Coast is Clear for Low-Power Radio
 |
On March 19th, the FCC released an order clearing the way for the expansion of low-power radio service into cities and towns.
The ruling, which sets one more rule making period before the filing window will open, sets up a positive scenario for low-power service after advocates like Common Frequency and Prometheus Radio Project fought off ten-cap translator processing and established IF separation waivers for low-power channels. The only additional feather in the cap for low-power advocates would be the establishment of LP-50 service, or 50-watt microchannels that can fit in some crowded spaces where 100-watt service won't. That issue is on the table in the final rule making.
Nonprofit organizations that would like to apply for a channel, help others apply for a channel or share a channel, need to get organized NOW. Contact MA for referrals for engineering and legal support in California and across the west.
Common Frequency's Tech Director Todd Urick breaks down what happened, how we got here and what happens next below:
May 7th comments filed by Common Frequency