[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 7, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41006-41019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20082]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 1, 2, 15, 24 and 97

[ET Docket No. 93-62; FCC 96-326]


Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of 
Radiofrequency Radiation

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Report and Order (``R&O'') amends the Commission's Rules 
to adopt new guidelines and methods for evaluating the environmental 
effects of radiofrequency (RF) radiation from FCC-regulated 
transmitters, in accordance with The National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969. NEPA requires agencies of the Federal Government to 
evaluate the effects of their actions on the quality of the human 
environment. To meet the Commission's responsibilities under NEPA, the 
Commission has adopted revised RF exposure guidelines for purposes of 
evaluating potential environmental effects of RF radiation. The new 
guidelines reflect more recent scientific studies of the biological 
effects of RF radiation. Use of the new guidelines will ensure that the 
public and workers receive adequate protection from exposure to 
potentially harmful RF field.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 6, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FCC RF Safety Program, (202) 418-2422, 
Office of Engineering and Technology.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report 
and Order in ET Docket No. 93-62, FCC 96-326, adopted August 1, 1996 
and released August 1, 1996. The complete text of this Report and Order 
is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in 
the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, 
D.C., and also may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, 
International Transcription Services, Inc., (202) 857-3800, 2100 M 
Street, NW, Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037.

Summary of the Report and Order

    1. By this action, we are amending the Commission's Rules to adopt 
new guidelines and methods for evaluating the environmental effects of 
radiofrequency (RF) radiation from FCC-regulated transmitters. We are 
adopting Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits for electric and 
magnetic field strength and power density for transmitters operating at 
frequencies from 300 kHz to 100 GHz. Specifically, we are adopting 
limits for field strength and power density that are generally based on 
Sections 17.4.1 and 17.4.2 and the time-averaging provisions 
recommended in Sections 17.4.1.1 and 17.4.3 of ``Biological Effects and 
Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields,'' NCRP 
Report No. 86 (1986), National Council on Radiation Protection and 
Measurements (NCRP). With the exception of the limits on exposure to 
power density above

[[Page 41007]]

