The extended Nov. 14 deadline for applications for low-power FM (LPFM) radio stations gives organizations a chance to claim a small part of the airwaves. The deadline for filing Form 318 applications for new LPFM stations was extended from Oct. 29, 2013, until 6 p.m. EST Nov. 14 in response to delays and difficulties that may have been caused by last month’s federal government shutdown.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the LPFM radio service in 2000 for noncommercial and educational programming. With 10 to 100 watts of power, such stations can broadcast over a radius of about 3.5 miles. Licensing opportunities open up only every few years and competition tends to be stiff. There are seven such stations in the Upstate, including WMXP-LP/95.5 FM Greenville, according to LPFMDatabase.com.
Possible auctions next year of spectrum at lower levels have been a point of concern for businesses and nonprofits that rely on wireless microphones. The Wireless Microphone Users Interference Protection Act was introduced in Congress in August. The bill aims to “expand eligibility for specified licenses authorizing the operation of low-power auxiliary stations to the owners of, and operators of, events and performances” at places including arenas, convention centers, outdoor venues, houses of worship, museums and lodging facilities.
The bill would also establish two “safe haven” channels exclusively for wireless microphone operation in the 470 to 698 MHz range. It would also give microphone operators access to the TV bands databases so that they might protect their operations from interference.
Groups from varying interests have been lobbying in favor of the bill, fearing increased costs that could significantly impact their ability to do business.
