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/ Friday, March 20, 1998
[Federal Register: March 20, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 54)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 13546-13563]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20mr98-30]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 73 and 74
[MM Docket No. 87-268; FCC 98-24]
Advanced Television Systems and Their Impact on the Existing
Television Service
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Commission has adopted an MO&O addressing 231 petitions
for reconsideration of the Sixth R&O. This MO&O generally affirms the
DTV channel allotments and other technical rules and procedures with
certain minor modifications, including changes in its DTV allotment
standards, operating rules and specific DTV allotments. This action
will facilitate the conversion of over-the-air television broadcasting
from the existing analog system to the new digital system.
DATES: Effective April 20, 1998, except for Sec. 73.622(f)(4)(iv) which
contains new or modified paperwork requirements and which will become
effective May 19, 1998, following approval by the Office of Management
and Budget,
[[Page 13547]]
unless timely notice of withdrawal is published in the Federal
Register.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the proposed and/or modified information
collections described herein are to be filed with the Secretary,
Federal Communications Commission, Room 222, 1919 M Street, N.W.,
Washington, DC 20554. A copy of any such comments should also be
submitted to Judy Boley, at the above address or via the Internet at
jboley@fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Franca (202-418-2470), Alan
Stillwell (202-418-2470) or Robert Eckert (202-428-2470), Office of
Engineering and Technology. For additional information regarding
information collections contained in the Memorandum Opinion and Order,
contact Judy Boley (202-418-0214).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's
Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) in MM Docket No. 87-268, FCC 98-24,
adopted February 17, 1998, and released February 23, 1998. The full
text of this decision is available for inspection and copying during
normal business hours in the FCC Dockets Branch (Room 230), 1919 M
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. The complete text of this decision also
may be purchased from the Commission's duplicating contractor,
International Transcription Service, 1231 20th Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20036 (202-857-3800).
Summary of the Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of
the Sixth Report and Order
1. In the MO&O, the Commission has affirmed, with some minor
modifications, its April 3, 1997, Sixth Report and Order in the DTV
proceeding that assigns each broadcaster a new channel for DTV
operations and allows TV broadcasters to ``replicate'' their existing
NTSC service in converting to DTV. This action is in response to 231
petitions for reconsideration of the Sixth Report and Order.
2. The Commission made a number of modifications to its allotment
policies and rules and to the DTV Table of Allotments in this action.
It first adopted a core spectrum of channels 2-51 for DTV. This new
core will eliminate industry uncertainty about the status of VHF
channels 2-6. The new core will also provide more flexibility to
address new technical information on DTV adjacent channel performance.
In this regard, the new core will ensure that there is sufficient
spectrum to eliminate DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel interference
situations. The new core will also provide more broadcasters with an
in-core DTV channel and eliminate the need for second moves by many
stations. In addition, the new core will help ease the impact of the
transition on low power TV stations, which are small businesses that
provided diverse programming and services to their communities.
Further, it will promote diversity in services and television station
ownership by increasing the opportunities for new entrants.
3. The Commission also adopted new measures to permit DTV stations
to operate with increased power or take other measures to improve their
coverage. DTV stations will be permitted to increase power, or modify
their antenna height or transmitter location, where the requested
change would not result in more than a de minimis, i.e., 2 percent,
increase in interference to the population served by another station,
unless the station already experienced interference to 10 percent or
more of its population, or the change would result in the effected
station receiving interference in excess of 10 percent of its
population. In addition, UHF stations will be allowed to increase power
within their service area up to 1000 kW by using antenna beam-tilting
techniques, provided they meet the above standard for permissible
interference.
4. The Commission next took steps to eliminate adjacent channel
interference resulting from operation on DTV allotments. In particular,
it changed 42 allotments to eliminate DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel
situations where interference would occur, tightened the ``emissions
mask'' that limits out-of-band emissions from DTV operation and
provided flexibility in its administrative processes to encourage
adjacent channel co-locations.
5. The Commission affirmed its decision to retain ``secondary
status'' for low power television (LPTV) stations, but took additional
steps to assist low power stations that may be displaced or otherwise
impacted by DTV operations. In this regard, the Commission said it
would consider LPTV or TV Translator stations eligible to seek a new
channel without being subject to competing applications where they
faced predicted interference either to or from any allotted full
service DTV facility, and that such requests will be given priority
over other low power applications. The Commission also used software
developed by the Community Broadcasters Association to change 66
allotments in the DTV Table in order to avoid using a channel now used
by one or more low power stations. These changes provide the affected
full power broadcasters with a new DTV channel that is equivalent in
service replication and interference. In addition, the Commission
modified its technical rules to improve sharing between low power and
full power stations.
6. The Commission said that at the end of the DTV transition
period, it would, on its own motion, consider establishing additional
DTV noncommercial reserved allotments for existing noncommercial
reserved NTSC allotments that cannot be replaced at this time.
7. The Commission modified its rules to allow television licensees
and permittees to negotiate exchanges of DTV allotments on an intra-
community, intra-market or inter-market basis where such changes do not
cause interference to other stations or where all affected stations
agree to accept any additional interference that may result. The
Commission also recognized broadcasters' interest in the establishment
of an industry committee system for coordination of DTV allotment
changes. It therefore stated that it intends to initiate a rule making
proceeding in the near future to seek comment on whether it should
adopt such a committee system and, if so, procedures for its operation.
8. It further made a number of minor adjustments to its technical
methodologies and standards for DTV allotments and the operation of
stations on those allotments.
9. Finally, the Commission modified 29 DTV allotments in response
to individual station requests. Overall, with these changes and the
changes to avoid adjacent channel interference and conflicts with low
power stations indicated above, the Commission modified a total of 143
DTV allotments. The revised DTV Table and associated technical
parameters for station operation are available for inspection on the
internet at www.fcc.gov and at the FCC Reference Center, Room 239, 1919
M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554 during regular business hours.
Procedural Matters
10. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis. This Memorandum
Opinion and Order contains either a new or modified information
collection. As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork
burdens, we invite the general public and the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) to take this opportunity to comment on the information
collections contained in this order, as required by the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law104-
[[Page 13548]]
13. Public and agency comments are due May 19, 1998. Comments should
address: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimates; (c)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information on the respondents, including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written
comments must be submitted on the proposed and/or modified information
collections on or before May 19, 1998. In addition to filing comments
with the Secretary, a copy of any comments on the information
collections contained herein should be submitted to Judy Boley, Federal
Communications Commission, Room 234, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington,
DC 20554, or via the Internet to jboley@fcc.gov. For additional
information regarding information collections contained in the
Memorandum Opinion and Order contact Judy Boley at 202-418-0214.
11. Supplemental Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. As required by
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA),\1\ an Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis was incorporated into the Sixth Further Notice of
Proposed Rule Making in this proceeding,\2\ and a Final Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) was incorporated into the subsequent Sixth
Report and Order.\3\ As described below, one Petition for
Reconsideration of the Sixth Report and Order (62 FR 26684; May 14,
1997) raised an issue concerning the FRFA. The present Memorandum
Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of the Sixth Report and Order
addresses that reconsideration petition, among others. This associated
Supplemental Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (Supplemental FRFA)
also addresses that petition, and conforms to the RFA.\4\
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\1\ See 5 U.S.C. Secs. 603, 604. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. Sec. 601
et seq., has been amended by the Contract With America Advancement
Act of 1996, Public Law 1045-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996) (CWAAA).
Title II of the CWAAA is the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA).
\2\ 11 FCC Rcd 10968, 11060 (1996).
\3\ 12 FCC Rcd 14588, 14768 (1997).
\4\ See 5 U.S.C. Sec. 604.