1500 MHz and the limits for exposure to lower frequency magnetic 
fields, these MPE limits are also generally based on the guidelines 
contained in the RF safety standard developed by the Institute of 
Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) and adopted by the 
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). See Section 4.1 of ANSI/
IEEE C95.1-1992, ``Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to 
Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz''. We are also 
adopting limits for localized (``partial body'') absorption that will 
apply to certain portable transmitting devices. These guidelines are 
based on those recommended by ANSI/IEEE and NCRP. See Sections 4.2.1 
and 4.2.2 of ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992 and Section 17.4.5 of NCRP Report No. 
86. We believe that the guidelines we are adopting will protect the 
public and workers from exposure to potentially harmful RF fields.
    2. In reaching our decision on the adoption of new RF exposure 
guidelines we have carefully considered the large number of comments 
submitted in this proceeding, and particularly those submitted by the 
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA) and other federal health and safety agencies. The 
new guidelines we are adopting are based primarily on the 
recommendations of those agencies, and we believe that these guidelines 
represent a consensus view of the federal agencies responsible for 
matters relating to the public safety and health.
    3. The MPE limits adopted herein are based on exposure criteria 
quantified in terms of specific absorption rate (SAR), a measure of the 
rate of RF energy absorption. The basis for these limits, as well as 
the basis for the 1982 ANSI limits that the Commission previously 
specified in our rules, is an SAR limit of 4 watts per kilogram. The 
new MPE limits are derived by incorporating safety factors that lead, 
in some cases, to limits that are more conservative than the limits 
specified by ANSI in 1982. The more conservative limits do not arise 
from a fundamental change in the RF safety criteria for SAR, but from a 
precautionary desire for more rigor in the derivation of factors which 
allow limits for MPE to be derived from SAR limits.
    4. This action satisfies the requirements of the Telecommunications 
Act of 1996 for a timely resolution of this proceeding. We note that 
research and analysis relating to RF safety and health is ongoing, and 
changes in recommended exposure limits are possible in the future. In 
that regard, we intend to continue our cooperative work with industry 
and with the various agencies and organizations with responsibilities 
in this area in order to ensure that our guidelines continue to be 
appropriate and scientifically valid.
    5. Accordingly, it is ordered that Parts 1, 2, 15, 24 and 97 of the 
Commission's Rules and Regulations are amended as specified below, 
effective August 6, 1996. Section 704(b) of the Telecommunications Act 
of 1996 requires that the Commission complete action in this 
proceeding, and prescribe and make effective rules regarding the 
environmental effects of RF emissions, by no later than August 6, 1996 
(180 days after enactment)]. We find that good cause exists, pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. Sec. 553 (d)(3), to make these rules effective upon their 
release rather than follow the normal practice of making them effective 
30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Congress directed 
the Commission to make these rules effective within 180 days. Sec. 704 
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law 104-104, 110 Stat. 56 
(1996) states that ``[w]ithin 180 days after the enactment of this Act, 
the Commission shall complete action in ET Docket 93-62 to prescribe 
and make effective rules regarding the environmental effects of radio 
frequency emissions.'' Unlike other sections of that Act, see, e.g., 
Secs. 251(d)(d)(1), which directs us to ``complete'' action, and Sec. 
254(a)(2), which directs us to ``promulgate'' rules, Sec. 704 requires 
that the RF exposure guidelines be made effective within the prescribed 
180 day time period. Completion of this rule making has required an 
extensive amount of work to resolve some extremely complex issues. In 
addition, coordination with the various federal agencies pursuant to 
the Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee has consumed more time 
than anticipated. The time required to review the comments, decide on 
the best possible guidelines based on the scientific evidence and, 
comments and to coordinate that decision with the other agencies has 
made it impossible to delay the effective date for 30 days and still 
meet the Congressionally imposed deadline. Thus, we have no alternative 
but to make these rules effective immediately. The authority for 
issuance of this Report and Order is contained in Sections 4(i), 7(a), 
303(c), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), and 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act 
of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154(i), 157(a), 303(c), 303(f), 
303(g), 303(r), and 332(c)(7) , unless otherwise noted.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    As required by Section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. Sec. 603 (RFA), an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 
(IRFA) was incorporated in the Notice.1 The Commission sought 
written public comments on the proposals in the Notice, including on 
the IRFA. The Commission's Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) 
in this Report and Order conforms to the RFA, as amended by the 
Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996 (CWAAA), Pub. L. No. 104-
121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996).2
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    \1\ See Notice of Proposed Rule Making, ET Docket No. 93-62, 8 
FCC Rcd 2849 (1993), 58 FR 19393 (April 14, 1993).
    \2\ Subtitle II of the CWAAA is ``The Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996'' (SBREFA), codified at 5 U.S.C. 
Sec. 601 et seq.
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I. Need for and Purpose of this Action:

    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 requires 
agencies of the Federal Government to evaluate the effects of their 
actions on the quality of the human environment. To meet its 
responsibilities under NEPA, the Commission has adopted revised RF 
exposure guidelines for purposes of evaluating potential environmental 
effects of RF radiation from FCC-regulated facilities. The new 
guidelines reflect more recent scientific studies of the biological 
effects of RF radiation. Use of these new guidelines will ensure that 
the public and workers receive adequate protection from exposure to 
potentially harmful RF field.

II. Summary of Issues Raised by the Public Comments in Response to the 
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    No comments were filed in direct response to the IRFA. In general 
comments on the Notice, however, some commenters raised issues that 
might affect small entities. In particular, some commenters argued that 
the cost of complying with the radio frequency (RF) limits could be 
overly burdensome, and this could negatively impact small businesses. 
They express concern that the cost of testing, with respect to devices 
operating in close proximity to the body, is extremely expensive and 
obtaining testing equipment could be difficult for small businesses. 
For example, the National Association of Business and Educational 
Radio, Inc. (NABER) encourages us to categorically exclude land mobile 
transmitters, expressing concern that if categorical exclusions for 
land mobile services are eliminated, manufacturers would have to 
institute unnecessary and costly

[[Page 41008]]

testing.3 They also request that we limit the amount of paperwork 
that is necessary for demonstrating compliance with the limits. In 
particular, the Broadcast Joint Commenters suggest that additional 
paperwork should not be required to establish compliance with the new 
policies because it would be needlessly burdensome to the broadcasters 
and to the Mass Media Bureau.4 As discussed in Section V of this 
FRFA, we have attempted to address these concerns.
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    \3\ NABER Comments at 5-6.
    \4\ Broadcast Joint Commenters Reply Comments at 39-40.
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III. Description and estimate of the Small Entities Subject to the 
Rules:

