV station query

Spectrum Tour: U.S. Digital TV (551 MHz) (Prof. Steve Ellingson)

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Amateur Radio 6 m Band

In ITU Regions 2 and 3, this band is allocated on a primary basis to the amateur radio service. Several Region 1 countries have also adopted this band for amateur radio, but the band is formally allocated to the broadcasting service in that region. According to footnote 5.169 of the Radio Regulations, the Region 1 countries that have allocated 50-54 MHz to amateur radio are the following: Botswana, Burundi, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, the Dem. Rep. of the Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

According to the ITU, "this band is used for local communication at all times, including telecommand of objects such as models. Sky wave, tropospheric scatter and meteor burst propagation are used for distances up to 2000 km."

In the U.S., the ARRL has established the following band plan. The band plan may apply in other countries as well:

Frequency (MHz): Use
50.0 - 50.1: CW, beacons
50.060 - 50.080: Beacon subband
50.1 - 50.3: SSB, CW
50.10 - 50.125: DX window
50.125: SSB calling
50.3 - 50.6: All modes
50.6 - 50.8: Nonvoice communications
50.62: Digital (packet) calling
50.8 - 51.0: Radio remote control (20-kHz channels)
51.0 - 51.1: Pacific DX window
51.12 - 51.48: Repeater inputs (19 channels)
51.12 - 51.18: Digital repeater inputs
51.5 - 51.6: Simplex (six channels)
51.62 - 51.98: Repeater outputs (19 channels)
51.62 - 51.68: Digital repeater outputs
52.0 - 52.48: Repeater inputs (except as noted; 23 channels)
52.02, 52.04: FM simplex
52.2: TEST PAIR (input)
52.5 - 52.98: Repeater output (except as noted; 23 channels)
52.525: Primary FM simplex
52.54: Secondary FM simplex
52.7: TEST PAIR (output)
53.0 - 53.48: Repeater inputs (except as noted; 19 channels)
53.0: Remote base FM simplex
53.02: Simplex
53.1, 53.2, 53.3, 53.4: Radio remote control
53.5 - 53.98: Repeater outputs (except as noted; 19 channels)
53.5, 53.6, 53.7, 53.8: Radio remote control
53.52, 53.9: Simplex

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
50 - 54 MHz	Amateur radio 6 m band	Amateur	N

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Radio-Based Clock Synchronization

Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS)

A longstanding Army portable and mobile system, operating across 30 - 87.975 MHz, is the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS). These radios provide frequency-hopping, secure voice, and data communications.

(Source: Wireless Spectrum Finder, by Bennett Z. Kobb. Wireless Spectrum Finder is now (c)MMX Technology LLC).

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
30 - 87.975 MHz	-	-	F

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Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service

According to the FCC, "the R/C service is a private, one-way, short distance non-voice communications service for the operation of devices at remote locations."

R/C communications are typically used to control model cars, model airplanes, etc, and are governed under subpart C of Part 95 of the FCC's rules.

The allowed transmitter power is 25 W on 27.255 MHz, 4 W on the other 26-27 MHz channels, and 0.75 W on the 72-76 MHz channels [47 CFR 95.210(a)].

Frequencies
Frequency	Bandwidth	Use	Service	Table
26995 kHz	20 kHz	R/C (any device)	Mobile	N
27045 kHz	20 kHz	R/C (any device)	Mobile	N
27095 kHz	20 kHz	R/C (any device)	Mobile	N
27145 kHz	20 kHz	R/C (any device)	Mobile	N
27195 kHz	20 kHz	R/C (any device)	Mobile	N
27255 kHz	20 kHz	R/C (any device)	Mobile	N
72.01 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.03 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.05 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.07 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.09 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.11 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.13 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.15 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.17 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.19 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.21 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.23 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.25 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.27 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.29 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.31 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.33 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.35 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.37 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.39 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.41 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.43 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.45 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.47 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.49 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.51 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.53 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.55 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.57 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.59 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.61 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.63 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.65 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.67 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.69 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.71 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.73 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.75 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.77 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.79 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.81 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.83 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.85 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.87 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.89 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.91 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.93 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.95 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.97 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
72.99 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model aircraft only)	Mobile	N
75.41 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.43 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.45 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.47 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.49 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.51 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.53 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.55 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.57 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.59 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.61 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.63 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.65 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.67 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.69 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.71 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.73 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.75 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.77 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.79 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.81 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.83 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.85 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.87 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.89 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.91 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.93 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.95 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.97 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N
75.99 MHz	20 kHz	R/C (model surface craft only)	Mobile	N

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Auditory Assistance Devices

The FCC allows auditory assistance devices on an unlicensed basis in the bands 72-73, 74.6-74.8, and 75.2-76 MHz, under Part 15. These allow hard-of-hearing people to participate in events together with people with normal hearing in settings like classrooms, theaters, and houses of worship. A low-power radio transmitter sends sound to the user’s receiver, which amplifies the sound and delivers it to headphones without disturbing non-users in the room. The FCC has expanded eligibility beyond assistance to handicapped persons to include simultaneous language translation.