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A. Need for, and Objectives of, this Memorandum Opinion and Order
12. In the Sixth Report and Order, the Commission adopted policies,
procedures and technical criteria for use in conjunction with broadcast
digital television (DTV), adopted a DTV Table of Allotments, adopted a
plan for the recovery of a portion of the spectrum currently allocated
to TV broadcasting, and provided procedures for assigning DTV
frequencies. In the present Memorandum Opinion and Order, the
Commission addresses petitions for reconsideration of the Sixth Report
and Order. Throughout this proceeding, we have sought to allot DTV
channels in a manner that is most efficient for broadcasters and the
public and least disruptive to broadcast television service during the
period of transition from NTSC to DTV service. We wish to ensure that
the spectrum is used efficiently and effectively through reliance on
market forces, and ensure that the introduction of digital TV fully
serves the public interest.
B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by the Public In Response to
the FRFA
13. One petition for reconsideration, that of Skinner Broadcasting,
Inc. (Skinner),\5\ raises various issues, one of which is in direct
response to the FRFA contained in the Sixth Report and Order. Skinner
states that the Commission conceded in the Sixth Report and Order that,
as a result of its actions, many low power television (LPTV) and TV
translator stations would be displaced. Nonetheless, argues Skinner,
the Commission ``made no proffer . . . of alternative digital channel
allotment configurations'' that might have reduced the number of such
displacements.\6\ Skinner notes that an ex parte presentation by
Community Broadcasters Association (CBA) offered an alternative
allotment table, and that alternative was not discussed in the Sixth
Report and Order or its FRFA. Skinner states that the Commission was
apparently satisfied that the interests of LPTV and TV translator
stations deserved no further consideration, given that such operations
are ``secondary'' under current licensing.\7\ Skinner argues that
``alternatives obviously exist[ed]'' that might have avoided subsequent
displacements, and requests that the Commission reconsider the
allotment table adopted in the Sixth Report and Order.\8\
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\5\ Skinner Broadcasting, Inc., Petition for Reconsideration,
filed June 13, 1997. The Skinner petition is also discussed in this
context in the present Memorandum Opinion and Order, in Section
III(F).
\6\ Id. at 7.
\7\ Id. at 7-8.
\8\ Id. at 8.
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14. We disagree with the contention that the Commission failed to
consider alternatives that could have further assisted LPTV stations,
TV translator stations, and other possible small entities in the DTV
transition process. As quoted by Skinner in a footnote in its
reconsideration petition,\9\ the previous FRFA specifically described
the displacement issue, with reference to the text of the Sixth Report
and Order, and noted that ``[o]ne alternative to this approach would
have been to permit existing LPTV and TV translator stations to remain
on their incumbent channels; this approach was not chosen because it
would have resulted in providing allotments for fewer than all full
service licensees.'' Elsewhere in the FRFA, we stated that, in addition
to the ``secondary status'' reason for the Commission's allotment
decision, the decision was consistent with ``the primary allotment
objective . . . to develop a DTV Table of Allotments that provides a
channel for all eligible broadcasters, consistent with the provisions
of the 1996 Telecommunications Act regarding initial eligibility for
DTV licenses.'' \10\ Discussion at that point cross-referenced the
lengthier discussions in the primary text of the Sixth Report and Order
concerning LPTV and TV translator stations and the ``secondary status''
issue, including reference to case law.\11\ In addition, both the Sixth
Report and Order and its FRFA discussed alternative approaches,\12\
although not the specific approach of CBA cited by Skinner. Last, as
noted by Skinner, the FRFA discussed various policies adopted to
mitigate the effects of displacement.
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\9\ Id. at 8 n.5.
\10\ FRFA, 12 FCC Rcd at 14769.
\11\ Id. at 14769 n.8 (citing paragraphs 11 and 113-147 of the
Sixth Report and Order).
\12\ Sixth Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 14593-95; FRFA, 12
FCC Rcd at 14768-69.
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15. We note that the CBA ex parte presentation cited by Skinner was
dated March 26, 1997, which would have been eight days prior to
adoption of the Sixth Report and Order. In a proceeding as lengthy as
this, that timing was unfortunate, but the Commission did consider
other CBA positions submitted earlier. Also, we note that CBA has
currently submitted another allocation proposal, which, in the present
Memorandum Opinion and Order, we have adopted in part. This other
proposal is also discussed later in this Supplemental FRFA, in Section
E (``Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Burdens on Small
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered'').
[[Page 13549]]
C. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which
the Rules Will Apply
16. As noted, a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis was
incorporated into the Sixth Report and Order.\13\ In that analysis, we
described in detail the small entities that might be significantly
affected by the rules adopted in the Sixth Report and Order.\14\ Those
entities included full service television stations, TV translator
facilities, and LPTV stations. In addition, while we did not believe
that television equipment manufacturers, manufacturers of television
equipment used by consumers, and computer manufacturers constituted
regulated entities for the purpose of that previous FRFA, we included
them in the analysis of the FRFA because we thought that some rule
changes and textual discussions in the Sixth Report and Order might
ultimately have some affect on equipment compliance. In the present
Memorandum Opinion and Order we address reconsideration petitions filed
in response to the Sixth Report and Order. In this present Supplemental
FRFA, we hereby incorporate by reference the description and estimate
of the number of small entities from the previous FRFA in this
proceeding.\15\
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\13\ 12 FCC Red 14588, 14768(1997).
\14\ See Section C of the previous Final Regulatory Flexibility
analysis, ``Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities
to Which the Rules Will Apply,'' at 12 FCC Red at 14770-76.
\15\ Id.
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D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other
Compliance Requirements
17. The rules adopted will result in one change in current
reporting, Recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements: an
application will be required to be filed for those entities wishing to
increase station power within their service area through the use of
beam tilting techniques.
E. Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Burdens on Small
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered
18. As noted in the previous FRFA, the DTV Table of Allotments will
affect all of the commercial and noncommercial broadcast television
stations eligible for a DTV channel in the transition period and a
significant number of the LPTV and TV translator stations.\16\ LPTV and
TV translator stations, especially, are likely to be small entities. It
is expected that the allotments will constitute the population of
channels on which broadcasters will operate DTV service in the future.
Affected stations will need to modify or obtain new transmission
facilities and, to a varying extent, production equipment to operate on
the new DTV channels. The actual cost of equipment is expected to vary
in accordance with the degree to which the station becomes involved in
DTV programming and origination.
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\16\ 12 FCC Red at 14776.
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19. As described in the present Memorandum Opinion and Order,\17\
we continue to believe that the general principles and priorities used
for the development of the DTV allotments/assignments remain
appropriate. We reaffirm our approach to provide all eligible
broadcasters with the temporary use of a second channel that, to the
extent possible, will allow them to replicate the service areas of
their existing NTSC operations. We continue to find that such an
approach will promote the orderly transition of DTV by broadcasters and
foster the provision of service to the public. Our actions represent a
balancing of various factors.
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\17\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Sections III (A) and (F).
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20. In this regard, certain petitioners have suggested that certain
``targeted and limited adjustments'' to the DTV Table of Allotments are
needed. Considering this and other information, we have determined to
make a number of limited changes in the Table in order to prevent the
loss of DTV service and to minimize the impact of DTV operations on
existing NTSC service.\18\ In this regard, for example, we have
reviewed certain DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel situations and are
modifying the DTV allotments to eliminate these situations in a number
of instances. Specifically, we are making changes to 42 DTV allotments,
to resolve cases where use of adjacent channels is no longer acceptable
and would impact our service replication and interference goals. We
also are making a number of modifications to our technical rules for
DTV operation to further reduce the potential for interference between
DTV stations that operate on adjacent channels in the same area. In
addition, we are making 29 allotment changes to address requests by
individual petitioners, for a total of 71 changes.
