80_FR_11656 80 FR 11614 - Permitting Remote Pickup Broadcast Auxiliary Stations To Utilize Modern Digital Technologies

80 FR 11614 - Permitting Remote Pickup Broadcast Auxiliary Stations To Utilize Modern Digital Technologies

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 42 (March 4, 2015)

Page Range11614-11619
FR Document2015-04155

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) seeks comment on its proposal to permit broadcasters to use modern digital technologies for Remote Pickup operations. Permitting this would further the Commission's goal of enabling broadcasters to use the same digital technologies for Remote Pickup operations as used by operators in the Private Land Mobile Radio Service.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 42 (Wednesday, March 4, 2015)
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 4, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11614-11619]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-04155]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 74

[WT Docket No. 15-36; FCC 15-22]


Permitting Remote Pickup Broadcast Auxiliary Stations To Utilize 
Modern Digital Technologies

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) seeks comment on its proposal to permit broadcasters to 
use modern digital technologies for Remote Pickup operations. 
Permitting this would further the Commission's goal of enabling 
broadcasters to use the same digital technologies for Remote Pickup 
operations as used by operators in the Private Land Mobile Radio 
Service.

DATES: Submit comments on or before April 3, 2015. Submit reply 
comments on or before April 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by WT Docket No. 15-36, 
by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Federal Communications Commission's Electronic Comment 
Filing System (ECFS): http://fcc.gov/ecfs//. Follow the instructions 
for submitting comments.
     Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail): Federal Communications Commission, 
9300 East Hampton Dr., Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
     U.S. Postal Service (First-class, Express, and Priority): 
Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th St. SW., Washington, DC 
20554.
     Hand-delivered/Courier: Federal Communications Commission, 
445 12th St. SW., Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours 
are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together 
with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be 
disposed of before entering the building.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number or Regulatory Information Number (RIN) for the Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without 
change to http://fcc.gov/ecfs//, including any personal information 
provided. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and 
additional information on the rulemaking process, see the ``Public 
Participation'' heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of 
this document.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-22A1.docx.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please 
contact Nancy Zaczek of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, 
Broadband Division, at (202) 418-0274 or email to nancy.zaczek@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, WT Docket No. 15-36, RM-11648, and RM 
11649 adopted on February 13, 2015 and released on February 18, 2015. 
The complete text of this document will be available for public 
inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center 
(CY-A257) at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20554. Documents will be available electronically 
in ASCII, Microsoft Word, and/or Adobe Acrobat. The complete text of 
this document will also be available via ECFS.

Public Participation

    Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 
47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply 
comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this 
document. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic 
Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in 
Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).
     Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must 
file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket 
or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers 
must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or 
rulemaking number.
    Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial 
overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service 
mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, 
Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
    People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible 
formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic 
files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-
418-0432 (tty).

[[Page 11615]]

I. Order--Remote Pickup (RPU) Center Frequencies

A. Background

    1. RPU stations may be authorized to operate within the 25.67-26.48 
MHz band (HF RPU Band), the 152.855-154 MHz, 157.45-161.575 MHz, 
161.625-161.775 MHz bands (collectively, VHF RPU Band), and the 450-451 
MHz and 455-456 MHz bands (collectively, UHF RPU Band). These 
frequencies are also either available for assignment in the part 90 
Private Land Mobile Radio Service (PLMRS) or are near frequencies 
available for PLMRS use. When the Commission established the current 
RPU service rules in 2002, its goal was to harmonize the RPU technical 
standards with the part 90 rules so that broadcasters could use radios 
developed for part 90 PLMRS use for RPU use, particularly for dispatch 
and operational traffic. At the same time, the Commission recognized 
that part 90 narrowband radios may not be suitable for transmitting 
audio program feeds, which require greater bandwidth to support high 
audio quality with no delay. Accordingly, the Commission allowed 
broadcasters to stack multiple RPU channel segments to create wider 
channels. Under the current rules, the VHF RPU and UHF RPU Bands are 
divided into segments with designated channel centers, but broadcasters 
may combine multiple segments to form wider RPU channels so long as 
they comply with the applicable bandwidth and emission requirements. 
Broadcasters using RPU stations to transmit program material have 
primary use of the wider channels.
    2. The Engineers for the Integrity of Broadcast Auxiliary Services 
Spectrum (EIBASS) and the Society for Broadcast Engineers (SBE) have 
separately identified two obstacles that they argue have prevented 
broadcasters from using PLMRS equipment for RPU use in the VHF RPU and 
UHF RPU Bands. The first obstacle concerns a mismatch between PLMRS 
equipment and the channel centers for RPU stations specified in the 
Commission's rules. For analog equipment, the 25 kilohertz channel 
centers listed for RPU stations in the Commission's rules cannot be 
programmed into analog part 90 PLMRS equipment used by broadcasters. If 
a broadcaster attempted to combine four 6.25 kilohertz segments to form 
a 25 kilohertz RPU channel, the center frequency of the resultant 
channel would be offset from the RPU channel centers specified in the 
Commission's rules. Under this scenario, the only way to create an RPU 
channel with a center frequency that is specified in the Commission's 
rules is to request an odd number of RPU segments (i.e., request an 
extra segment). Furthermore, while digital equipment can tune to the 
nearest Hertz, many, if not most, analog radios now in use cannot 
program frequencies with that degree of accuracy.

B. Discussion

    3. As described above, EIBASS and SBE identify two issues relating 
to the designation of center frequencies for RPU stations: (1) The fact 
that when an applicant combines an even number of channels, the center 
frequency for the combined channels will fall in between frequencies 
listed in the Commission's rules; and (2) the inability of analog 
equipment to specify the center frequency with the level of precision 
set forth in the Commission's rules. With the clarification and 
guidance provided below, we conclude that no rule changes are necessary 
to address either of these issues.
    4. We find that existing Sec.  74.402 of the Commission's rules 
address the first issue. In its preamble, that rule provides, ``When an 
even number of channels are stacked in those sections [where] stacking 
is permitted, channel assignments may be made for the frequency halfway 
between those listed.'' Thus, to use EIBASS' example, a broadcaster 
wishing to combine the 6.25 kilohertz segments centered 455.48750 MHz, 
455.49375 MHz, 455.50000 MHz, and 455.50625 MHz into a 25 kilohertz RPU 
channel could specify 455.496875 MHz as the center frequency of the 
combined segments because it is halfway between 455.49375 MHz and 455.5 
MHz. Consistent with Sec.  74.402, the current process of the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau has been to require applicants to stack the 
minimum number of segments necessary to accommodate the applicant's 
bandwidth needs. Applications that stack an odd number of segments must 
specify a center frequency consistent with the center of the segments 
listed in Sec.  74.402, and applications that stack an even number of 
segments must specify a center frequency that falls in between the 
channel centers listed in Sec.  74.402. The Wireless Telecommunications 
Bureau will continue to process applications specifying an even number 
of segments consistent with this interpretation of Sec.  74.402.
    5. With respect to the inability of analog equipment to precisely 
specify frequencies to six decimal places, no transmitter can operate 
on a specific frequency with absolute precision. The Broadcast 
Auxiliary Service (BAS) rules recognize this limitation by establishing 
permissible frequency tolerances for RPU equipment. In the VHF RPU 
Band, the tightest applicable frequency stability requirement is one 
part per million, which translates into an acceptable deviation of 
approximately 150 Hertz on those frequencies. For the UHF RPU Band, the 
tightest applicable frequency stability requirement is .5 parts per 
million, which translates into an acceptable deviation of approximately 
225 Hertz on those frequencies. We note that the channel centers listed 
in the rules specify some frequencies in the UHF RPU Band to the 
nearest 10 Hertz, and neither EIBASS nor SBE has claimed that analog 
equipment cannot program those frequencies. So long as licensees comply 
with the applicable emission masks as measured from the center 
frequency specified in the authorization, and the licensee programs the 
center frequency as closely to the specified center frequency as the 
equipment will allow, we would view a licensee as being in compliance 
with the center frequency requirements of Sec.  74.402 of the 
Commission's rules for the VHF RPU Band and UHF RPU Band.

II. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

A. RPU Digital Emissions and Modulation Requirements

    6. SBE and EIBASS point out another obstacle to using PLMRS 
equipment for RPU purposes, specifically the lack of authorization in 
the rules for use of specific digital technologies. SBE and EIBASS 
identify Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Next Generation Digital 
Network (NXDN), ANSI/TIA-102A (Project 25), Trans-European Trunked 
Radio (TETRA), Digital Private Mobile Radio (dPMR), and Digital Mobile 
Radio (DMR) as digital technologies used in PLMRS radios that could be 
suitable for RPU use. Section 74.462 of the Commission's rules 
``requires that the `equipment shall be operated in accordance with 
emissions specifications included in the grant of the certification and 
as prescribed in . . . this section'' and lists the authorized 
emissions for RPU stations. The only emissions currently authorized by 
the rule, however, are all analog emissions. No digital emissions are 
included in the list of authorized emissions.
    7. We propose to change our rules to allow broadcasters to use 
modern digital technologies such as TDMA and NXDN for RPU operations. 
We believe it would be in the public interest to give broadcasters the 
opportunity to use the same digital technologies for RPU

[[Page 11616]]

stations as those used by part 90 PLMRS licensees. The Commission's 
intent in 2002 was to harmonize the RPU technical standards with the 
part 90 rules so that broadcasters could use radios developed for part 
90 PLMRS use, particularly for dispatch and operational traffic. By 
allowing broadcasters to use the same digital technologies for RPU 
stations as those used by PLMRS licensees, we would further that goal 
and allow broadcasters to use equipment and technologies developed for 
PLMRS. We seek comment on the costs and benefits and advantages or 
disadvantages of allowing broadcasters to use the digital technology of 
their choice in the VHF and UHF RPU Bands.
    8. SBE and EIBASS each propose that we amend Sec.  74.462 of the 
Commission's rules to permit RPU stations to use any digital emissions 
that meets the applicable emissions mask and bandwidth limitations. We 
seek comment on amending Sec.  74.462 in that fashion. We note that 
while SBE and EIBASS focus on the VHF and UHF RPU Bands, the proposed 
rule change would also allow digital emissions in the HF RPU Band. We 
seek comment on whether it is appropriate to also allow digital 
emissions in the HF RPU Band. We also seek comment on alternative means 
of amending our rules to reach the same result requested by EIBASS and 
SBE. Further, we seek comment on amending Sec.  74.462 to specify a 
maximum authorized bandwidth of 50 kilohertz in the 450.03125-450.61875 
MHz and 455.03125 455.061875 MHz bands, as opposed to the maximum 
authorized bandwidth of 25 kilohertz currently in the rule. This change 
would make Sec.  74.462 consistent with Sec.  74.402(b) of the 
Commission's rules, which allows up to eight 6.25 kilohertz segments to 
be stacked for a total RPU channel bandwidth of 50 kilohertz. We seek 
comment on the costs and benefits and advantages or disadvantages of 
the various proposed approaches.
    9. We also seek comment on EIBASS's request that we amend Sec.  
74.463 of the Commission's rules to explicitly add the phrase ``digital 
modulation''. We seek comment on the proposed rule language and its 
attendant costs and benefits, and on any alternatives and their 
associated costs and benefits.

B. Station Identification Requirements

    10. In addition, we seek comment on what changes to our station 
identification requirements are needed to accommodate digital RPU 
operations. EIBASS recommends that we amend the station identification 
requirements in Sec.  74.482 of the Commission's rules to cover all 
forms of commercially available digital land mobile radios, using 
language that is broad enough to cover new forms of digital signals as 
they are developed. Although EIBASS specifically recommends that we 
adopt a method of identifying stations that uses a watermark ID, such 
as the protocol adopted in the Advanced Television Systems Committee 
(ATSC) A/82 Data Return Link (DRL) standard, it stresses that is more 
important that we adopt the same protocol for both RPU BAS and PLMRS 
stations. In 2010, the Commission sought comment on amending the PLMRS 
rules to allow station identification in the 150-170 MHz and 450-470 
MHz bands in digital format. The proposed rule language in that 
proceeding would allow PLMRS stations to digitally transmit their call 
signs, subject to the requirement that the licensees provide the 
Commission with the means to decode the digital transmission. Adopting 
the same station identification rules for both RPU BAS and PLMRS 
stations, EIBASS argues, would enable RPU broadcasters to purchase COTS 
two-way radios whose transmissions could be universally decoded to 
identify interfering transmitters. Should we adopt the requirements 
proposed by the Commission in 2010 for PLMRS stations, or should the 
Commission adopt a specific standard, such as the A/82 DRL standard? 
Commenters should provide information on the costs and benefits and 
advantages or disadvantages of the different approaches.

C. 100 Kilohertz RPU Channels

    11. SBE also raises a different but related issue with regard to 
Sec.  74.402 of the Commission's rules. Specifically, SBE believes 
there is no current need for new RPU stations with a 100 kilohertz 
bandwidth. It therefore proposes that no new RPU stations proposing a 
100 kilohertz bandwidth be authorized absent a showing of need in 
individual cases. SBE believes that existing 100 kilohertz RPU stations 
should be grandfathered.
    12. Consistent with SBE's request, we propose to modify Sec.  
74.402 to eliminate a licensee's ability to create 100 kilohertz RPU 
channels in the future. Given the relatively small amount of spectrum 
available for RPU operations, and that the 100 kilohertz channels 
overlap the narrower channels, a license specifying 100 kilohertz 
bandwidth can make it difficult for other broadcasters to obtain 
spectrum for narrowband RPU operations, which are much more prevalent 
than 100 kilohertz operations. We note that in the past four years, the 
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau has received only one application 
requesting authorization for a 100 kilohertz bandwidth RPU channel. 
Accordingly, there appears to be little need for licenses with 100 
kilohertz channels. If we eliminate the ability to create these 
channels, applicants would still be able to apply via a waiver of the 
rules to use 100 kilohertz channels. We emphasize that we are not 
proposing to change the rights of existing licensees with 100 kilohertz 
bandwidth RPU channels. Instead, we propose to grandfather existing 
licensees with 100 kilohertz RPU channel authorizations. These 
licensees will be permitted to renew their authorizations indefinitely 
and will be allowed to make modifications to their existing 
authorization without affecting their grandfathered status. We seek 
comment on these proposals, as well as their associated costs and 
benefits.

III. Waiver Request

    13. SBE also seeks a temporary waiver of Sec.  74.462 of the 
Commission's rules to permit broadcasters to use FCC-certified 
narrowband VHF and UHF RPU equipment, such as TDMA technology or NXDN 
technology, in the VHF and UHF RPU Bands while the rulemaking is 
pending. The Commission's rules provide that waivers will be granted if 
the petitioner shows that: (i) The underlying purpose of the rules(s) 
would not be served or would be frustrated by application to the 
instant case, and that a grant of the requested waiver would be in the 
public interest; or (ii) in view of the unique or unusual factual 
circumstances of the instant case, application of the rule(s) would be 
inequitable, unduly burdensome or contrary to the public interest, or 
the applicant has no reasonable alternative.
    14. We decline to grant a blanket waiver of Sec.  74.462 to permit 
use of digital emissions in the VHF and UHF RPU Bands while this 
rulemaking is pending. While we agree with SBE that it appears to be in 
the public interest to empower RPU broadcasters to use digital 
technologies, the instant rulemaking is designed to provide an 
opportunity for meaningful comment on this assessment and on important 
details about the implementation of such digital operations. For 
example, it is not clear based on the current record how broadcasters 
using digital equipment will comply with the station identification 
requirement. If we were to grant a general waiver, broadcasters might 
use any type of digital RPU equipment, some or all of which might be 
incompatible with the requirements that the Commission ultimately 
adopts.

[[Page 11617]]

Therefore, until the Commission has established rules for 
implementation of digital technologies in the VHF and UHF, and perhaps 
HF RPU Bands, we do not find it to be in the public interest to grant 
broadcasters a general waiver to do so. Under these circumstances, we 
believe the better course of action is to proceed through the 
rulemaking process and establish rules that all broadcasters can rely 
on going forward. Our denial of SBE's request for a general waiver does 
not preclude a broadcaster from invoking the Commission's waiver rules 
in a specific case in order to request appropriate individualized 
relief. Such cases will be considered on an ad hoc basis.

IV. Procedural Matters

A. Ex Parte Rules--Permit-but-Disclose Proceeding

    15. Pursuant to Sec.  1.1200(a) of the Commission's rules, the 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order shall be treated as a ``permit-
but-disclose'' proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte 
rules. Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any 
written presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation 
within two business days after the presentation (unless a different 
deadline applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making 
oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the 
presentation must (1) list all persons attending or otherwise 
participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was 
made, and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during 
the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of 
the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the 
presenter's written comments, memoranda or other filings in the 
proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or 
arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings 
(specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data 
or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the 
memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex 
parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must 
be filed consistent with rule Sec.  1.1206(b). In proceedings governed 
by rule Sec.  1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a 
method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and 
memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments 
thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system 
available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format 
(e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this 
proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte 
rules.

B. Paperwork Reduction Analysis

    16. This document does not contain proposed information 
collection(s) subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new 
or modified ``information collection burden for small business concerns 
with fewer than 25 employees,'' pursuant to the Small Business 
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(4).

C. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    17. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (RFA), the Commission has prepared this present Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities by the 
policies and rules proposed in this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NPRM). Written public comments are requested on this IRFA. Comments 
must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the 
deadlines specified in the NPRM for comments. The Commission will send 
a copy of this NPRM, including this IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA). In addition, the 
NPRM and IRFA (or summaries thereof) will be published in the Federal 
Register.

D. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules

    18. In the NPRM, we propose to amend our rules to allow 
broadcasters to use any type of digital equipment. In addition, 
permitting digital emissions in the RPU bands may also require us to 
amend Sec. Sec.  74.402, 74.462, and 74.482 of the Commission's rules. 
These changes are supported by the commenters and will give RPU 
licensees the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of ``off-the-
shelf'' digital equipment, which will, in turn, encourage RPU licensees 
to convert to digital systems and increase spectrum efficiency.

E. Legal Basis

    19. The proposed action is authorized pursuant to sections 4 and 
303 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 
and Sec.  1.411 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.411.

F. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities To Which 
the Proposed Rules Will Apply

    20. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of, and, 
where feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules and policies, if adopted. The RFA 
generally defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning 
as the terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small 
governmental jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small business'' 
has the same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the 
Small Business Act. A ``small business concern'' is one which: (1) Is 
independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of 
operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria established by the 
SBA.
    21. The proposals in the NPRM would affect BAS RPU licensees. Only 
licensees of broadcast stations, broadcast networks, and cable networks 
can hold RPU licenses. Additionally, the proposals affect manufacturers 
of equipment that supports the BAS Remote Pickup Service. BAS involves 
a variety of transmitters, generally used to relay broadcast 
programming to the public (through translator and booster stations) or 
within the program distribution chain (from a remote news gathering 
unit to the studio or from the studio to the transmitter). The 
Commission has not developed a definition of small entities applicable 
to these licensees. Therefore, the applicable definitions of small 
entities for each of these services under the SBA rules is as follows: 
for Remote pickup BAS we will use SIC code 4833 when used by a TV 
station or 4832 when used by a radio station and for BAS equipment 
manufacturers, we will use SIC code 3663 (Radio and Television 
Broadcasting and Communications Equipment) which are classified as 
small businesses if they employ no more than 750 people.

G. Radio Broadcasting

    22. The subject rules and policies potentially will apply to all AM 
and FM radio broadcasting licensees and potential licensees. A radio 
broadcasting station is an establishment primarily engaged in 
broadcasting aural programs by radio to the public. Included in this 
industry are commercial, religious, educational, and other radio 
stations. Radio broadcasting stations, which primarily are engaged in 
radio broadcasting, and produce radio program materials are similarly 
included. However, radio stations that

[[Page 11618]]

are separate establishments and are primarily engaged in producing 
radio program material are classified under another NAICS number. The 
SBA has established a small business size standard for this category, 
which is: firms having $7 million or less in annual receipts. According 
to Commission staff review of the BIA Publications, Inc. Master Access 
Radio Analyzer Database as of August 2, 2013, about 10,811 (97 percent) 
of 11,162 commercial radio station have revenues of $7 million or less 
and thus qualify as small entities under the SBA definition. Therefore, 
the majority of such entities are small entities. We note, however, 
that many radio stations are affiliated with much larger corporations 
having much higher revenue. Our estimate, therefore, likely overstates 
the number of small entities that might be affected by any ultimate 
changes to the rules and forms.

H. Television Broadcasting

    23. This economic census category ``comprises establishments 
primarily engaged in broadcasting images together with sound. These 
establishments operate television broadcasting studios and facilities 
for the programming and transmission of programs to the public.'' The 
SBA has created the following small business size standard for 
Television Broadcasting firms: those having $14 million or less in 
annual receipts. The Commission has estimated the number of licensed 
commercial television stations to be 1,388. In addition, according to 
Commission staff review of the BIA Advisory Services, LLC's Media 
Access Pro Television Database on March 28, 2012, about 950 of an 
estimated 1,300 commercial television stations (or approximately 73 
percent) had revenues of $14 million or less. We therefore estimate 
that the majority of commercial television broadcasters are small 
entities.
    24. We note, however, that in assessing whether a business concern 
qualifies as small under the above definition, business (control) 
affiliations must be included. Our estimate, therefore, likely 
overstates the number of small entities that might be affected by our 
action because the revenue figure on which it is based does not include 
or aggregate revenues from affiliated companies. In addition, an 
element of the definition of ``small business'' is that the entity not 
be dominant in its field of operation. We are unable at this time to 
define or quantify the criteria that would establish whether a specific 
television station is dominant in its field of operation. Accordingly, 
the estimate of small businesses to which rules may apply does not 
exclude any television station from the definition of a small business 
on this basis and is therefore possibly over-inclusive to that extent.
    25. In addition, the Commission has estimated the number of 
licensed noncommercial educational (``NCE'') television stations to be 
396. These stations are non-profit, and therefore considered to be 
small entities.
    26. There are also 2,414 LPTV stations, including Class A stations, 
and 4,046 TV translator stations. Given the nature of these services, 
we will presume that all of these entities qualify as small entities 
under the above SBA small business size standard.

I. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    27. The NPRM proposes no new reporting or recordkeeping 
requirements.

J. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered

    28. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant 
alternatives that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, 
which may include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) 
The establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or 
timetables that take into account the resources available to small 
entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of 
compliance or reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; 
(3) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (4) an 
exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small 
entities.
    29. The actions proposed in the NPRM would give RPU licensees the 
flexibility to use off-the-shelf digital equipment, thus reducing their 
costs. This action will serve the public interest by enabling RPU 
licensees to use spectrum more efficiently. The rules will therefore 
open up beneficial economic opportunities to a variety of spectrum 
users, including small businesses. Because the actions proposed in the 
NPRM will improve beneficial economic opportunities for all businesses, 
including small businesses, a detailed discussion of alternatives is 
not required.
    30. Generally, the alternative approach would be to maintain the 
existing rules. Under that approach, however, Remote Pickup Service 
licensees would not have the opportunity to use digital off-the-shelf 
equipment.

K. Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the 
Proposed Rules

    31. None.

V. Ordering Clauses

    32. Accordingly, it is ordered, pursuant to sections 4 and 303 of 
the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, and Sec.  1.411 of 
the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.411, that the Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking is hereby adopted.
    33. It is further ordered, pursuant to sections 4 and 303 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, and Sec.  1.407 of the 
Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.407, that the petitions for rulemaking 
filed by the Engineers for the Integrity of Broadcast Auxiliary 
Services on October 7, 2011 and by Society of Broadcast Engineers, 
Incorporated on November 7, 2011 are granted to the extent indicated 
herein and are otherwise denied.
    34. For the reasons stated above, it is further ordered, pursuant 
to section 4(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 
U.S.C. 154(i), and Sec.  1.925(b)(3) of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 
1.925(b)(3), that the waiver request filed by the Society for Broadcast 
Engineers on November 7, 2011 is denied.
    35. It is further ordered that the Commission's Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, shall send a 
copy of the NPRM, including the IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy 
of the Small Business Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 74

    Communications equipment.

Federal Communications Commission.
Sheryl D. Todd,
Deputy Secretary.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR part 74 as follows:

PART 74--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER 
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 74 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 307, 309, 336 and 554.

0
2. Amend Sec.  74.402 by revising the introductory text in paragraph 
(d) to read as follows:


Sec.  74.402  Frequency assignment.

* * * * *

[[Page 11619]]

    (d) Up to two of the following 50 kilohertz segments may be stacked 
to form a channel which may be assigned for use by broadcast remote 
pickup stations using any emission contained within the resultant 
channel in accordance with the provisions of Sec.  74.462. Users 
committed to 100 kilohertz bandwidths and transmitting program material 
will have primary use of these channels. After [insert effective date 
of rule], initial authorizations with 100 kilohertz bandwidth will not 
be issued.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec.  74.462 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  74.462  Authorized Bandwidth and Emissions.

    (a) Each authorization for a new remote pickup broadcast station or 
system shall require the use of certificated equipment and such 
equipment shall be operated in accordance with emission specifications 
included in the grant of certification and as prescribed in paragraphs 
(b), (c), and (d) of this section. Any form of modulation may be used.
    (b) The maximum authorized bandwidth of emissions corresponding to 
the types of emissions specified below, and the maximum authorized 
frequency deviation in the case of frequency or phase modulated 
emission, shall be as follows:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Maximum
                                        authorized     Maximum frequency
            Frequencies                 bandwidth          deviation
                                       (kilohertz)      (kilohertz) \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MHz:
25.87 to 26.03....................                 40                 10
26.07 to 26.47....................                 20                  5
152.8625 to 153.3575 \2\..........              30/60               5/10
160.860 to 161.400................                 60                 10
161.625 to 161.775................                 30                  5
166.25 and 170.15 \3\.............               12.5                2.5
450.00625 to 450.99375............                 25                  5
455.00625 to 455.99375............                 25                  5
450.03125 to 450.61875............                 50
455.03125 to 455.61875............                 50                  5
450.6375 to 450.8625..............
455.6375 to 455.8625..............                 50                 10
450.900, 450.950..................
455.900, 455.950 \4\..............                100                 35
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Applies where F1A, F1B, F1D, F1E, F2A, F2B, F2D, F2E, F3E, or F9E
  emissions are used.
\2\ New or modified licenses for use of the frequencies will not be
  granted to utilize transmitters on board aircraft, or to use a
  bandwidth in excess of 30 kilohertz and maximum deviation exceeding 5
  kilohertz.
\3\ For stations licensed or applied for before April 16, 2003, the sum
  of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on frequencies 166.25 MHz
  or 170.15 MHz shall not exceed 25 kilohertz, and such operation may
  continue until January 1, 2005. For new stations licensed or applied
  for on or after April 16, 2003, the sum of the bandwidth of emission
  and tolerance on these frequencies shall not exceed 12.5 kilohertz.
  For all remote pickup broadcast stations, the sum of the bandwidth of
  emission and tolerance on these frequencies shall not exceed 12.5
  kilohertz on or after January 1, 2005.
\4\ After [insert effective date of rule], new authorizations with 100
  kilohertz bandwidth will not be issued.