    The rules in this Report and Order will apply to the following 
twelve industry categories and services. The RFA generally defines the 
term ``small business'' as having the same meaning as the term ``small 
business concern'' under the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 632. 
Based on that statutory provision, we will consider a small business 
concern 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 Small Business Administration (SBA). The 
RFA SBREFA provisions also apply to nonprofit organizations and to 
governmental organizations. Since the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
amendments were not in effect until the record in this proceeding was 
closed, the Commission was unable to request information regarding the 
number of small business within each of these services or the number of 
small business that would be affected by this action. We have, however, 
made estimates based on our knowledge about applications that have been 
submitted in the past. To the extent that a government entity may be a 
licensee or an applicant, the impact on those entities is included in 
the estimates for small businesses below.
    As discussed below, under the rules we are adopting many radio 
services are categorically excluded from having to determine compliance 
with the new RF radiation limits that are being adopted. This exclusion 
is based on a determination that there is little potential for these 
services causing exposures in excess of the limits. Within the services 
below, many transmitting facilities are also categorically excluded 
based on antenna location and power. These categorical exclusions 
significantly reduce the burden associated with these rules, and may 
reduce the impact of these rules on small businesses.
A. Radiofrequency Devices
    The radiofrequency devices affected by this rulemaking are low 
power, unlicensed transmitters that will be used to provide, on 
millimeter wave frequencies, a variety of services, including vehicle 
collision avoidance and high data rate/short range wireless data 
communications. Unlicensed personal communications service (PCS) 
transmitters are also radiofrequency devices. Radiofrequency devices 
are subject to compliance with the new RF radiation requirements at the 
time of equipment authorization. Therefore, it will be the equipment 
manufacturers and importers who will be affected by this action.
    We expect most of the firms that would be interested in producing 
millimeter wave and unlicensed PCS devices will be large businesses. We 
note that Ford Motor and Hewlett Packard have expressed interest in 
millimeter wave devices and filed comments in this proceeding. In 
addition, Motorola and Ericsson Corporate, both large equipment 
manufacturers, have expressed interest in manufacturing unlicensed PCS 
devices. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that small businesses will 
also want to manufacture these devices.
    The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to radiofrequency devices. Therefore, the applicable 
definition of small entity is the definition under the SBA applicable 
to the ``Communications Services, Not Elsewhere'' category. A small 
millimeter wave device or unlicensed PCS entity under this definition 
is one with less than $11.0 million in annual receipts.5
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    \5\ 13 CFR Sec. 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification 
(SIC) Code 4899.
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    The Commission has not yet authorized any millimeter wave devices, 
and has authorized fewer than ten unlicensed PCS devices. Both these 
services are new, so we really don't know how many applications for 
equipment authorization we may receive, nor how many small 
manufacturers may be interested in producing these products. Since the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act amendments were not in effect until the 
record in this proceeding was closed, the Commission was unable to 
request information regarding the number of small businesses in this 
category. The Census Bureau estimates indicate that of the 848 firms in 
the ``Communications Services, Not Elsewhere'' category, 775 are small 
businesses. Based on this information, as well as our past experience 
in granting equipment authorization for other types of radiofrequency 
devices, we estimate that 50 percent of the applications for millimeter 
wave and unlicensed PCS devices will be from small businesses.
    The Commission anticipates that approximately 30 applications will 
be filed annually for devices that operate in the millimeter band and 
unlicensed PCS spectrum. All of these applications will require an 
initial determination of compliance with our new RF guidelines. Of 
these devices, ten will require specific absorption rate (SAR) modeling 
or measurement, which adds cost to the authorization process.
B. Cellular Radio Telephone Service
    The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to cellular licensees. Therefore, the applicable definition 
of small entity is the definition under the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) rules applicable to radiotelephone companies. This 
definition provides that a small entity is a radiotelephone company 
employing fewer than 1,500 persons.6 Since the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act amendments were not in effect until the record in this 
proceeding was closed, the Commission was unable to request information 
regarding the number of small cellular businesses and is unable at this 
time to make a precise estimate of the number of cellular firms which 
are small businesses.
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    \6\ 13 C.F.R. Sec. 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification 
(SIC) Code 4812.
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    The size data provided by the SBA does not enable us to make a 
meaningful estimate of the number of cellular providers which are small 
entities because it combines all radiotelephone companies with 500 or 
more employees.7 We therefore used the 1992 Census of 
Transportation, Communications, and Utilities, conducted by the Bureau 
of the Census, which is the most recent information available. That 
census shows that only 12 radiotelephone firms out of a total of 1,178 
such firms which operated during 1992 had 1,000 or more 
employees.8 Therefore, even if all 12 of these large firms were 
cellular telephone