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\18\ Id. at Section III(E)
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21. A number of parties representing low power interests argue that
the plan for early recovery of channels 60-69 will adversely impact
LPTV and TV translator stations.<SUP>19</SUP> Again balancing various
interests, we have affirmed our basic plan to recover a portion of the
existing television spectrum and our earlier decision to permit low
power stations to continue to operate on channels 60-69 on a secondary
basis through the transition process.<SUP>20</SUP> As set forth in the
Report and Order in ET Docket No. 97-157, released January 6,
1998,<SUP>21</SUP> we have reallocated channels 60-69 for public safety
and a broad range of other services, including broadcasting, in
accordance with the requirements of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
However, in that decision, we stated that low power stations will be
allowed to operate on these channels, provided no interference is
caused to primary users. We also encouraged, wherever possible, private
negotiations between low power and new service providers to resolve
interference problems in a manner which is acceptable and beneficial to
both parties.
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\19\ Id. at Section III(A).
\20\ Id.
\21\ Document No. FCC 97-421.
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22. A number of petitioners have requested that we reconsider our
decision to defer the determination of the final core spectrum, pending
information on the suitability of channels 2-6 for DTV service. Some
also request that we expand or amend the DTV core spectrum to include
channels 2-6. In reconsidering this matter, we now believe that the
most desirable course of action is to expand the core to include all
channels 2-51.<SUP>22</SUP> While we recognize that this change will
reduce the amount of spectrum to be recovered by 30 MHz, we believe
that the benefits of expanding the core spectrum outweigh the need for
recovery of either channels 2-6 or 47-51. In particular, the change
will eliminate certain planning uncertainties, reduce the number of
stations required to make second channel moves, increase the
availability of channels and thereby promote competition and diversity,
and help eliminate DTV-to-DTV adjacent channel interference situations.
Importantly for small entities, this expansion of the core will reduce
the impact of the transition on low power operations. In this regard,
channels 2-6 and 47-51 now support a significant number of LPTV and TV
translator stations. The low VHF channels, for example, have some of
the highest concentration of low power stations. Expanding the core to
include channels 2-6 may eliminate the eventual displacement of most of
these stations. In addition, expanding the core will also provide low
power stations with more channels and greater
[[Page 13550]]
opportunities to start new stations and relocate existing stations.
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\22\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Section III(B).
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23. Some licensees, including noncommercial stations, express
concern regarding the additional burden that might be placed on
stations that are provided transitional DTV channels outside the core
spectrum. These parties generally state that because they will have
relocate their DTV operations to channels within the core spectrum they
will have to endure additional costs and be placed at a disadvantage
with respect to their competitors. They state that the necessity of a
``double move'' (building facilities twice), if it comes to that,
represents disparate treatment of similarly situated broadcasters.
Recognizing these concerns, and as explained more fully in the
Memorandum Opinion and Order,<SUP>23</SUP> we have attempted to
minimize to the extent possible the number of out-of-core DTV
allotments in developing the DTV Table. By expanding the core of
channels, there will be only 189 stations with out-of-core DTV
allotments. All but 12 of these stations have existing NTSC channels
within the core spectrum to which they may relocate at the end of the
transition period. In addition, to the extent that in-core channels
become available during the transition, we will attempt to further
reduce the number of out-of-core allotments in any future amendments to
the Table of Allotments. We have not, however, determined to modify our
``no interference criteria,'' because most out-of-core allotments occur
in the most congested areas of the country where we have already
permitted some interference in order to achieve our goal of full
accommodation and to maximize the number of in-core allotments. We also
do not find it practicable to require stations to choose now the
channel they intend to keep following the transition. Regarding the
special burdens perhaps placed on certain noncommercial public
television licensees because of their reliance on federal, state and
private contributions to raise funds, we are initiating a separate
proceeding to seek comment on the ability of the licensees to use the
DTV channel capacity for commercial purposes. In the interim, we are
not adopting special provisions or priorities for PTV stations, but
will consider their concerns on a case-by-case basis. Also on a case-
by-case basis, we will consider requests by stations with both NTSC and
DTV channels outside the core area to defer the construction of their
DTV station beyond the current construction deadline, or to convert
their operations directly to DTV at the end of the transition, where
such stations can show that implementing DTV in accordance with our
schedule will cause undue hardship to their operations.
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\23\ Id. at Section III(C).
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24. In the Sixth Report and Order,<SUP>24</SUP> we allotted DTV
channels using a ``service replication/maximization'' concept that was
suggested by a variety of broadcast industry interests and
representatives. Under this approach,, we specified for each DTV
allotment a maximum permissible effective radiated power (ERP) and
antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) that will, to the extent
possible, provide for replication of the station's existing Grade B
service area. Our actions were intended in part to reduce the disparity
between existing UHF and VHF stations. We also provided rules and
procedures for stations to ``maximize,'' or increase, their service
areas provided they do not cause interference to other stations. In
response, some petitioners have raised concerns regarding difficulties
that UHF stations may face under the service replication plan in
providing DTV service within their core market or Grade A service areas
and in competing with the higher-powered DTV service of existing VHF
stations. Accordingly, to allow UHF stations to better serve their core
market areas and to reduce the disparities that are inherent in the
current service replication process, we have modified our rules to
provide additional opportunities for stations to maximize their DTV
coverage and service through increasing their power and/or making other
changes in their facilities.<SUP>25</SUP> We are replacing the current
standard that specifies that changes in DTV operations may not cause
any new interference with a new de minimis standard along the lines
suggested by certain petitioners. Under this new de minimis standard,
stations will be permitted to increase power or make other changes in
their operation, such as modification of their antenna height or
transmitter location, where the requested change would not result in
more than a 2 percent increase in interference to the population served
by another station; provided, however, that no new interference may be
caused to any station that already experiences interference to 10
percent or more of its population or that would result in a station
receiving interference in excess of 10 percent of its population. In
addition, we have adopted an approach that will allow stations to
increase their power within their existing DTV service areas using beam
tilting techniques.
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\24\ Sixth Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd at 14605-07; FRFA, 12
FCC Rcd at 1478.
\25\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Section III(D).
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25. In the Memorandum Opinion and Order, we have made a series of
decisions concerning LPTV and TV translator stations, which stations,
as we noted earlier, are especially likely to be small
entities.<SUP>26</SUP> As we have stated before, we wish to ensure the
viability and survivability of LPTV and TV translator stations in a
digital world. At this juncture, some petitioners again raise
displacement concerns, and one petitioner noted earlier in this present
Supplemental FRFA, Community Broadcasters Association (CBA), offers an
alternative allotment table. CBA has also proposed that we recognize a
presumption favoring potentially displaced LPTV stations that file a
request to amend the DTV Table of Allotments. Recognizing these
concerns, we have utilized the software algorithm and approach
recommended by CBA, and have been able to identify a limited number of
cases in certain areas of the country where it is possible to avoid
using a channel occupied by low power stations by providing full
service stations with an equivalent alternative DTV
channel.<SUP>27</SUP> In particular, we have found 66 instances in
which a channel change can be made that would not affect the operations
of full service stations, and we are therefore modifying the Table to
reflect these 66 DTV channel changes. We are not granting requests by
low power licensees to change the channels of individual full service
DTV allotments in order to avoid displacement of low power stations,
because to do so would adversely affect the ability of full service
stations to replicate their existing service and would also lead to
increased interference. We will, however, consider changing DTV
allotments to protect low power stations where the affected full
service station agrees to the change. In this regard, we encourage low
power and full service licensees to work together to develop
modifications to the DTV Table that will preserve the service of low
power stations.
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\26\ Id. at Section III(F).
\27\ Id. at Section III(F)(1).