The following background information is from the FCC Report & Order (FCC 13-59):

Part 15 of the Commission's rules provides for the operation of low power radio frequency (RF) devices without an individual license from the Commission. A party seeking to market a Part 15 unlicensed device to the public must first comply with the Commission's equipment authorization procedures, which, inter alia, require a demonstration that the device complies with the Commission's rules. As a general condition of operation, Part 15 devices may not cause harmful interference to any authorized services and must accept any interference that may be received from them or other Part 15 devices. Common Part 15 devices include cordless telephones, Wi-Fi devices, automated utility meter reading equipment, and auditory assistance devices.

Part 15 auditory assistance devices transmit audio via RF signals to specialized receivers used by listeners to enhance the reception of speech. By minimizing the disproportionate effects of background noise and reverberation on speech perception by people with disabilities, these devices improve the quality of sound over that which would be received via a loudspeaker system. Under the Part 15 rules, an auditory assistance device is defined as "[a]n intentional radiator used to provide auditory assistance to a handicapped person or persons. Such a device may be used for auricular training in an educational institution, for auditory assistance at places of public gatherings, such as a church, theater, or auditorium, and to handicapped individuals, only, in other locations."

The 72-76 MHz bands (72-73 MHz, 74.6-74.8 MHz, and 75.2-76 MHz) in which Part 15 auditory assistance devices are permitted to operate are allocated on a primary basis to licensed stations in the Public Mobile Service (Part 22), the Maritime Service (Part 80), the Aviation Service (Part 87), the Private Land Mobile Radio Service (Part 90), and the Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service (Part 95). In the bands adjacent to those bands in which Part 15 auditory assistance devices operate, the 73-74.6 MHz band is allocated on a primary basis to the Radio Astronomy Service for Federal and non-Federal use; the 74.8-75.2 MHz band is allocated on a primary basis to the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service for Federal and non-Federal use and is available for licensed use in the Radiodetermination Service (Part 87); and the 54-72 MHz (VHF TV channels 2-4) and 76-88 MHz bands (VHF TV channels 5 and 6) are allocated to the Broadcasting Service on a primary basis and are available for licensed TV broadcasting stations (Part 73).

On September 9, 2011, the Commission adopted an Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Auditory Assistance Device NPRM) in this proceeding that proposed to modify the Part 15 definition of "auditory assistance device" to expand the permissible uses of these devices to include simultaneous language interpretation. The expanded definition would allow Part 15 auditory assistance devices to be used by any person requiring simultaneous language interpretation at any location, in the same manner as permitted under Part 95 for Low Power Radio Service stations that operate in the 216-217 MHz band. The Commission took this action in response to a petition for declaratory ruling filed by Williams Sound Corporation (Williams Sound), a provider of wireless auditory assistance devices.

In the Auditory Assistance Device NPRM, the Commission sought comment on the advantages and disadvantages and potential benefits of expanding the permissible uses of Part 15 auditory assistance devices and any qualitative or quantitative costs associated with this proposal. It also sought comment on whether increased use of Part 15 auditory assistance devices for simultaneous language interpretation would increase the potential for harmful interference to authorized services in the 72-76 MHz and adjacent bands and whether additional safeguards or changes to the technical requirements for these devices would be necessary to prevent harmful interference to those services. In addition, the Commission sought comment on whether a more restrictive limit for Part 15 auditory assistance devices' out-of-band emissions is needed to prevent harmful interference to authorized services in the 72-76 MHz and adjacent bands and improve the reception of VHF TV channels 2-6.