[[Page 41009]]

companies, all of the remainder were small businesses under the SBA's 
definition. We assume that, for purposes of our evaluations and 
conclusions in the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, all of the 
current cellular licensees are small entities, as that term is defined 
by the SBA. Although there are 1,758 cellular licenses, we do not know 
the number of cellular licensees, since a cellular licensee may own 
several licenses.
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    \7\ U.S. Small Business Administration 1992 Economic Census 
Employment Report, Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, SIC Code 4812 (radiotelephone communications industry data 
adopted by the SBA Office of Advocacy).
    \8\ U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1992 
Census of Transportation, Communications, and Utilities, UC92-S-1, 
Subject Series, Establishment and Firm Size, Table 5, Employment 
Size of Firms: 1992, SIC Code 4812 (issued May 1995).
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    We assume that all of the current rural cellular licensees are 
small businesses. Comments filed by small business associations, the 
Organization for the Protection and Advancement of Small Telephone 
Companies (OPASTCO), state that \2/3\ of its 440 members provide 
cellular service,9 and comments filed by the Rural Cellular 
Association (RCA) state that its members serve 80 cellular service 
areas.10 We recognize that these numbers represent only part of 
the current rural cellular licensees because there might be other rural 
companies not represented by either association.
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    \9\ OPASTCO Comments at 1-2 (filed January 9, 1995).
    \10\ RCA Comments at 2 (filed January 9, 1995).
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    The rules we are adopting generally require cellular stations to 
make a determination, through calculation or measurement, as to whether 
a transmitter facility will comply with the RF radiation exposure 
limits. If the facility does not comply with the limits, then the 
applicant (for a new license, a modification, or a renewal of an 
existing license) must file an Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant 
to the National Environment Policy Act. The vast majority of applicants 
will find their facilities in compliance with the limits, or take steps 
such as controlling access around the transmitting facility, and will 
only need to indicate on their application that they comply with the 
limits. Many cellular transmission facilities are categorically 
exempted from making a compliance determination based on power and/or 
antenna height. The Commission processes roughly 700 applications for 
cellular transmitters facilities, involving 7,000 site locations, per 
year. Approximately 2,800 transmitting facilities will exceed 
categorical exclusion criteria and will require a determination of 
compliance with our new guidelines, based on calculations or 
measurements.
    Manufacturers of mobile and portable cellular transmitters will 
have to make measurements, or in some cases calculations, as a 
condition for equipment authorization. Many of these manufacturers are 
likely to be the same as those that will manufacture unlicensed PCS 
transmitters, as discussed in the radiofrequency device category above. 
Based on the information presented for radiofrequency devices, as well 
as our past experience in granting equipment authorization for other 
types of radiofrequency devices, we estimate that 50 percent of the 
applications for cellular telephones will be from small businesses. It 
is estimated that 200 mobile and portable cellular transmitters will 
require authorization per year.
C. Personal Communications Service
    The broadband PCS spectrum is divided into six frequency blocks 
designated A through F. Pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Sec. 24.720(b), the 
Commission has defined ``small entity'' for Blocks C and F licensees as 
firms that had average gross revenues of less than $40 million in the 
three previous calendar years. This regulation defining `''small 
entity'' in the context of broadband PCS auctions has been approved by 
the SBA.11
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    \11\ See Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications 