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26. In response to petitions requesting clarification of our
displacement relief policies, and to assist in making such relief
available in an equitable manner to all affected low power stations, we
will consider an LPTV or TV translator station eligible for such relief
where interference is predicted either to or from any allotted DTV
facility.<SUP>28</SUP> Stations eligible under this criterion may apply
for relief as of the effective
[[Page 13551]]
date of this Memorandum Opinion and Order. All LPTV and TV translator
licensees on channels 60 to 69 are also eligible to file such
displacement relief applications at any time. In addition, and as
suggested by CBA, we are affording displacement relief applications
priority over new station applications or other requests for
modification by low power stations, including any such applications and
requests that may be pending at the time the displacement relief
application is filed. We will also permit displaced stations to seek
modifications other than channel changes, including, where necessary,
increases in effective radiated power up to the maximum allowed values.
We are not, however, providing any additional priority for urban LPTV
stations or PTV low power and TV translator stations in the
displacement relief process, as requested by some petitioners. We
believe that treating all potentially displaced low power stations in a
fair and equitable manner is the most appropriate course of action.
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\28\ Id. at Section III(F)(2).
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27. In this regard, we wish to note: low power licensees are
advised that the channels considered as candidates for assignment to
land mobile services in eight major markets under GEN Docket No. 85-172
are available at this time for low power use and may be requested in
displacement relief applications.
28. Some petitioners request that we eliminate or modify the new
DTV protection requirement in Section 73.623 of our rules, which
requires that co-channel NTSC operations provide an additional 19 dB of
protection to DTV service at the edge of a DTV station's noise-limited
service area. It is argued that the rule is not needed to avoid
interference and will greatly complicate the task of finding new
channels for displaced LPTV stations. They also request that we require
DTV stations that are co-located with a lower adjacent channel LPTV
station to match the frequency offset of the LPTV station as a method
of reducing interference, and require the DTV station in such cases to
cooperate in making the necessary arrangements for maintaining an
offset between the two signals, including cost arrangements. We have
rejected these requests, because the protection standard is required to
ensure protection of DTV service.\29\ We are, however, amending the low
power television rules to specify the D/U values as a function of S/N
values to provide a transition from 21 dB to 2 dB D/U for NTSC-into-
DTV, and from 15 dB to 23 dB D/U for DTV-into-DTV. These values are
based on measurement data presented to our advisory committee. With
regard to adjacent channel operation where a DTV station is immediately
above an NTSC station, we agree that DTV stations that are co-located
with a lower adjacent channel low power NTSC station should be required
to cooperate and maintain the necessary offset to eliminate
interference to the low power station. We note that the equipment
necessary to lock to a common reference frequency is relatively
inexpensive and should not be burdensome for a full power station. We
believe that on balance the benefits of maintaining service from low
power stations in such cases outweigh the relatively small incremental
costs for full service stations. We therefore have amended the rules in
this regard, which should benefit small entity stations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\29\ Id. at Section III(F)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. Some petitioners have requested that low power stations be
permitted to utilize digital operation immediately. While we recognize
the desire of some low power operators to begin providing DTV service
at the same time as full service stations, there are a number of issues
in this context that still need to be addressed through a notice-and-
comment rulemaking proceeding. We intend to initiate a separate
proceeding on this, in the near future. As noted in the Sixth Report
and Order,\30\ for the time being we will consider requests by low
power operators to operate DTV service on replacement channels on a
case-by-case basis under our displacement relief policy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\30\ 12 FCC Rcd at 14653 n.263.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. Some petitioners request that we take steps to establish a
permanent class of LPTV stations with primary allocation status. At
this time, we are deferring consideration of this and similar issues.
We will address these issues in a future action, when we address a
similar petition for rulemaking submitted by CBA.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\31\ CBA Petition for Rule Making, submitted Sept. 30, 1997.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Last, some petitioners request that we reconsider our
previously stated intention to consider reimbursement for displaced low
power stations in a separate proceeding. They argue that the issue of
whether and how LPTV stations should be compensated is an integral part
of the DTV allotment process and should not be deferred to a future
proceeding. At this juncture, we do not believe that it is appropriate
to require broadcasters to implement DTV and at the same time
compensate secondary low power stations that are affected by this
required implementation.\32\ We also continue to believe that
compensation with regard to reclaimed spectrum is best addressed in
proceedings that specifically consider the reallocation of spectrum and
rules for new services. We note that this is consistent with our recent
decision in our Report and Order in the channel 60-69 reallocation
proceeding. In that proceeding we stated, however, that we will
consider whether there are other steps that may be of benefit to LPTV
and TV translator stations as we develop service rules for the new
commercial spectrum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\32\ Memorandum Opinion and Order at Section III(F)(6).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Report to Congress: The Commission will send a copy of the
Memorandum Opinion and Order, including this Supplemental FRFA, in a
report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, see 5 U.S.C. Sec. 801(a)(1)(A). In
addition, the Commission will send a copy of the Memorandum Opinion and
Order, including the Supplemental FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.
Ordering Clauses
33. Ordering Clauses. In accordance with the actions described
herein, it is ordered that part 73 of the Commission's rules is amended
as set forth below. In addition, it is ordered that low power TV and TV
translator stations eligible for displacement relief under the
additional procedures adopted herein may apply for such relief at any
time on or after the effective date of this Memorandum Opinion and
Order. It is ordered that the rule amendments set forth herein shall be
effective April 20, 1998. It is further ordered that the new or
modified paperwork requirements contained in the new Section
73.622(f)(4)(iv) of the rules (which are subject to approval by the
Office of Management and Budget) will become effective May 19, 1998,
following OMB approval, unless a notice is published in the Federal
Register stating otherwise. This action is taken pursuant to authority
contained in sections 4(i), 7, 301, 302, 303, 307 and 336 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. sections 154(i), 157,
301, 302, 303, 307 and 336.
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Parts 73 and 74
Television.
[[Page 13552]]
Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
Rule Changes
Parts 73 and 74 of title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations are
amended as follows:
PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES
1. The authority citation for Part 73 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334 and 336.
2. Section 73.622 is amended by revising paragraphs (b), (c), (d),
(e), (f), (g) and (h) to read as follows:
Sec. 73.622 Digital television table of allotments.
* * * * *
(b) DTV Table of Allotments.