Part 15 auditory assistance devices may operate in a full duplex mode of operation using necessary bandwidths up to 200 kilohertz wide. All fundamental emissions must be contained wholly within the 72-73 MHz, 74.6-74.8 MHz, and 75.2-76 MHz bands with a maximum field strength of 80 millivolts per meter (mV/m) measured at a distance of 3 meters, which is equivalent to a maximum effective radiated power (ERP) of 1.2 milliwatts (mW). The field strength of any unwanted emissions must not exceed 1,500 microvolts per meter (µV/m) measured at a distance of 3 meters, which is equivalent to an ERP of 0.4 microwatts (µW). The Commission asked what out-of-band emissions limit would be appropriate-the Section 15.209 limit, the unlicensed TV bands device limit, or some other limit – what would be an appropriate transition period for compliance, and whether currently approved Part 15 auditory assistance devices should be grandfathered for a limited time or permanently.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
72 - 73 MHz	Auditory Assistance Devices (Part 15)	-	-
74.6 - 74.8 MHz	Auditory Assistance Devices (Part 15)	-	-
75.2 - 76 MHz	Auditory Assistance Devices (Part 15)	-	-

External Links:

FCC order expanding eligible applications (FCC 13-59)

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Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL)

According to the FCC's definition, Access BPL is "a carrier current system installed and operated on an electric utility service as an unintentional radiator that sends radio frequency energy on frequencies between 1.705 MHz and 80 MHz over medium voltage lines or over low voltage lines to provide broadband communications and is located on the supply side of the utility service’s points of interconnection with customer premises. Access BPL does not include power line carrier systems as defined in § 15.3(t) or In-House BPL as defined in § 15.3(gg)."

Low voltage lines are defined as lines carrying, for example, 240/120 volts from a distribution transformer to a customer's premises. Medium voltage lines carry between 1,000 and 40,000 volts from a power substation to neighborhoods, and may be overhead or underground.

Access BPL is an unlicensed service operated under Subpart G of Part 15 of the FCC's rules. Radiated emission limits from medium voltage lines in the 1.705-30 MHz range must not exceed the limits in 47 CFR 15.209, and those from 30-80 MHz must not exceed the limits in 15.109(b). Systems that operate on low voltage lines must comply with 15.109(a) limits across the entire 1.705-80 MHz range.

When Access BPL systems must use notch filters to protect licensed services, the notch must be at least 25 dB below applicable Part 15 limits in the 1.705-30 MHz band, and at least 10 dB below the limits in the 30-80 MHz band.

There are 12 sub-bands in which Access BPL systems are not allowed to operate anywhere to protect aeronautical (land) stations and aircraft receivers. Those excluded bands are listed in 15.615(f), and are excluded in the list of Access BPL bands in this entry.

Access BPL systems are not allowed to operate within the sub-band 2173.5-2190.5 kHz within 1 km of coast station facilities listed in 47 CFR 15.615(f)(2)(i), to protect the internationally-recognized standard maritime calling frequency of 2182 kHz.

No Access BPL emissions are allowed in the 73.0-74.6 MHz radio astronomy band on overhead medium voltage lines within 65 km of the Very Large Array radio telescope in New Mexico (34 04 43.5N, 107 37 03.82W), or within 47 km of the VLA on underground power lines or overhead low voltage lines.

Access BPL operators must consult at least 30 days in advance when deploying systems near various FCC field offices, aeronautical and maritime stations, radar systems, radio astronomy stations, and research areas. Details are in 47 CFR 15.615(f)(3).

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
1705 - 2850 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
3025 - 3400 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
3500 - 4650 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
4700 - 5450 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
5680 - 6525 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
6685 - 8815 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
8965 - 10005 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
10100 - 11275 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
11400 - 13260 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
13360 - 17900 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
17970 - 21924 kHz	Access BPL	-	-
22000 kHz - 74.8 MHz	Access BPL	-	-
75.2 - 80 MHz	Access BPL	-	-

External Links:

BPL (CommLawBlog)

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TV White Space Devices

TV white space devices are unlicensed intentional radiators that operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands. Channel availability is determined from geospatial information and a TV bands database.

White space devices in the U.S. are governed by Part 15(H) of the FCC's rules. They operate on available TV channels in the broadcast television frequency bands, the 600 MHz band (including the guard bands and duplex gap), and in 608-614 MHz (channel 37).