Act--Competitive Bidding, PP Docket No. 93-253, Fifth Report and 
Order, 9 FCC Rcd 5532, 5581-84 (1994), 59 FR 37566 (July 22, 1994).
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    The Commission has auctioned broadband PCS licenses in Blocks A, B, 
and C. We do not have sufficient data to determine how many small 
businesses under the Commission's definition bid successfully for 
licenses in Blocks A and B. As of now, there are 90 non-defaulting 
winning bidders that qualify as small entities in the Block C auction. 
Based on this information, we conclude that the number of broadband PCS 
licensees affected by the rule adopted in this Report and Order 
includes the 90 non-defaulting winning bidders that qualify as small 
entities in the Block C broadband PCS auction.
    At present, no licenses have been awarded for Blocks D, E, and F 
for spectrum. Therefore, there are no small businesses currently 
providing these services. However, a total of 1,479 licenses will be 
awarded in the D, E, and F Block broadband PCS auctions, which are 
scheduled to begin on August 26, 1996. Eligibility for the 493 F Block 
licensees is limited to ``entrepreneurs'' with the average gross 
revenues of less than $125 million. However, we cannot estimate how 
many small businesses under the Commission's definition will win F 
Block licenses, or D and E Block licenses. Given the facts that nearly 
all radiotelephone companies have fewer than 1,000 employees and that 
no reliable estimate of the number of prospective D, E, and F Block 
licensees can be made, we assume, for purposes of our evaluations and 
conclusions in this FRFA, that all of the licenses will be awarded to 
small entities, as that term is defined by the SBA.
    After all PCS licenses have been issued, the Commission expects to 
receive approximately 1,000 applications per year involving 10,000 
sites. We anticipate that 3000 sites will not meet the categorical 
exclusion criteria and will involve a determination of compliance with 
the RF exposure guidelines.
    As in the case of cellular telephones, mobile and portable PCS 
transmitters will have to undergo measurement or modeling to determine 
compliance with the RF radiation limits as a condition of equipment 
authorization. Again, we estimate that 50% of the manufacturers will be 
small businesses. Although we have authorized fewer than ten PCS 
transmitters, it is estimated that eventually 50 of such devices will 
be authorized each year.
D. Private Land Mobile Radio Services, Specialized Mobile Radio
    Pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Sec. 90.814(b)(1), the Commission has defined 
``small entity'' for geographic area 800 MHz and 900 MHz SMR licenses 
as firms that had average gross revenues of less than $15 million in 
the three previous calendar years. This regulation defining ``small 
entity'' in the context of 800 MHz and 900 MHz SMR has been approved by 
the SBA.12
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    \12\ See Amendment of Parts 2 and 90 of the Commission's Rules 
to Provide for the Use of 200 Channels Outside the Designated Filing 
Areas in the 896-901 MHz and the 935-940 MHz Bands Allotted to the 
Specialized Mobile Radio Pool, PR Docket No. 89-553, Second Order on 
Reconsideration and Seventh Report and Order, 11 FCC Rcd 2639, 2693-
702 (1995), 60 FR 48913 September 21, 1995 Amendment of Part 90 of 
the Commission's Rules to Facilitate Future Development of SMR 
Systems in the 800 MHz Frequency Band, PR Docket No. 93-144, First 
Report and Order, Eighth Report and Order, and Second Further Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking, 11 FCC Rcd 1463 (1995), 61 FR 6212, February 
16, 1996.
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    The rule adopted in this Report and Order applies to SMR providers 
in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands that either hold geographic area 
licenses or have obtained extended implementation authorizations. We do 
not know how many firms provide 800 MHz or 900 MHz geographic area SMR 
service pursuant to extended implementation authorizations, nor how 
many of these providers have annual revenues of less than $15 million. 
Since the Regulatory Flexibility Act amendments were not in effect 
until the record in this proceeding was closed, the Commission was 
unable