Alabama
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anniston.............................. 58
Bessemer.............................. 18c
Birmingham............................ 30, 36, 50, 52, *53
Demopolis............................. *19
Dothan................................ 21, 36
Dozier................................ *59
Florence.............................. 14, 20, *22
Gadsden............................... 26, 45c
Homewood.............................. 28
Huntsville............................ *24, 32c, 41, 49c, 59
Louisville............................ *44c
Mobile................................ 9, 20, 27, *41, 47
Montgomery............................ *14, 16, 46c, 51, 57
Mount Cheaha.......................... *56
Opelika............................... 31
Ozark................................. 33
Selma................................. 55
Troy.................................. 48
Tuscaloosa............................ 34c
Tuskegee.............................. 24
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alaska
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anchorage............................. 18, 20, 22, *24, *26, 28, 30, 32
Bethel................................ *3
Dillingham............................ *9
Fairbanks............................. 18, 22, *24, 26, 28
Juneau................................ *6, 11
Ketchikan............................. *8, 13
North Pole............................ 20
Sitka................................. 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arizona
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flagstaff............................. 18, 22, 27, 32
Green Valley.......................... 47c
Kingman............................... 19
Lake Havasu City...................... 32
Mesa.................................. 36
Phoenix............................... 17, 20, 24, 26, *29, 31, 34c,
49, 56
Prescott.............................. 25
Sierra Vista.......................... 44
Tolleson.............................. 52c
Tucson................................ 19c, 23, 25, *28c, *30, 32, 35,
42
Yuma.................................. 16, 41
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkansas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arkadelphia........................... *46
El Dorado............................. 27
Fayetteville.......................... 15, *45
Fort Smith............................ 18, 21, 27
Hot Springs........................... 14
Jonesboro............................. 9c, *20c, 49c
Little Rock........................... 12c, 22, 30, 32, 43c, *47
Mountain View......................... *35
Newark................................ *27
Pine Bluff............................ 24, 39c
Rogers................................ 50
Springdale............................ 39
------------------------------------------------------------------------
California
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anaheim............................... 32
Arcata................................ 22
Bakersfield........................... 10, 25, 33, 55
Barstow............................... 44
Calipatria............................ 50
Ceres................................. *15c
Chico................................. 36, 43
Clovis................................ 44c
Concord............................... 63c
Corona................................ 39c
Cotati................................ *23c
El Centro............................. 22, 48
Eureka................................ *11, 16, 17, 28
Fort Bragg............................ 15
Fresno................................ 7, 9, 14, 16, *40
Hanford............................... 20
Huntington Beach...................... *48
Los Angeles........................... 31c, 35c, 36, *41c, 42, 43, 53c,
*59c, 60, 65c, 66
Merced................................ 38
Modesto............................... 18
Monterey.............................. 31, 32
Novato................................ 47
Oakland............................... 56
Ontario............................... 47c
Oxnard................................ 24
Palm Springs.......................... 46, 52
Paradise.............................. 20
Porterville........................... 48c
Rancho Palos Verdes................... 51c
Redding............................... 14, *18
Riverside............................. 68
Sacramento............................ 21c, 35c, 48, *53c, 55c, 61
Salinas............................... 13, 43c
San Bernardino........................ *26, 38, 61c
San Diego............................. 18, 19, 25, *30, 40c, 55
San Francisco......................... 19, 24, 27c, 29, *30, *33c, 39c,
45c, 51, 57
San Jose.............................. 12c, 41c, 49c, *50, 52
San Luis Obispo....................... 15, 34c
San Mateo............................. *59
Sanger................................ 36
Santa Ana............................. 23c
Santa Barbara......................... 21, 27
Santa Maria........................... 19
Santa Rosa............................ 54
Stockton.............................. 25, 46, 62
Twentynine Palms...................... 23
Vallejo............................... 34
Ventura............................... 49
Visalia............................... 28, *50c
Watsonville........................... *58
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boulder............................... 15c
Broomfield............................ *38
Castle Rock........................... 46
Colorado Springs...................... 10, 22c, 24
Denver................................ 16, 17, *18, 19, 32c, 34, 35,
*40, 43, 51c
Durango............................... 15
Fort Collins.......................... 21
Glenwood Springs...................... 23
Grand Junction........................ 2, 7, 12c, 15, *17
Longmont.............................. 29
Montrose.............................. 13
Pueblo................................ *26, 42
Steamboat Springs..................... 10
Sterling.............................. 23
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bridgeport............................ 42, *52c
Hartford.............................. 5, *32, 33, 46
New Britain........................... 35
New Haven............................. 6, 10, *39
New London............................ 34
Norwich............................... *45
Waterbury............................. 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seaford............................... *44
Wilmington............................ 31, *55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
District of Columbia
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington............................ *27c, *33c, 34, 35, 36, 39, 48,
51c
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 13553]]
Florida
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boca Raton............................ *44c
Bradenton............................. 42
Cape Coral............................ 35
Clearwater............................ 21
Clermont.............................. 17
Cocoa................................. *30, 51
Daytona Beach......................... 11, 49
Fort Lauderdale....................... 52c
Fort Myers............................ 15, *31c, 53
Fort Pierce........................... *38, 50
Fort Walton Beach..................... 25, 40, 49
Gainesville........................... 16, *36
High Springs.......................... 28
Hollywood............................. 47
Jacksonville.......................... 13c, 19, 32, 34, *38, 42, *44
Key West.............................. 3, 12
Lake Worth............................ 36
Lakeland.............................. 19
Leesburg.............................. 40, *46c
Live Oak.............................. 48
Melbourne............................. 20, 48
Miami................................. 8c, 9, *18c, 19, *20, 22c, 24c,
26, 30, 32, 46c
Naples................................ 41, 45
New Smyrna Beach...................... *33
Ocala................................. 31
Orange Park........................... 10
Orlando............................... 14, 22, *23, 39, 41, 58
Palm Beach............................ 49
Panama City........................... 19, 29c, *38, 42
Panama City Beach..................... 47c
Pensacola............................. 17, *31, 34c, 45c
Sarasota.............................. 52
St. Petersburg........................ 24, 57, 59
Tallahassee........................... 2, 22, *32
Tampa................................. 7, 12, 29c, *34, 47, *54
Tequesta.............................. 16
Tice.................................. 33
Venice................................ 25
West Palm Beach....................... 13c, *27, 28, 55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany................................ 17, 30
Athens................................ *22, 48
Atlanta............................... 10, 19, 20, *21, 25, 27, 39,
*41, 43
Augusta............................... 30, 31, 42, 51
Bainbridge............................ 50c
Baxley................................ 35c
Brunswick............................. 24
Chatsworth............................ *33
Cochran............................... *7
Columbus.............................. 15, *23, 35, 47, 9
Cordele............................... 51
Dalton................................ 16
Dawson................................ *26c
Macon................................. 16, 40, 45, 50
Monroe................................ 44
Pelham................................ *20
Perry................................. 32
Rome.................................. 51
Savannah.............................. 15, 23c, 39, *46
Thomasville........................... 52
Toccoa................................ 24
Valdosta.............................. 43
Waycross.............................. *18
Wrens................................. *36
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawaii
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilo.................................. 8, 18, *19, 21, 22, 23, *31,
*39c
Honolulu.............................. 8, *18, 19, 22, 23, 27c, 31c,
33c, 35, *39c, 40, *43
Kailua Kona........................... 25
Kaneohe............................... 41
Lihue................................. *7c, *12, *28c, *45
Wailuku............................... 16c, 20, 24, *28c, 29, *30,
*34c, 36
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Idaho
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boise................................. *21, 26, 28
Caldwell.............................. 10c
Coeur D'alene......................... *45
Filer................................. *18
Idaho Falls........................... 9c, 36
Lewiston.............................. 32
Moscow................................ *35
Nampa................................. 24, 44
Pocaello.............................. *17, 23
Twin Falls............................ 16, *22, 34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Illinois
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aurora................................ 59
Bloomington........................... 28
Carbondale............................ *40
Champaign............................. 41, 48
Charleston............................ *50
Chicago............................... 3c, 19c, *21c, 27c, 29, 31, 43c,
45c, *47, 52
Decatur............................... 18c, 22
East St. Louis........................ 47c
Freeport.............................. 41
Harrisburg............................ 34
Jacksonville.......................... *15c
Joliet................................ 53
Lasalle............................... 10
Macomb................................ *21
Marion................................ 17
Moline................................ *23, 38
Mount Vernon.......................... 21
Olney................................. *19