TV white spaces has not been a commercial success and very few devices are in operation.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
54 - 72 MHz	Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices	-	N
76 - 88 MHz	Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices	-	N
174 - 216 MHz	Restricted to mobile/fixed white space devices that communicate with other fixed/mobile white space devices	-	N
470 - 614 MHz	Fixed and personal/portable white space devices	-	N
617 - 652 MHz	Fixed and personal/portable white space devices in areas where 600 MHz licensees are not operating	-	N
657 - 663 MHz	Fixed and personal/portable white space devices in the 600 MHz duplex gap	-	N
663 - 698 MHz	Fixed and personal/portable white space devices in areas where 600 MHz licensees are not operating	-	N

External Links:

FCC White Space Database Administration

RED Technologies White Space Database

47 CFR 15H (FCC rules for TV White Space Devices)

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2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19) Agenda Item 1.1

WRC-19 Agenda Item 1.1

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Related Documents, Links, and Multimedia:

FCC Proceeding (3)

FCC Report and Order on TV Channel Sharing Arrangements (FCC 12-45)

FCC Rules for Low Power, Translator, and Class A Television Stations Digital Transition (FCC 11-110)

To ensure a timely and successful completion to the low power television digital transition, we take the following steps:

(1) adopt a hard deadline of September 1, 2015 for the termination of all analog low power television facilities;

(2) establish rules permitting those stations needing additional time to complete their digital transition to obtain a “last minute” extension;

(3) require existing analog and digital low power television stations in the 700 MHz band (channels 52-69) to submit displacement applications by September 1, 2011, and to cease operations in the 700 MHz band by December 31, 2011;

(4) increase the power limits for VHF low power television channels to 3 kilowatts (the current analog power limit);

(5) delegate to the Media Bureau the authority to establish timeframes and procedures for stations that have not already converted to notify the Commission of their conversion plans;

(6) widen the class of low power television broadcasters subject to the Commission’s ancillary and supplementary fee rules;

(7) modify the Commission’s minor change rule so that it covers a proposed change in a low power television station’s transmitter site of up to 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the reference coordinates of the station’s transmitting antenna;

(8) revise the vertical antenna patterns used in the prediction methodology for the low power television services; and

(9) allow low power television stations to use the emission mask used by full power television stations.

Frequencies/Bands

54 - 72 MHz

76 - 88 MHz

174 - 216 MHz

470 - 608 MHz

614 - 806 MHz

Services

Broadcasting

Document type and status: FCC proceeding (Current)
Document date or date of hyperlink query: May 01, 2012
Fcc Docket(s): MB 03-185

FCC Rules for Low Power, Translator, and Class A Television Stations Digital Transition (FCC 11-110)

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FCC Third NPRM on Digital LPTV and Translator Stations

In this Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“Third Notice”), we seek comment on a number of issues involving low power television (“LPTV”) and TV translator stations (referred to collectively as “LPTV and TV translator stations”). These stations are a source of diverse and local programming for viewers, especially in rural and remote locations. Through this proceeding, we seek comment on measures to facilitate the final conversion of LPTV and TV translator stations to digital service and consider additional means to mitigate the potential impact of the incentive auction and the repacking process on LPTV and TV translator stations to help preserve the important services they provide.

Frequencies/Bands

54 - 72 MHz

76 - 88 MHz

174 - 216 MHz

470 - 608 MHz

614 - 698 MHz

Services

Broadcasting

Document type and status: FCC proceeding (Current)
Document date or date of hyperlink query: January 12, 2015
Fcc Docket(s): MB 03-185 GN 12-268 ET 14-175

FCC Third NPRM on Digital LPTV and Translator Stations

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Occupancy Measurements (10)

Band Plan (2)

Legislation (1)

Other (2)

On-line U.S. Repeater Directory

Long Wavelength Array

Engineering Data

	Lower Frequency	Center Frequency	Upper Frequency
Frequency	54 MHz	64.4 MHz	74.8 MHz
Wavelength	5.6 m	4.7 m	4.0 m
Band designator(s)	VHF	VHF	VHF
Isotropic collecting area	2.5 m²	1.7 m²	1.3 m²
Free space loss (1 m)	9.1 dB	8.6 dB	9.9 dB
Free space loss (1 km)	69.1 dB	68.6 dB	69.9 dB
Free space loss (10 km)	89.1 dB	88.6 dB	89.9 dB
Free space loss (100 km)	109.1 dB	108.6 dB	109.9 dB
Free space loss (1000 km)	129.1 dB	128.6 dB	129.9 dB
Free space loss (35,786 km = GEO orbit)	160.2 dB	159.7 dB	161.0 dB
Free space loss (378,370 km = Moon)	180.7 dB	180.2 dB	181.5 dB