* * * * *
0
4. Amend Sec.  74.463 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  74.463  Modulation Requirements.

* * * * *
    (c) If frequency modulation or digital modulation is employed, the 
emission shall conform to the requirements specified in Sec.  74.462.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend Sec.  74.482 by adding a new paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  74.482  Station Identification.

* * * * *
    (f) Stations that normally employ digital signals for the 
transmission of data, text, control codes, or digitized voice, may also 
be identified by digital transmission of the call sign. A licensee that 
identifies its call sign in this manner must provide the Commission, 
upon request, information sufficient to decode the digital transmission 
and ascertain the call sign transmitted.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-04155 Filed 3-3-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P



                                                      11614                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      180.940(c). The petitioner believes no                  FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS                                information on the rulemaking process,
                                                      analytical method is needed because it                  COMMISSION                                            see the ‘‘Public Participation’’ heading
                                                      is not required for the establishment of                                                                      of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
                                                      a tolerance exemption for inert                         47 CFR Part 74                                        section of this document.
                                                      ingredients. Contact: RD.                                                                                       Docket: For access to the docket to
                                                                                                              [WT Docket No. 15–36; FCC 15–22]
                                                                                                                                                                    read background documents or
                                                         5. PP 4F8287. (EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–                                                                            comments received, go to https://
                                                      0023). CP Bio, Inc., 4802 Murrieta                      Permitting Remote Pickup Broadcast
                                                                                                              Auxiliary Stations To Utilize Modern                  apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/
                                                      Street, Chino, CA 91710, requests to                                                                          FCC-15-22A1.docx.
                                                      establish an exemption from the                         Digital Technologies
                                                                                                                                                                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
                                                      requirement of a tolerance in 40 CFR                    AGENCY:  Federal Communications                       further information, please contact
                                                      part 180 for residues of the biochemical                Commission.                                           Nancy Zaczek of the Wireless
                                                      plant growth regulator, Choline                         ACTION: Proposed rule.                                Telecommunications Bureau,
                                                      Chloride (Acetyl Choline), in or on all                                                                       Broadband Division, at (202) 418–0274
                                                      raw agricultural commodities, when                      SUMMARY:   In this document, the Federal              or email to nancy.zaczek@fcc.gov.
                                                      applied pre-harvest. The analytical                     Communications Commission                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a
                                                      method High-Performance Liquid                          (Commission) seeks comment on its                     summary of the Commission’s Notice of
                                                      Chromatographic (HPLC) Analysis is                      proposal to permit broadcasters to use                Proposed Rulemaking and Order, WT
                                                      available to EPA for the detection and                  modern digital technologies for Remote                Docket No. 15–36, RM–11648, and RM
                                                      measurement of the pesticide residue.                   Pickup operations. Permitting this                    11649 adopted on February 13, 2015
                                                      Contact: BPPD.                                          would further the Commission’s goal of                and released on February 18, 2015. The
                                                                                                              enabling broadcasters to use the same                 complete text of this document will be
                                                         6. PP 4F8292. (EPA–HQ–OPP–2015–                      digital technologies for Remote Pickup
                                                      0017). Suterra LLC, 20950 NE Talus                                                                            available for public inspection during
                                                                                                              operations as used by operators in the                regular business hours in the FCC
                                                      Place, Bend, OR 97701, requests to                      Private Land Mobile Radio Service.                    Reference Center (CY–A257) at the
                                                      establish an exemption from the
                                                                                                              DATES: Submit comments on or before                   Federal Communications Commission,
                                                      requirement of a tolerance in 40 CFR                                                                          445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC
                                                                                                              April 3, 2015. Submit reply comments
                                                      part 180 for residues of the arthropod                  on or before April 20, 2015.                          20554. Documents will be available
                                                      pheromone, lavandulyl senecioate, in or                                                                       electronically in ASCII, Microsoft Word,
                                                                                                              ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
                                                      on all raw agricultural commodities                                                                           and/or Adobe Acrobat. The complete
                                                                                                              identified by WT Docket No. 15–36, by
                                                      when applied to growing crops at a rate                                                                       text of this document will also be
                                                                                                              any of the following methods:
                                                      not to exceed 150 grams active                                                                                available via ECFS.
                                                                                                                • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://
                                                      ingredient/acre/year in accordance with                 www.regulations.gov. Follow the                       Public Participation
                                                      good agricultural practices. The                        instructions for submitting comments.
                                                      petitioner believes no analytical method                                                                         Pursuant to §§ 1.415 and 1.419 of the
                                                                                                                • Federal Communications
                                                      is needed because significant residues of                                                                     Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.415,
                                                                                                              Commission’s Electronic Comment
                                                      the pheromone active ingredient are not                                                                       1.419, interested parties may file
                                                                                                              Filing System (ECFS): http://fcc.gov/
                                                      possible if use rates are limited to 150                                                                      comments and reply comments on or
                                                                                                              ecfs//. Follow the instructions for                   before the dates indicated on the first
                                                      grams pheromone active ingredient per                   submitting comments.                                  page of this document. Comments may
                                                      acre per year. Contact: BPPD.                             • Commercial overnight mail (other                  be filed using the Commission’s
                                                         7. PP 4F8313. (EPA–HQ–OPP–2014–                      than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail                 Electronic Comment Filing System
                                                      0896). Technology Sciences Group, Inc.,                 and Priority Mail): Federal                           (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of
                                                      712 Fifth St., Suite A, Davis, CA 95616                 Communications Commission, 9300                       Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings,
                                                      (on behalf of EctoPharma Ltd., Dunsdale                 East Hampton Dr., Capitol Heights, MD                 63 FR 24121 (1998).
                                                      Rd., Selkirk, TD7 5EB, United                           20743.                                                   • Paper Filers: Parties who choose to
                                                      Kingdom), requests to establish an                        • U.S. Postal Service (First-class,                 file by paper must file an original and
                                                      exemption from the requirement of a                     Express, and Priority): Federal                       one copy of each filing. If more than one
                                                                                                              Communications Commission, 445 12th                   docket or rulemaking number appears in
                                                      tolerance in 40 CFR part 180 for
                                                                                                              St. SW., Washington, DC 20554.                        the caption of this proceeding, filers
                                                      residues of the insecticide, 1,2-
                                                                                                                • Hand-delivered/Courier: Federal                   must submit two additional copies for
                                                      Octanediol, in or on all food
                                                                                                              Communications Commission, 445 12th                   each additional docket or rulemaking
                                                      commodities. The petitioner believes no                 St. SW., Room TW–A325, Washington,
                                                      analytical method is needed because it                                                                        number.
                                                                                                              DC 20554. The filing hours are 8:00 a.m.                 Filings can be sent by hand or
                                                      is expected that when the pesticide                     to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be              messenger delivery, by commercial
                                                      containing 1,2-Octanediol is used as                    held together with rubber bands or                    overnight courier, or by first-class or
                                                      proposed, it would not result in                        fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes                    overnight U.S. Postal Service mail. All
                                                      residues that are of toxicological                      must be disposed of before entering the               filings must be addressed to the
                                                      concern. Contact: BPPD.                                 building.                                             Commission’s Secretary, Office of the
                                                                                                                Instructions: All submissions received              Secretary, Federal Communications
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                         Authority: 21 U.S.C. 346a.
                                                                                                              must include the agency name and                      Commission.
                                                        Dated: February 18, 2015.
                                                                                                              docket number or Regulatory                              People with Disabilities: To request
                                                      Susan T. Lewis,                                         Information Number (RIN) for the                      materials in accessible formats for
                                                      Director, Registration Division, Office of              Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. All                    people with disabilities (braille, large
                                                      Pesticide Programs.                                     comments received will be posted                      print, electronic files, audio format),
                                                      [FR Doc. 2015–04281 Filed 3–3–15; 8:45 am]              without change to http://fcc.gov/ecfs//,              send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call
                                                      BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                  including any personal information                    the Consumer & Governmental Affairs
                                                                                                              provided. For detailed instructions on                Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 202–
                                                                                                              submitting comments and additional                    418–0432 (tty).