Peoria................................ 30, 39, 40, *46, 57
Quincy................................ 32, *34, 54
Rock Island........................... 58
Rockford.............................. 16c, 42, 54
Springfield........................... 42, 44, 53
Urbana................................ 26, *33
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indiana
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angola................................ 12
Bloomington........................... *14, 27, 53, 56
Elkhart............................... 58
Evansville............................ 28, 45c, *54, 58, 59
Fort Wayne............................ 4, 19, 24, 36, *40c
Gary.................................. *17, 51c
Hammond............................... 36
Indianapolis.......................... 9c, 16, *21c, 25, *44, 45, 46
Kokomo................................ 54
Lafayette............................. 11
Marion................................ 32
Muncie................................ 52
Richmond.............................. 39
Salem................................. 51c
South Bend............................ 30, *35c, 42, 48
Terre Haute........................... 24, 36, 39c
Vincennes............................. *52
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Iowa
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ames.................................. 59
Burlington............................ 41
Cedar Rapids.......................... 27, 47, 51, 52
Council Bluffs........................ *33c
Davenport............................. *34, 49, 56
Des Moines............................ 16, 19, 26, 31, *50
Dubuque............................... 43
Fort Dodge............................ *25
Iowa City............................. 25, *45
Mason City............................ *18, 42
Ottumwa............................... 14
Red Oak............................... *35
Sioux City............................ *28c, 30, 39, 41, 49
Waterloo.............................. *35, 55
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colby................................. 17
Ensign................................ 5
Fort Scott............................ 40
Garden City........................... 16, 18
Goodland.............................. 14
Great Bend............................ 22
Hays.................................. *16, 20
Hutchinson............................ 19, *29, 35
Lakin................................. *23
Lawrence.............................. 36
Pittsburg............................. 30
Salina................................ 17
Topeka................................ *23, 28c, 44, 48
Wichita............................... 21, 26, 31, 45
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kentucky
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashland............................... *26c, 44
Beattyville........................... 7
Bowling Green......................... 16, *18, 33, *48
Campbellsville........................ 19
Covington............................. *24
Danville.............................. 4
Elizabethtown......................... *43
Harlan................................ 51
[[Page 13554]]
Hazard................................ 12, *16
Lexington............................. 22, 40, *42, 59
Louisville............................ 8, *17, 26, *38, 47, 49, 55
Madisonville.......................... 20c, *42
Morehead.............................. *15, 21
Murray................................ *36
Newport............................... 29
Owensboro............................. 30
Owenton............................... *44
Paducah............................... 32, 41, 50c
Pikeville............................. *24
Somerset.............................. *14
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexandria............................ *26c, 32c, 35
Baton Rouge........................... *25, 34c, 42, 45c, 46
Columbia.............................. 57
Lafayette............................. 16c, *23, 28, 56
Lake Charles.......................... 8c,*20, 30c
Monroe................................ *19, 55
New Orleans........................... *11, 14, 15, 29, 30, *31, 40,
43, 50c
Shreveport............................ 17, *25c, 28, 34c, 44
Slidell............................... 24
West Monroe........................... 36, 38
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maine
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Augusta............................... *17
Bangor................................ 14, 19, 25
Biddeford............................. *45
Calais................................ *15
Lewiston.............................. 28
Orono................................. *22
Poland Spring......................... 46
Portland.............................. 4, 38, 44
Presque Isle.......................... 16, *20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maryland
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Annapolis............................. *42
Baltimore............................. *29, 38, 40, 41, 46c, 52, 59
Frederick............................. *28
Hagerstown............................ 16, *44, 55
Oakland............................... *54
Salisbury............................. 21, 53, *56
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adams................................. 36
Boston................................ *19, 20, 30, 31, 32, 39c, 42,
*43
Cambridge............................. 41
Lawrence.............................. 18
Marlborough........................... 23
New Bedford........................... 22, 49
Norwell............................... 52
Springfield........................... 11, 55, *58c
Vineyard Haven........................ 40
Worcester............................. 29c, *47
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michigan
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alpena................................ 13, *57
Ann Arbor............................. 33
Bad Axe............................... *15
Battle Creek.......................... 20, 44c
Bay City.............................. 22
Cadillac.............................. 40, 47, *58
Calumet............................... 18
Cheboygan............................. 14
Detroit............................... 14, 21c, 41, *43, 44, 45, 58
East Lansing.......................... *55c
Escanaba.............................. 48
Flint................................. 16, 36, *52
Grand Rapids.......................... 7, *11, 19, 39
Iron Mountain......................... 22
Jackson............................... 34
Kalamazoo............................. 2, *5, 45
Lansing............................... 38, 51c, 59
Manistee.............................. *17
Marquette............................. *33, 3
Mount Clemens......................... 39c
Mount Pleasant........................ *56
Muskegon.............................. 24
Onondaga.............................. 57
Saginaw............................... 30, 48
Sault Ste. Marie...................... 49, 56
Traverse City......................... 31, 50
University Center..................... *18
Vanderbilt............................ 59
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minnesota
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexandria............................ 14, 24
Appleton.............................. *31
Austin................................ *20, 33
Bemidji............................... *18
Brainerd.............................. *28
Crookston............................. *16
Duluth................................ 17, 33, *38, 43
Hibbing............................... 36
Mankato............................... 38
Minneapolis........................... 21, 22, *26, 32, 35, *44
Redwood Falls......................... 27
Rochester............................. 36, 46
St. Cloud............................. 40
St. Paul.............................. *16, *34, 50
Thief River Falls..................... 57
Walker................................ 20
Worthington........................... *15
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississippi
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Biloxi................................ *16, 39
Booneville............................ *55
Bude.................................. *18c
Columbus.............................. 35
Greenville............................ 17
Greenwood............................. *25, 54
Gulfport.............................. 48
Hattiesburg........................... 58
Holly Springs......................... 41c
Jackson............................... *20, 21, 41c, 51, 52
Laurel................................ 28
Meridian.............................. 26, 31c, *44, 49
Mississippi State..................... *38
Natchez............................... 49c
Oxford................................ *36
Tupelo................................ 57
West Point............................ 16
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missouri
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cape Girardeau........................ 22, 57
Columbia.............................. 22, 36
Hannibal.............................. 29
Jefferson City........................ 12, 20
Joplin................................ *25, 43, 46
Kansas City........................... 14, *18, 24, 31, 34, 42c, 47,
51c
Kirksville............................ 33
Poplar Bluff.......................... 18
Sedalia............................... 15
Springfield........................... 19, *23, 28c, 44, 52
St. Joseph............................ 21, 53
St. Louis............................. 14, 26, 31c, 35, *39, 43, 56
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Montana
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Billings.............................. 11, 17, 18
Bozeman............................... 16, *20
Butte................................. 2, 15, 19c
Glendive.............................. 15
Great Falls........................... 39, 44, 45
Hardin................................ 22
Helena................................ 14, 29
Kalispell............................. 38
Miles City............................ 13
Missoula.............................. *27, 35, 36, 40
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nebraska
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albion................................ 23
Alliance.............................. *24
Bassett............................... *15
Grand Island.......................... 19, 32
Hastings.............................. *14, 21
Hayes Center.......................... 18
Kearney............................... 36
Lexington............................. *26
Lincoln............................... 25, 31, *40
McCook................................ 12
Merriman.............................. *17
Norfolk............................... *16
North Platte.......................... *16, 22
Omaha................................. *17, 20, 22, 38, 43c, 45
Scottsbluff........................... 20, 29
Superior.............................. 34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 13555]]
Nevada
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elko.................................. 8
Henderson............................. 24
Las Vegas............................. 2, 7, *11c, 16c, 17, 22c, 29
Paradise.............................. 40c
Reno.................................. *15, 22c, 23, 26, 32, 34, 44
Winnemucca............................ 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Hampshire
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Berlin................................ *15
Concord............................... 33
Derry................................. 35
Durham................................ *57
Keene................................. *49c
Littleton............................. *48
