Low Power FM Broadcast Radio Stations
The
Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service, which was created by the Commission
in January 2000. These stations are authorized for noncommercial
educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate
with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (
0.1 kilowatts) or
less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet)
antenna height above average terrain (HAAT). The approximate service
range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius).
LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received
from other classes of FM stations. A construction permit is required
before a LPFM station can be constructed or operated.
LPFM
radio stations are available to noncommercial educational entities and public
safety and transportation organizations, but are not available to
individuals or for commercial operations. Current broadcast licensees
with interests in other media (broadcast or newspapers) are not
eligible to obtain LPFM stations.
LPFM radio stations must protect
authorized radio broadcast stations on the same channel or frequency
(cochannel), as well as broadcast stations on first, second, or
third-adjacent channels above or below the LPFM station's frequency.
This protection is accomplished through the use of minimum distance
separation requirements, which are set forth in 47 CFR 73.807
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