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                          11615

                                                      I. Order—Remote Pickup (RPU) Center                     Commission’s rules is to request an odd               recognize this limitation by establishing
                                                      Frequencies                                             number of RPU segments (i.e., request                 permissible frequency tolerances for
                                                                                                              an extra segment). Furthermore, while                 RPU equipment. In the VHF RPU Band,
                                                      A. Background
                                                                                                              digital equipment can tune to the                     the tightest applicable frequency
                                                         1. RPU stations may be authorized to                 nearest Hertz, many, if not most, analog              stability requirement is one part per
                                                      operate within the 25.67–26.48 MHz                      radios now in use cannot program                      million, which translates into an
                                                      band (HF RPU Band), the 152.855–154                     frequencies with that degree of                       acceptable deviation of approximately
                                                      MHz, 157.45–161.575 MHz, 161.625–                       accuracy.                                             150 Hertz on those frequencies. For the
                                                      161.775 MHz bands (collectively, VHF                                                                          UHF RPU Band, the tightest applicable
                                                      RPU Band), and the 450–451 MHz and                      B. Discussion
                                                                                                                                                                    frequency stability requirement is .5
                                                      455–456 MHz bands (collectively, UHF                       3. As described above, EIBASS and                  parts per million, which translates into
                                                      RPU Band). These frequencies are also                   SBE identify two issues relating to the               an acceptable deviation of
                                                      either available for assignment in the                  designation of center frequencies for                 approximately 225 Hertz on those
                                                      part 90 Private Land Mobile Radio                       RPU stations: (1) The fact that when an               frequencies. We note that the channel
                                                      Service (PLMRS) or are near frequencies                 applicant combines an even number of                  centers listed in the rules specify some
                                                      available for PLMRS use. When the                       channels, the center frequency for the                frequencies in the UHF RPU Band to the
                                                      Commission established the current                      combined channels will fall in between                nearest 10 Hertz, and neither EIBASS
                                                      RPU service rules in 2002, its goal was                 frequencies listed in the Commission’s                nor SBE has claimed that analog
                                                      to harmonize the RPU technical                          rules; and (2) the inability of analog                equipment cannot program those
                                                      standards with the part 90 rules so that                equipment to specify the center                       frequencies. So long as licensees comply
                                                      broadcasters could use radios developed                 frequency with the level of precision set             with the applicable emission masks as
                                                      for part 90 PLMRS use for RPU use,                      forth in the Commission’s rules. With                 measured from the center frequency
                                                      particularly for dispatch and operational               the clarification and guidance provided               specified in the authorization, and the
                                                      traffic. At the same time, the                          below, we conclude that no rule                       licensee programs the center frequency
                                                      Commission recognized that part 90                      changes are necessary to address either               as closely to the specified center
                                                      narrowband radios may not be suitable                   of these issues.                                      frequency as the equipment will allow,
                                                      for transmitting audio program feeds,                      4. We find that existing § 74.402 of the
                                                                                                                                                                    we would view a licensee as being in
                                                      which require greater bandwidth to                      Commission’s rules address the first
                                                                                                                                                                    compliance with the center frequency
                                                      support high audio quality with no                      issue. In its preamble, that rule
                                                                                                                                                                    requirements of § 74.402 of the
                                                      delay. Accordingly, the Commission                      provides, ‘‘When an even number of
                                                                                                                                                                    Commission’s rules for the VHF RPU
                                                      allowed broadcasters to stack multiple                  channels are stacked in those sections
                                                                                                                                                                    Band and UHF RPU Band.
                                                      RPU channel segments to create wider                    [where] stacking is permitted, channel
                                                      channels. Under the current rules, the                  assignments may be made for the                       II. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
                                                      VHF RPU and UHF RPU Bands are                           frequency halfway between those
                                                                                                                                                                    A. RPU Digital Emissions and
                                                      divided into segments with designated                   listed.’’ Thus, to use EIBASS’ example,
                                                                                                                                                                    Modulation Requirements
                                                      channel centers, but broadcasters may                   a broadcaster wishing to combine the
                                                      combine multiple segments to form                       6.25 kilohertz segments centered                         6. SBE and EIBASS point out another
                                                      wider RPU channels so long as they                      455.48750 MHz, 455.49375 MHz,                         obstacle to using PLMRS equipment for
                                                      comply with the applicable bandwidth                    455.50000 MHz, and 455.50625 MHz                      RPU purposes, specifically the lack of
                                                      and emission requirements.                              into a 25 kilohertz RPU channel could                 authorization in the rules for use of
                                                      Broadcasters using RPU stations to                      specify 455.496875 MHz as the center                  specific digital technologies. SBE and
                                                      transmit program material have primary                  frequency of the combined segments                    EIBASS identify Time Division Multiple
                                                      use of the wider channels.                              because it is halfway between 455.49375               Access (TDMA), Next Generation Digital
                                                         2. The Engineers for the Integrity of                MHz and 455.5 MHz. Consistent with                    Network (NXDN), ANSI/TIA–102A
                                                      Broadcast Auxiliary Services Spectrum                   § 74.402, the current process of the                  (Project 25), Trans-European Trunked
                                                      (EIBASS) and the Society for Broadcast                  Wireless Telecommunications Bureau                    Radio (TETRA), Digital Private Mobile
                                                      Engineers (SBE) have separately                         has been to require applicants to stack               Radio (dPMR), and Digital Mobile Radio
                                                      identified two obstacles that they argue                the minimum number of segments                        (DMR) as digital technologies used in
                                                      have prevented broadcasters from using                  necessary to accommodate the                          PLMRS radios that could be suitable for
                                                      PLMRS equipment for RPU use in the                      applicant’s bandwidth needs.                          RPU use. Section 74.462 of the
                                                      VHF RPU and UHF RPU Bands. The                          Applications that stack an odd number                 Commission’s rules ‘‘requires that the
                                                      first obstacle concerns a mismatch                      of segments must specify a center                     ‘equipment shall be operated in
                                                      between PLMRS equipment and the                         frequency consistent with the center of               accordance with emissions
                                                      channel centers for RPU stations                        the segments listed in § 74.402, and                  specifications included in the grant of
                                                      specified in the Commission’s rules. For                applications that stack an even number                the certification and as prescribed in
                                                      analog equipment, the 25 kilohertz                      of segments must specify a center                     . . . this section’’ and lists the
                                                      channel centers listed for RPU stations                 frequency that falls in between the                   authorized emissions for RPU stations.
                                                      in the Commission’s rules cannot be                     channel centers listed in § 74.402. The               The only emissions currently authorized
                                                      programmed into analog part 90 PLMRS                    Wireless Telecommunications Bureau                    by the rule, however, are all analog
                                                      equipment used by broadcasters. If a                    will continue to process applications                 emissions. No digital emissions are
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                      broadcaster attempted to combine four                   specifying an even number of segments                 included in the list of authorized
                                                      6.25 kilohertz segments to form a 25                    consistent with this interpretation of                emissions.
                                                      kilohertz RPU channel, the center                       § 74.402.                                                7. We propose to change our rules to
                                                      frequency of the resultant channel                         5. With respect to the inability of                allow broadcasters to use modern digital
                                                      would be offset from the RPU channel                    analog equipment to precisely specify                 technologies such as TDMA and NXDN
                                                      centers specified in the Commission’s                   frequencies to six decimal places, no                 for RPU operations. We believe it would
                                                      rules. Under this scenario, the only way                transmitter can operate on a specific                 be in the public interest to give
                                                      to create an RPU channel with a center                  frequency with absolute precision. The                broadcasters the opportunity to use the
                                                      frequency that is specified in the                      Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) rules               same digital technologies for RPU