Manchester............................ 59c
Merrimack............................. 34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlantic City......................... 46, 49
Burlington............................ 27
Camden................................ *22
Linden................................ 36
Montclair............................. *51c
New Brunswick......................... *18c
Newark................................ 53c, 61
Newton................................ 8c
Paterson.............................. 40
Secaucus.............................. 38
Trenton............................... *43
Vineland.............................. 66c
West Milford.......................... *29
Wildwood.............................. 36
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Mexico
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albuquerque........................... 16, *17, 21, 24c, *25, 26, 42c,
51c
Carlsbad.............................. 19
Clovis................................ 20
Farmington............................ 8, 17
Hobbs................................. 16
Las Cruces............................ *23c, 36
Portales.............................. *32
Roswell............................... 28c, 35, 41
Santa Fe.............................. 10, 27, 29
Silver City........................... 12
------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Albany................................ 4, 15, 26
Amsterdam............................. 50
Batavia............................... 53
Binghamton............................ 4, 7, 8, *42c
Buffalo............................... 14, *32, 33, 34, 38, 39, *43
Carthage.............................. 35
Corning............................... 50
Elmira................................ 2, 55
Garden City........................... *22c
Jamestown............................. 27c
Kingston.............................. 21
New York.............................. *24, 28, 30, 33, 44, 45, 56c
North Pole............................ 14
Norwood............................... *23
Plattsburgh........................... *38
Poughkeepsie.......................... 27
Riverhead............................. 57
Rochester............................. *16, 28, 45, 58, 59
Schenectady........................... *34, 39, 43
Smithtown............................. 23
Springville........................... 46
Syracuse.............................. 17, 19c, *25c, 44c, 47, 54
Utica................................. 27, 29, 30
Watertown............................. 21c, *41
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asheville............................. *25, 45, 56, 57
Belmont............................... 47c
Burlington............................ 14
Chapel Hill........................... *59
Charlotte............................. 22, 23, *24, 27, 34
Columbia.............................. *20
Concord............................... *44
Durham................................ 27, 52
Fayetteville.......................... 36, 38
Goldsboro............................. 55
Greensboro............................ 33, 43, 51
Greenville............................ 10c, 21, *23
Hickory............................... 40
High Point............................ 35
Jacksonville.......................... 34, *44
Kannapolis............................ 50
Lexington............................. 19
Linville.............................. *54
Lumberton............................. *25
Morehead City......................... 24
New Bern.............................. 48
Raleigh............................... 49, 53, 57
Roanoke Rapids........................ *39
Rocky Mount........................... 15
Washington............................ 32
Wilmington............................ *29, 30, 46, 54
Wilson................................ 42
Winston-Salem......................... 29, 31, *32
------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Dakota
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bismarck.............................. 16, *22, 23, 31
Devils Lake........................... *25, 59
Dickinson............................. 18, 19, *20
Ellendale............................. *20c
Fargo................................. 19, 21, *23, 58
Grand Forks........................... *56
Jamestown............................. 14
Minot................................. 15c, 45, *57, 58
Pembina............................... 15
Valley City........................... 38
Williston............................. 14, *51, 52
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Akron................................. 30, *50c, 59
Alliance.............................. *46c
Athens................................ *27
Bowling Green......................... *56
Cambridge............................. *35
Canton................................ 39, 47
Chillicothe........................... 46
Cincinnati............................ 10c, 31, 33, *34, 35
Cleveland............................. 2, 15, *26c, 31, 34
Columbus.............................. 13, 14, 21, 36, *38
Dayton................................ 30, 41, 50, 51, *58
Lima.................................. 20, 47
Lorain................................ 28
Mansfield............................. 12
Newark................................ 24
Oxford................................ *28
Portsmouth............................ 17, *43c
Sandusky.............................. 42c
Shaker Heights........................ 10
Springfield........................... 18
Steubenville.......................... 57
Toledo................................ 5, 17, 19c, *29, 46, 49c
Youngstown............................ 20c, 36, 41
Zanesville............................ 40
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oklahoma
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ada................................... 26
Bartlesville.......................... 15
Cheyenne.............................. *8
Claremore............................. *36c
Enid.................................. 18
Eufaula............................... *31
Lawton................................ 23
Oklahoma City......................... 15c, 16, 24, 27, *32, 33, 39,
42, 50, 51
Okmulgee.............................. 28
Shawnee............................... 29
Tulsa................................. 22, *38, 42c, 48c, 49, 55, 56,
58
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oregon
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bend.................................. *11, 18
Coos Bay.............................. 21, 22
Corvallis............................. *39
Eugene................................ 14, 17c, 25, *29c, 31
Klamath Falls......................... 29, *33, 40
La Grande............................. *5
Medford............................... 15, 27c, 35, 38, *42
Pendleton............................. 8
Portland.............................. *27, 30, 40, 43, 45, 6
Roseburg.............................. 18, 19, 45
Salem................................. 20, 33c
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pennsylvania
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allentown............................. 46, *62c
Altoona............................... 24c, 32, 46
Bethlehem............................. 59c
Clearfield............................ *15
Erie.................................. 16, 22, *50, 52, 58
Greensburg............................ 50
Harrisburg............................ 4, *36, 57
[[Page 13556]]
Hazleton.............................. 9
Johnstown............................. 29, 30, 34
Lancaster............................. 23, 58
Philadelphia.......................... 26, 32, *34, 42, 54, 64c, 67
Pittsburgh............................ 25c, *26c, *38, 42, 43, 48, 51
Reading............................... 25
Red Lion.............................. 30
Scranton.............................. 13, 31, 32, *41, 49
Wilkes-Barre.......................... 11
Williamsport.......................... 29
York.................................. 47
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rhode Island
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block Island.......................... 17c
Providence............................ 13c, *21, 51, 54c
------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allendale............................. *33
Anderson.............................. 14
Beaufort.............................. *44
Charleston............................ 35, 40, *49, 52, 53, 59
Columbia.............................. 8, 17, *32, 41, 48
Conway................................ *58
Florence.............................. 16c, 20, *45, 56
Greenville............................ *9, 35, 59
Greenwood............................. *18
Hardeeville........................... 27
Myrtle Beach.......................... 18
Rock Hill............................. 15, 39
Spartanburg........................... 43, 53
Sumter................................ *28c, 38
------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Dakota
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aberdeen.............................. *17c, 28
Brookings............................. *18
Eagle Butte........................... *25
Florence.............................. 25
Huron................................. 22
Lead.................................. 29, 30
Lowry................................. *15
Martin................................ *23
Mitchell.............................. 26
Pierre................................ 19, *21
Rapid City............................ 16c, 18, 22, *26
Reliance.............................. 14
Sioux Falls........................... 7, *24c, 29, 32, 40, 47c
Vermillion............................ *34
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chattanooga........................... *29, 35, 40, 47, 55
Cleveland............................. 42
Cookeville............................ 36, *52
Crossville............................ 50
Greeneville........................... 38
Hendersonville........................ 51c
Jackson............................... 39, 43
Jellico............................... 23
Johnson City.......................... 58
Kingsport............................. 27
Knoxville............................. *17, 26, 30, 31, 34
Lebanon............................... 44
Lexington............................. *47
Memphis............................... 25c, 28, *29c, 31c, 51c, 52, 53
Murfreesboro.......................... 38
Nashville............................. 10, 15, 21, 23, 27, *46, 56
Sneedville............................ *41
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abilene............................... 24, 29
Alvin................................. 36
Amarillo.............................. 9, 15c, 19, *21, 23
Arlington............................. 42
Austin................................ 21, *22, 33, 43c, 49, 56
Baytown............................... 41
Beaumont.............................. 21, *33, 50
Belton................................ 47c
Big Spring............................ 33
Brownsville........................... 24c
Bryan................................. 29c, 59
College Station....................... *12
Conroe................................ 5, 42
Corpus Christi........................ 18, *23, 27, 47, 50
Dallas................................ 9c, *14, 32, 35, 36, 40c, 45
Decatur............................... 30c
Del Rio............................... 28
Denton................................ *43
Eagle Pass............................ 18
El Paso............................... 15c, 16, 17, 18, 25, *30, *39c,
51
Fort Worth............................ 18, 19, 41, 51
Galveston............................. *23c, 47
Garland............................... 24c
Greenville............................ 46
Harlingen............................. 31, *34, 38
Houston............................... *9c, 19, *24, 27c, 31, 32, 35,
38, 44c
Irving................................ 48
Jacksonville.......................... 22
Katy.................................. 52c
Kerrville............................. 32
Killeen............................... 23
Lake Dallas........................... 54
Laredo................................ 14, 15, 19
Llano................................. 27
Longview.............................. 52c
Lubbock............................... 25, 27, 35c, 38, *39, 43
Lufkin................................ 43
McAllen............................... 46
Midland............................... 26
Nacogdoches........................... 18
Odessa................................ 15, *22, 23, 31, 43c
Port Arthur........................... 40
Rio Grande City....................... 20
Rosenberg............................. 46c
San Angelo............................ 11, 16, 19
San Antonio........................... *16, *20, 30c, 38, 39, 48, 55,
58
Sherman............................... 20
Snyder................................ 10
Sweetwater............................ 20
Temple................................ 50
Texarkana............................. 15
Tyler................................. 38
Victoria.............................. 15, 34
Waco.................................. *20, 26c, 53, 57
Weslaco............................... 13
Wichita Falls......................... 15, 22, 28
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utah
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cedar City............................ 14
Ogden................................. 29, *34
Provo................................. 17c, *39
Salt Lake City........................ 27, 28, 35, 38, 40, *42
St. George............................ 9
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vermont
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burlington............................ 16, *32, 43, 53
Hartford.............................. 25
Rutland............................... *56
St. Johnsbury......................... *18
Windsor............................... *24
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arlington............................. 15c
Ashland............................... 47
Bristol............................... 28
Charlottesville....................... *14, 32
Danville.............................. 41
Fairfax............................... *57c
Front Royal........................... *21
Goldvein.............................. *30
Grundy................................ 49
Hampton............................... 41
Hampton-Norfolk....................... *16c
Harrisonburg.......................... 49
Lynchburg............................. 20, 56
Manassas.............................. 43c
Marion................................ *42
Norfolk............................... 38, 46, 58
Norton................................ *32
Petersburg............................ 22c
Portsmouth............................ 19, 31
Richmond.............................. *24c, 25, 26, *44, 54
Roanoke............................... *3, 17, 18, 30, 36
Staunton.............................. *11
Virginia Beach........................ 29
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bellevue.............................. 32, 50
Bellingham............................ 19, 35
Centralia............................. *19
Everett............................... 31
Kennewick............................. 44
Pasco................................. 18
Pullman............................... *17
Richland.............................. 26c, *38
Seattle............................... 25, 38, 39, *41, 44, 48
[[Page 13557]]
Spokane............................... 13, 15, 20, 30, 36, *39
Tacoma................................ 14, 18, *27, 36, *42
Vancouver............................. 48
Wenatchee............................. 46c
Yakima................................ 14, 16, *21, 33
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Virginia
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bluefield............................. 14, 46
Charleston............................ 19, 39, 41
Clarksburg............................ 28, 52
Grandview............................. *53
Huntington............................ 23, *34c, 54
Lewisburg............................. 48
Martinsburg........................... 12
Morgantown............................ *33
Oak Hill.............................. 50
Parkersburg........................... 49
Weston................................ 58
Wheeling.............................. 32
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wisconsin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appleton.............................. 59
Chippewa Falls........................ 49c
Eagle River........................... 28
Eau Claire............................ 15, 39
Fond Du Lac........................... 44
Green Bay............................. 23, 41, *42, 51, 56
Janesville............................ 32
Kenosha............................... 40
La Crosse............................. 14, 17, *30, 53
Madison............................... 11, 19, *20, 26, 50
Manitowoc............................. 19
Mayville.............................. 43
Menomonie............................. *27
Milwaukee............................. *8, 22, 25c, 28, 33, 34, *35,
46, 61
Park Falls............................ *47
Racine................................ 48
Rhinelander........................... 16
Superior.............................. 19
Suring................................ 21
Wausau................................ *24, 29, 40
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wyoming
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casper................................ 15c, 17, 18
Cheyenne.............................. 11, 28c, 30
Jackson............................... 14
Lander................................ 7, *8
Rawlins............................... 9
Riverton.............................. 16
Rock Springs.......................... 21
Sheridan.............................. 21
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guam
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agana................................. 2, 4, 5
Tamuning.............................. 17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puerto Rico
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aguada................................ 62
Aguadilla............................. 17c, *34, 69
Arecibo............................... 53, 61c
Bayamon............................... 59c
Caguas................................ 56, *57
Carolina.............................. 51
Fajardo............................... *16c, 33
Guayama............................... 45
Humacao............................... 49
Mayaguez.............................. 23c, 29c, 35c, 63
Naranjito............................. 65c
Ponce................................. 15c, 19, *25, 43c, 47, 66
San Juan.............................. 21, 27c, 28, 31c, 32, *55c
San Sebastian......................... 39c
Yauco................................. 41c
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virgin Islands
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Channel No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charlotte Amalie...................... *44, 48, 50
Christiansted......................... 5, 20
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Availability of channels. Applications may be filed to
construct DTV broadcast stations only on the channels designated in the
DTV Table of Allotments set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, and
only in the communities listed therein. Applications that fail to
comply with this requirement, whether or not accompanied by a petition
to amend the DTV Table, will not be accepted for filing. However,
applications specifying channels that accord with publicly announced
FCC Orders changing the DTV Table of Allotments will be accepted for
filing even if such applications are tendered before the effective
dates of such channel change. An application for authority to construct
a DTV station on an allotment in the initial DTV table may only be
filed by the licensee or permittee of the analog TV station with which
that initial allotment is paired, as set forth in Appendix B of the
Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration of the Sixth Report and
Order in MM Docket 87-268, FCC 98-24 (Memorandum Opinion and Order)
adopted January 29, 1998. Copies of the Memorandum Opinion and Order
may be inspected during normal business hours at the: Federal
Communications Commission, 1919 M St., N.W., Dockets Branch (Room 239),
Washington, DC, 20554. This document is also available through the
Internet on the FCC Home Page at http://www.fcc.gov. Applications may
also be filed to implement an exchange of channel allotments between
two or more licensees or permittees of analog TV stations in the same
community, the same market, or in adjacent markets provided, however,
that the other requirements of this section and Sec. 73.623 are met
with respect to each such application.
(d) Reference points and distance computations.
(1) The reference coordinates of a DTV allotment included in the
initial DTV Table of Allotments are the coordinates of the authorized
transmitting antenna site of the associated analog TV station, as set
forth in Appendix B of the Memorandum Opinion and Order (referenced
above). An application for authority to construct or modify DTV
facilities on such an allotment may specify an alternate location for
the DTV transmitting antenna that is within 5 kilometers of the DTV
allotment reference coordinates without consideration of
electromagnetic interference to other DTV or analog TV broadcast
stations, allotments or applications, provided the application complies
with paragraph (f)(2) of this section. Location of the transmitting
antenna of such a station at a site more than 5 kilometers from the DTV
allotment reference coordinates must comply with the provisions of
section 73.623(c). In the case where a DTV station has been granted
authority to construct more than 5 kilometers from its reference
coordinates pursuant to section 73.623(c), and its authorized coverage
area extends in any azimuthal direction beyond the DTV coverage area
determined for the DTV allotment reference facilities, then the
coordinates of such authorized site are to be used in addition to the
coordinates of the DTV allotment to determine protection from new DTV
allotments pursuant to Sec. 73.623(d) and from subsequent DTV
applications filed pursuant to Sec. 73.623(c).
(2) The reference coordinates of a DTV allotment not included in
the initial DTV Table of Allotments shall be the authorized transmitter
site, or, where such a transmitter site is not available for use as a
reference point, the coordinates as designated in the FCC order
modifying the DTV Table of Allotments.
(e) DTV Service Areas.
(1) The service area of a DTV station is the geographic area within
the station's noise-limited F(50,90) contour where its signal strength
is predicted to exceed the noise-limited service level. The noise-
limited contour is the area in
[[Page 13558]]
which the predicted F(50,90) field strength of the stations's signal,
in dB above 1 microvolt per meter (dBu) as determined using the method
in section 73.625(d), exceeds the following levels (these are the
levels at which reception of DTV service is limited by noise):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
dBu
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Channels 2-6................................................... 28
Channels 7-13.................................................. 36
Channels 14-69................................................. 41
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within |