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                                                      11616                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      stations as those used by part 90 PLMRS                 cover all forms of commercially                       Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
                                                      licensees. The Commission’s intent in                   available digital land mobile radios,                 has received only one application
                                                      2002 was to harmonize the RPU                           using language that is broad enough to                requesting authorization for a 100
                                                      technical standards with the part 90                    cover new forms of digital signals as                 kilohertz bandwidth RPU channel.
                                                      rules so that broadcasters could use                    they are developed. Although EIBASS                   Accordingly, there appears to be little
                                                      radios developed for part 90 PLMRS                      specifically recommends that we adopt                 need for licenses with 100 kilohertz
                                                      use, particularly for dispatch and                      a method of identifying stations that                 channels. If we eliminate the ability to
                                                      operational traffic. By allowing                        uses a watermark ID, such as the                      create these channels, applicants would
                                                      broadcasters to use the same digital                    protocol adopted in the Advanced                      still be able to apply via a waiver of the
                                                      technologies for RPU stations as those                  Television Systems Committee (ATSC)                   rules to use 100 kilohertz channels. We
                                                      used by PLMRS licensees, we would                       A/82 Data Return Link (DRL) standard,                 emphasize that we are not proposing to
                                                      further that goal and allow broadcasters                it stresses that is more important that we            change the rights of existing licensees
                                                      to use equipment and technologies                       adopt the same protocol for both RPU                  with 100 kilohertz bandwidth RPU
                                                      developed for PLMRS. We seek                            BAS and PLMRS stations. In 2010, the                  channels. Instead, we propose to
                                                      comment on the costs and benefits and                   Commission sought comment on                          grandfather existing licensees with 100
                                                      advantages or disadvantages of allowing                 amending the PLMRS rules to allow                     kilohertz RPU channel authorizations.
                                                      broadcasters to use the digital                         station identification in the 150–170                 These licensees will be permitted to
                                                      technology of their choice in the VHF                   MHz and 450–470 MHz bands in digital                  renew their authorizations indefinitely
                                                      and UHF RPU Bands.                                      format. The proposed rule language in                 and will be allowed to make
                                                         8. SBE and EIBASS each propose that                  that proceeding would allow PLMRS                     modifications to their existing
                                                      we amend § 74.462 of the Commission’s                   stations to digitally transmit their call             authorization without affecting their
                                                      rules to permit RPU stations to use any                 signs, subject to the requirement that the            grandfathered status. We seek comment
                                                      digital emissions that meets the                        licensees provide the Commission with                 on these proposals, as well as their
                                                      applicable emissions mask and                           the means to decode the digital                       associated costs and benefits.
                                                      bandwidth limitations. We seek                          transmission. Adopting the same station
                                                      comment on amending § 74.462 in that                                                                          III. Waiver Request
                                                                                                              identification rules for both RPU BAS
                                                      fashion. We note that while SBE and                     and PLMRS stations, EIBASS argues,                       13. SBE also seeks a temporary waiver
                                                      EIBASS focus on the VHF and UHF RPU                     would enable RPU broadcasters to                      of § 74.462 of the Commission’s rules to
                                                      Bands, the proposed rule change would                   purchase COTS two-way radios whose                    permit broadcasters to use FCC-certified
                                                      also allow digital emissions in the HF                  transmissions could be universally                    narrowband VHF and UHF RPU
                                                      RPU Band. We seek comment on                            decoded to identify interfering                       equipment, such as TDMA technology
                                                      whether it is appropriate to also allow                 transmitters. Should we adopt the                     or NXDN technology, in the VHF and
                                                      digital emissions in the HF RPU Band.                   requirements proposed by the                          UHF RPU Bands while the rulemaking
                                                      We also seek comment on alternative                     Commission in 2010 for PLMRS                          is pending. The Commission’s rules
                                                      means of amending our rules to reach                    stations, or should the Commission                    provide that waivers will be granted if
                                                      the same result requested by EIBASS                     adopt a specific standard, such as the A/             the petitioner shows that: (i) The
                                                      and SBE. Further, we seek comment on                    82 DRL standard? Commenters should                    underlying purpose of the rules(s)
                                                      amending § 74.462 to specify a                          provide information on the costs and                  would not be served or would be
                                                      maximum authorized bandwidth of 50                      benefits and advantages or                            frustrated by application to the instant
                                                      kilohertz in the 450.03125–450.61875                    disadvantages of the different                        case, and that a grant of the requested
                                                      MHz and 455.03125 455.061875 MHz                        approaches.                                           waiver would be in the public interest;
                                                      bands, as opposed to the maximum                                                                              or (ii) in view of the unique or unusual
                                                      authorized bandwidth of 25 kilohertz                    C. 100 Kilohertz RPU Channels                         factual circumstances of the instant
                                                      currently in the rule. This change would                   11. SBE also raises a different but                case, application of the rule(s) would be
                                                      make § 74.462 consistent with                           related issue with regard to § 74.402 of              inequitable, unduly burdensome or
                                                      § 74.402(b) of the Commission’s rules,                  the Commission’s rules. Specifically,                 contrary to the public interest, or the
                                                      which allows up to eight 6.25 kilohertz                 SBE believes there is no current need for             applicant has no reasonable alternative.
                                                      segments to be stacked for a total RPU                  new RPU stations with a 100 kilohertz                    14. We decline to grant a blanket
                                                      channel bandwidth of 50 kilohertz. We                   bandwidth. It therefore proposes that no              waiver of § 74.462 to permit use of
                                                      seek comment on the costs and benefits                  new RPU stations proposing a 100                      digital emissions in the VHF and UHF
                                                      and advantages or disadvantages of the                  kilohertz bandwidth be authorized                     RPU Bands while this rulemaking is
                                                      various proposed approaches.                            absent a showing of need in individual                pending. While we agree with SBE that
                                                         9. We also seek comment on EIBASS’s                  cases. SBE believes that existing 100                 it appears to be in the public interest to
                                                      request that we amend § 74.463 of the                   kilohertz RPU stations should be                      empower RPU broadcasters to use
                                                      Commission’s rules to explicitly add the                grandfathered.                                        digital technologies, the instant
                                                      phrase ‘‘digital modulation’’. We seek                     12. Consistent with SBE’s request, we              rulemaking is designed to provide an
                                                      comment on the proposed rule language                   propose to modify § 74.402 to eliminate               opportunity for meaningful comment on
                                                      and its attendant costs and benefits, and               a licensee’s ability to create 100                    this assessment and on important
                                                      on any alternatives and their associated                kilohertz RPU channels in the future.                 details about the implementation of
                                                      costs and benefits.                                     Given the relatively small amount of                  such digital operations. For example, it
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS




                                                                                                              spectrum available for RPU operations,                is not clear based on the current record
                                                      B. Station Identification Requirements                  and that the 100 kilohertz channels                   how broadcasters using digital
                                                        10. In addition, we seek comment on                   overlap the narrower channels, a license              equipment will comply with the station
                                                      what changes to our station                             specifying 100 kilohertz bandwidth can                identification requirement. If we were to
                                                      identification requirements are needed                  make it difficult for other broadcasters              grant a general waiver, broadcasters
                                                      to accommodate digital RPU operations.                  to obtain spectrum for narrowband RPU                 might use any type of digital RPU
                                                      EIBASS recommends that we amend the                     operations, which are much more                       equipment, some or all of which might
                                                      station identification requirements in                  prevalent than 100 kilohertz operations.              be incompatible with the requirements
                                                      § 74.482 of the Commission’s rules to                   We note that in the past four years, the              that the Commission ultimately adopts.


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                           11617

                                                      Therefore, until the Commission has                     electronic comment filing system                      F. Description and Estimate of the
                                                      established rules for implementation of                 available for that proceeding, and must               Number of Small Entities To Which the
                                                      digital technologies in the VHF and                     be filed in their native format (e.g., .doc,          Proposed Rules Will Apply
                                                      UHF, and perhaps HF RPU Bands, we                       .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants               20. The RFA directs agencies to
                                                      do not find it to be in the public interest             in this proceeding should familiarize                 provide a description of, and, where
                                                      to grant broadcasters a general waiver to               themselves with the Commission’s ex                   feasible, an estimate of the number of
                                                      do so. Under these circumstances, we                    parte rules.                                          small entities that may be affected by
                                                      believe the better course of action is to                                                                     the proposed rules and policies, if
                                                      proceed through the rulemaking process                  B. Paperwork Reduction Analysis
                                                                                                                16. This document does not contain                  adopted. The RFA generally defines the
                                                      and establish rules that all broadcasters                                                                     term ‘‘small entity’’ as having the same
                                                      can rely on going forward. Our denial of                proposed information collection(s)
                                                                                                              subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act                meaning as the terms ‘‘small business,’’
                                                      SBE’s request for a general waiver does                                                                       ‘‘small organization,’’ and ‘‘small
                                                      not preclude a broadcaster from                         of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104–13. In
                                                                                                              addition, therefore, it does not contain              governmental jurisdiction.’’ In addition,
                                                      invoking the Commission’s waiver rules                                                                        the term ‘‘small business’’ has the same
                                                      in a specific case in order to request                  any new or modified ‘‘information
                                                                                                              collection burden for small business                  meaning as the term ‘‘small business
                                                      appropriate individualized relief. Such                                                                       concern’’ under the Small Business Act.
                                                      cases will be considered on an ad hoc                   concerns with fewer than 25
                                                                                                              employees,’’ pursuant to the Small                    A ‘‘small business concern’’ is one
                                                      basis.                                                                                                        which: (1) Is independently owned and
                                                                                                              Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002,
                                                      IV. Procedural Matters                                  Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C.                     operated; (2) is not dominant in its field
                                                                                                              3506(c)(4).                                           of operation; and (3) satisfies any
                                                      A. Ex Parte Rules—Permit-but-Disclose
                                                                                                                                                                    additional criteria established by the
                                                      Proceeding                                              C. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis            SBA.
                                                         15. Pursuant to § 1.1200(a) of the                      17. As required by the Regulatory                     21. The proposals in the NPRM would
                                                      Commission’s rules, the Notice of                       Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended                   affect BAS RPU licensees. Only
                                                      Proposed Rulemaking and Order shall                     (RFA), the Commission has prepared                    licensees of broadcast stations,
                                                      be treated as a ‘‘permit-but-disclose’’                 this present Initial Regulatory                       broadcast networks, and cable networks
                                                      proceeding in accordance with the                       Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) of the                    can hold RPU licenses. Additionally,
                                                      Commission’s ex parte rules. Persons                    possible significant economic impact on               the proposals affect manufacturers of
                                                      making ex parte presentations must file                 a substantial number of small entities by             equipment that supports the BAS
                                                      a copy of any written presentation or a                 the policies and rules proposed in this               Remote Pickup Service. BAS involves a
                                                      memorandum summarizing any oral                         Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).                 variety of transmitters, generally used to
                                                      presentation within two business days                   Written public comments are requested                 relay broadcast programming to the
                                                      after the presentation (unless a different              on this IRFA. Comments must be                        public (through translator and booster
                                                      deadline applicable to the Sunshine                     identified as responses to the IRFA and               stations) or within the program
                                                      period applies). Persons making oral ex                 must be filed by the deadlines specified              distribution chain (from a remote news
                                                      parte presentations are reminded that                   in the NPRM for comments. The                         gathering unit to the studio or from the
                                                      memoranda summarizing the                               Commission will send a copy of this                   studio to the transmitter). The
                                                      presentation must (1) list all persons                  NPRM, including this IRFA, to the Chief               Commission has not developed a
                                                      attending or otherwise participating in                 Counsel for Advocacy of the Small                     definition of small entities applicable to
                                                      the meeting at which the ex parte                       Business Administration (SBA). In                     these licensees. Therefore, the
                                                      presentation was made, and (2)                          addition, the NPRM and IRFA (or                       applicable definitions of small entities
                                                      summarize all data presented and                        summaries thereof) will be published in               for each of these services under the SBA
                                                      arguments made during the                               the Federal Register.                                 rules is as follows: for Remote pickup
                                                      presentation. If the presentation                                                                             BAS we will use SIC code 4833 when
                                                      consisted in whole or in part of the                    D. Need for, and Objectives of, the                   used by a TV station or 4832 when used
                                                      presentation of data or arguments                       Proposed Rules                                        by a radio station and for BAS
                                                      already reflected in the presenter’s                      18. In the NPRM, we propose to                      equipment manufacturers, we will use
                                                      written comments, memoranda or other                    amend our rules to allow broadcasters to              SIC code 3663 (Radio and Television
                                                      filings in the proceeding, the presenter                use any type of digital equipment. In                 Broadcasting and Communications
                                                      may provide citations to such data or                   addition, permitting digital emissions in             Equipment) which are classified as
                                                      arguments in his or her prior comments,                 the RPU bands may also require us to                  small businesses if they employ no more
                                                      memoranda, or other filings (specifying                 amend §§ 74.402, 74.462, and 74.482 of                than 750 people.
                                                      the relevant page and/or paragraph                      the Commission’s rules. These changes
                                                      numbers where such data or arguments                                                                          G. Radio Broadcasting
                                                                                                              are supported by the commenters and
                                                      can be found) in lieu of summarizing                    will give RPU licensees the flexibility to              22. The subject rules and policies
                                                      them in the memorandum. Documents                       choose from a wide variety of ‘‘off-the-              potentially will apply to all AM and FM
                                                      shown or given to Commission staff                      shelf’’ digital equipment, which will, in             radio broadcasting licensees and
                                                      during ex parte meetings are deemed to                  turn, encourage RPU licensees to                      potential licensees. A radio broadcasting
                                                      be written ex parte presentations and                   convert to digital systems and increase               station is an establishment primarily
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                                                      must be filed consistent with rule                      spectrum efficiency.                                  engaged in broadcasting aural programs
                                                      § 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by                                                                       by radio to the public. Included in this
                                                      rule § 1.49(f) or for which the                         E. Legal Basis                                        industry are commercial, religious,
                                                      Commission has made available a                           19. The proposed action is authorized               educational, and other radio stations.
                                                      method of electronic filing, written ex                 pursuant to sections 4 and 303 of the                 Radio broadcasting stations, which
                                                      parte presentations and memoranda                       Communications Act of 1934, as                        primarily are engaged in radio
                                                      summarizing oral ex parte                               amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, and                      broadcasting, and produce radio
                                                      presentations, and all attachments                      § 1.411 of the Commission’s rules, 47                 program materials are similarly
                                                      thereto, must be filed through the                      CFR 1.411.                                            included. However, radio stations that


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                                                      11618                  Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules

                                                      are separate establishments and are                     apply does not exclude any television                 K. Federal Rules That May Duplicate,
                                                      primarily engaged in producing radio                    station from the definition of a small                Overlap, or Conflict With the Proposed
                                                      program material are classified under                   business on this basis and is therefore               Rules
                                                      another NAICS number. The SBA has                       possibly over-inclusive to that extent.                   31. None.
                                                      established a small business size                          25. In addition, the Commission has
                                                      standard for this category, which is:                   estimated the number of licensed                      V. Ordering Clauses
                                                      firms having $7 million or less in                      noncommercial educational (‘‘NCE’’)                     32. Accordingly, it is ordered,
                                                      annual receipts. According to                           television stations to be 396. These                  pursuant to sections 4 and 303 of the
                                                      Commission staff review of the BIA                      stations are non-profit, and therefore                Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C.
                                                      Publications, Inc. Master Access Radio                  considered to be small entities.                      154, 303, and § 1.411 of the
                                                      Analyzer Database as of August 2, 2013,                    26. There are also 2,414 LPTV                      Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.411, that
                                                      about 10,811 (97 percent) of 11,162                     stations, including Class A stations, and             the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is
                                                      commercial radio station have revenues                  4,046 TV translator stations. Given the               hereby adopted.
                                                      of $7 million or less and thus qualify as               nature of these services, we will
                                                      small entities under the SBA definition.                                                                        33. It is further ordered, pursuant to
                                                                                                              presume that all of these entities qualify            sections 4 and 303 of the
                                                      Therefore, the majority of such entities                as small entities under the above SBA
                                                      are small entities. We note, however,                                                                         Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C.
                                                                                                              small business size standard.                         154, 303, and § 1.407 of the
                                                      that many radio stations are affiliated
                                                      with much larger corporations having                    I. Description of Projected Reporting,                Commission’s rules, 47 CFR 1.407, that
                                                      much higher revenue. Our estimate,                      Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance                   the petitions for rulemaking filed by the
                                                      therefore, likely overstates the number                 Requirements                                          Engineers for the Integrity of Broadcast
                                                      of small entities that might be affected                                                                      Auxiliary Services on October 7, 2011
                                                                                                                27. The NPRM proposes no new                        and by Society of Broadcast Engineers,
                                                      by any ultimate changes to the rules and                reporting or recordkeeping
                                                      forms.                                                                                                        Incorporated on November 7, 2011 are
                                                                                                              requirements.                                         granted to the extent indicated herein
                                                      H. Television Broadcasting                              J. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant                and are otherwise denied.
                                                         23. This economic census category                    Economic Impact on Small Entities, and                  34. For the reasons stated above, it is
                                                      ‘‘comprises establishments primarily                    Significant Alternatives Considered                   further ordered, pursuant to section 4(i)
                                                      engaged in broadcasting images together                                                                       of the Communications Act of 1934, as
                                                                                                                 28. The RFA requires an agency to                  amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), and
                                                      with sound. These establishments
                                                                                                              describe any significant alternatives that            § 1.925(b)(3) of the Commission’s rules,
                                                      operate television broadcasting studios
                                                      and facilities for the programming and                  it has considered in reaching its                     47 CFR 1.925(b)(3), that the waiver
                                                      transmission of programs to the public.’’               proposed approach, which may include                  request filed by the Society for
                                                      The SBA has created the following                       the following four alternatives (among                Broadcast Engineers on November 7,
                                                      small business size standard for                        others): (1) The establishment of                     2011 is denied.
                                                      Television Broadcasting firms: those                    differing compliance or reporting
                                                                                                                                                                      35. It is further ordered that the
                                                      having $14 million or less in annual                    requirements or timetables that take into
                                                                                                                                                                    Commission’s Consumer and
                                                      receipts. The Commission has estimated                  account the resources available to small
                                                                                                                                                                    Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference
                                                      the number of licensed commercial                       entities; (2) the clarification,
                                                                                                                                                                    Information Center, shall send a copy of
                                                      television stations to be 1,388. In                     consolidation, or simplification of
                                                                                                                                                                    the NPRM, including the IRFA, to the
                                                      addition, according to Commission staff                 compliance or reporting requirements
                                                                                                                                                                    Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
                                                      review of the BIA Advisory Services,                    under the rule for small entities; (3) the
                                                                                                                                                                    Business Administration.
                                                      LLC’s Media Access Pro Television                       use of performance, rather than design,
                                                      Database on March 28, 2012, about 950                   standards; and (4) an exemption from                  List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 74
                                                      of an estimated 1,300 commercial                        coverage of the rule, or any part thereof,                Communications equipment.
                                                      television stations (or approximately 73                for small entities.
                                                                                                                 29. The actions proposed in the                    Federal Communications Commission.
                                                      percent) had revenues of $14 million or
                                                                                                              NPRM would give RPU licensees the                     Sheryl D. Todd,
                                                      less. We therefore estimate that the
                                                      majority of commercial television                       flexibility to use off-the-shelf digital              Deputy Secretary.
                                                      broadcasters are small entities.                        equipment, thus reducing their costs.                   For the reasons discussed in the
                                                         24. We note, however, that in                        This action will serve the public interest            preamble, the Federal Communications
                                                      assessing whether a business concern                    by enabling RPU licensees to use                      Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR
                                                      qualifies as small under the above                      spectrum more efficiently. The rules                  part 74 as follows:
                                                      definition, business (control) affiliations             will therefore open up beneficial
                                                      must be included. Our estimate,                         economic opportunities to a variety of                PART 74—EXPERIMENTAL RADIO,
                                                      therefore, likely overstates the number                 spectrum users, including small                       AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST
                                                      of small entities that might be affected                businesses. Because the actions                       AND OTHER PROGRAM
                                                      by our action because the revenue figure                proposed in the NPRM will improve                     DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
                                                      on which it is based does not include or                beneficial economic opportunities for
                                                      aggregate revenues from affiliated                      all businesses, including small                       ■ 1. The authority citation for part 74
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                                                      companies. In addition, an element of                   businesses, a detailed discussion of                  continues to read as follows:
                                                      the definition of ‘‘small business’’ is that            alternatives is not required.                           Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 307,
                                                      the entity not be dominant in its field                    30. Generally, the alternative                     309, 336 and 554.
                                                      of operation. We are unable at this time                approach would be to maintain the                     ■ 2. Amend § 74.402 by revising the
                                                      to define or quantify the criteria that                 existing rules. Under that approach,                  introductory text in paragraph (d) to
                                                      would establish whether a specific                      however, Remote Pickup Service                        read as follows:
                                                      television station is dominant in its field             licensees would not have the
                                                      of operation. Accordingly, the estimate                 opportunity to use digital off-the-shelf              § 74.402     Frequency assignment.
                                                      of small businesses to which rules may                  equipment.                                            *        *    *     *    *


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                                                                                     Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 42 / Wednesday, March 4, 2015 / Proposed Rules                                                                                11619

                                                        (d) Up to two of the following 50                                       100 kilohertz bandwidth will not be                                        accordance with emission specifications
                                                      kilohertz segments may be stacked to                                      issued.                                                                    included in the grant of certification and
                                                      form a channel which may be assigned                                      *     *    *     *     *                                                   as prescribed in paragraphs (b), (c), and
                                                      for use by broadcast remote pickup                                        ■ 3. Amend § 74.462 by revising                                            (d) of this section. Any form of
                                                      stations using any emission contained                                     paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:                                 modulation may be used.
                                                      within the resultant channel in                                                                                                                         (b) The maximum authorized
                                                                                                                                § 74.462 Authorized Bandwidth and
                                                      accordance with the provisions of                                         Emissions.                                                                 bandwidth of emissions corresponding
                                                      § 74.462. Users committed to 100                                            (a) Each authorization for a new                                         to the types of emissions specified
                                                      kilohertz bandwidths and transmitting                                     remote pickup broadcast station or                                         below, and the maximum authorized
                                                      program material will have primary use                                    system shall require the use of                                            frequency deviation in the case of
                                                      of these channels. After [insert effective                                certificated equipment and such                                            frequency or phase modulated emission,
                                                      date of rule], initial authorizations with                                equipment shall be operated in                                             shall be as follows:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Maximum              Maximum
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        authorized           frequency
                                                                                                                           Frequencies                                                                                  bandwidth             deviation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        (kilohertz)         (kilohertz) 1

                                                      MHz:
                                                      25.87 to 26.03 ..............................................................................................................................................                 40                    10
                                                      26.07 to 26.47 ..............................................................................................................................................                 20                     5
                                                      152.8625 to 153.3575 2 ...............................................................................................................................                     30/60                  5/10
                                                      160.860 to 161.400 ......................................................................................................................................                     60                    10
                                                      161.625 to 161.775 ......................................................................................................................................                     30                     5
                                                      166.25 and 170.15 3 ....................................................................................................................................                    12.5                   2.5
                                                      450.00625 to 450.99375 ..............................................................................................................................                         25                     5
                                                      455.00625 to 455.99375 ..............................................................................................................................                         25                     5
                                                      450.03125 to 450.61875 ..............................................................................................................................                         50
                                                      455.03125 to 455.61875 ..............................................................................................................................                         50                      5
                                                      450.6375 to 450.8625.
                                                      455.6375 to 455.8625 ..................................................................................................................................                          50                   10
                                                      450.900, 450.950.
                                                      455.900, 455.950 4 .......................................................................................................................................                      100                   35
                                                          1 Applies where F1A, F1B, F1D, F1E, F2A, F2B, F2D, F2E, F3E, or F9E emissions are used.
                                                          2 New  or modified licenses for use of the frequencies will not be granted to utilize transmitters on board aircraft, or to use a bandwidth in ex-
                                                      cess of 30 kilohertz and maximum deviation exceeding 5 kilohertz.
                                                         3 For stations licensed or applied for before April 16, 2003, the sum of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on frequencies 166.25 MHz or
                                                      170.15 MHz shall not exceed 25 kilohertz, and such operation may continue until January 1, 2005. For new stations licensed or applied for on or
                                                      after April 16, 2003, the sum of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on these frequencies shall not exceed 12.5 kilohertz. For all remote
                                                      pickup broadcast stations, the sum of the bandwidth of emission and tolerance on these frequencies shall not exceed 12.5 kilohertz on or after
                                                      January 1, 2005.
                                                         4 After [insert effective date of rule], new authorizations with 100 kilohertz bandwidth will not be issued.




                                                      *     *    *     *     *                                                  decode the digital transmission and                                        on its proposal to amend the General
                                                      ■ 4. Amend § 74.463 by revising                                           ascertain the call sign transmitted.                                       Services Administration Acquisition
                                                      paragraph (c) to read as follows:                                         *     *     *     *     *                                                  Regulation (GSAR) to include clauses
                                                                                                                                [FR Doc. 2015–04155 Filed 3–3–15; 8:45 am]                                 that would require vendors to report
                                                      § 74.463        Modulation Requirements.                                  BILLING CODE 6712–01–P                                                     transactional data from orders and
                                                      *     *      *    *    *                                                                                                                             prices paid by ordering activities. This
                                                                                                                                                                                                           includes orders placed against both
                                                        (c) If frequency modulation or digital                                                                                                             Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract
                                                      modulation is employed, the emission                                      GENERAL SERVICES
                                                                                                                                ADMINISTRATION                                                             vehicles and GSA’s non-FSS contract
                                                      shall conform to the requirements                                                                                                                    vehicles—Governmentwide Acquisition
                                                      specified in § 74.462.                                                    48 CFR Parts 501, 516, 538 and 552                                         Contracts (GWACs) and
                                                      *     *      *    *    *                                                                                                                             Governmentwide Indefinite-Delivery,
                                                                                                                                [GSAR Case 2013–G504; Docket 2014–0020;
                                                      ■ 5. Amend § 74.482 by adding a new
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Indefinite-Quality (IDIQ) contracts. For
                                                                                                                                Sequence 1]
                                                      paragraph (f) to read as follows:                                                                                                                    FSS vehicles, the clause would be
                                                                                                                                RIN 3090–AJ51                                                              introduced in phases, beginning with a
                                                      § 74.482        Station Identification.                                                                                                              pilot for select products and
                                                                                                                                General Services Administration                                            commoditized services. The new clause
                                                      *      *     *     *     *                                                Acquisition Regulation (GSAR);                                             will be paired with changes to the basis
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                                                         (f) Stations that normally employ                                      Transactional Data Reporting                                               of award monitoring requirement of the
                                                      digital signals for the transmission of                                                                                                              existing price reductions clause,
                                                      data, text, control codes, or digitized                                   AGENCY:  Office of Acquisition Policy,
                                                                                                                                General Services Administration.                                           resulting in a burden reduction for
                                                      voice, may also be identified by digital                                                                                                             participating FSS contractors. This
                                                      transmission of the call sign. A licensee                                 ACTION: Notice of a public meeting and
                                                                                                                                                                                                           rulemaking does not apply to the
                                                      that identifies its call sign in this                                     request for comments on proposed rule.                                     Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
                                                      manner must provide the Commission,                                       SUMMARY: The General Services                                              FSS contract holders.
                                                      upon request, information sufficient to                                   Administration (GSA) announces a                                              GSA is interested in conducting a
                                                                                                                                public meeting and request for comment                                     dialogue with industry and interested


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Document Created: 2018-02-21 09:31:39
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 09:31:39
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule.
DatesSubmit comments on or before April 3, 2015. Submit reply comments on or before April 20, 2015.
ContactFor further information, please contact Nancy Zaczek of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Broadband Division, at (202) 418-0274 or email to [email protected]
FR Citation80 FR 11614 

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