[[Page 41010]]

to request information regarding the number of small businesses in this 
category. We do know that one of these firms has over $15 million in 
revenues. We assume, for purposes of our evaluations and conclusions in 
this FRFA, that the remaining existing extended implementation 
authorizations may be held by small entities, as that term is defined 
by the SBA.
    The Commission recently held auctions for geographic area licenses 
in the 900 MHz SMR band. There were 60 winning bidders who qualified as 
small entities under the Commission's definition in the 900 MHz 
auction. Based on this information, we conclude that the number of 
geographic area SMR licensees affected by the rule adopted in this 
Report and Order includes these 60 small entities.
    No auctions have been held for 800 MHz geographic area SMR 
licenses. Therefore, no small entities currently hold these licenses. A 
total of 525 licenses will be awarded for the upper 200 channels in the 
800 MHz geographic area SMR auction. However, the Commission has not 
yet determined how many licenses will be awarded for the lower 230 
channels in the 800 MHz geographic area SMR auction. There is no basis 
to estimate, moreover, how many small entities within the SBA's 
definition will win these licenses. Given the facts that nearly all 
radiotelephone companies have fewer than 1,000 employees and that no 
reliable estimate of the number of prospective 800 MHz licensees can be 
made, we assume, for purposes of our evaluations and conclusions in 
this FRFA, that all of the licenses will be awarded to small entities, 
as that term is defined by the SBA.
    The Commission receives about 3,000 applications for covered SMR 
transmitters facilities per year. Approximately 1,000 transmitters will 
exceed categorical exclusion criteria and will require a determination 
of compliance. In addition, as in the case of cellular telephones and 
PCS, mobile and portable covered SMR transmitters will have to undergo 
measurement or modeling to determine compliance with MPE and/or SAR 
requirements. It is estimated that 200 of such devices will require 
authorization per year.
E. Satellite Communications Services
    The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to satellite communications licensees. Therefore, the 
applicable definition of small entity is the definition under the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) rules applicable to radiotelephone 
companies. This definition provides that a small entity is a 
radiotelephone company employing fewer than 1,500 persons.
    Satellite systems authorized by the Commission can be divided into 
the following categories: mobile satellite service (MSS) non-
geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) (low or medium orbit satellites); 
mobile satellite service geostationary; mobile satellite service ship 
stations; and fixed satellite service.
    In the MSS NGSO category the commission has divided its spectrum 
allocation into small and large NGSO. In the small NGSO or small low 
Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite service there are three existing and three 
pending or further licensees, all of which may be considered small 
business entities in the context of this analysis. These licensees are 
authorized in the VHF/UHF bands.
    In the large LEO MSS category of MSS NGSO there are three existing 
licensees and three pending or future licensees in the 1.6/2.5 GHz 
band. The three existing are probably not small business entities and 
the three pending are probably small business entities. In the category 
of geostationary MSS the Commission has licensed one consortium, in the 
1.5/1.6 GHz band, that comprises many small business entities.
    The fixed satellite service (FSS) has generally been authorized in 
the 4/6 and 11/12 GHz band. There are three FSS licensees, that serve 
domestic US markets, none of which are small business entities. There 
are also two licensees serving international markets with FSS 
authorizations and these entities may be considered small business 
entities.
    It should be noted that in most of the satellite areas discussed 
above the Commission issues one license to an entity but generally 
issues blanket license authority for thousands or even hundreds of 
thousands of earth stations or hand held transceivers. In this analysis 
we have considered satellite companies that have less than 1500 
employees to be small business entities. Therefore, we are concluding 
that small business entities are largely affected by this proceeding in 
the satellite area.
    The Commission receives about 600 applications for satellite 
facilities per year. All applicants must make a determination of 
compliance with the limits, based on calculations or measurements.
F. Radio Broadcast Service
    The SBA has defined small radio broadcast service entities based on 
their ``annual receipts'' specifically in 13 CFR Sec. 104, and its 
calculations include an averaging process. We do not currently require 
submission of financial data from licensees that we could use to apply 
the SBA's definition of a small business. Thus, for purposes of 
estimating the number of small entities to which the rules apply, we 
are limited to considering the revenue data that are publicly 
available, and the revenue data on which we rely may not correspond 
completely with the SBA definition of annual receipts.
    Under SBA criteria for determining annual receipts, if a concern 
has acquired an affiliate or been acquired as an affiliate during the 
applicable averaging period for determining annual receipts, the annual 
receipts in determining size status include the receipts of both firms. 
13 CFR. Sec. 121.104(d)(1). The SBA defines affiliation in 13 CFR. 
Sec. 121.103. While the Commission refers to an affiliate generally as 
a station affiliated with a network, the SBA's definition of affiliate 
is analogous to our attribution rules. Generally, under the SBA's 
definition, concerns are affiliates of each other when one concern 
controls or has the power to control the other, or a third party or 
parties controls or has the power to control both. 13 CFR. 
Sec. 121.103(a)(1). The SBA considers factors such as ownership, 
management, previous relationships with or ties to another concern, and 
contractual relationships, in determining whether affiliation exists. 
13 CFR. Sec. 121.103(a)(2). Instead of making an independent 
determination of whether radio and television stations were affiliated 
based on SBA's definitions, we relied on the data bases available to us 
to afford us that information.
    We have performed a study based on the data contained in the BIA 
Publications, Inc. Master Access Television Analyzer Database, which 
lists a total of 1,141 full-power commercial television stations. Low 
Power Television (LPTV) Stations and translator stations are discussed 
in paragraph H below. It should be noted that the percentage figures 
derived from the data base may be underinclusive because the data base 
does not list revenue estimates for noncommercial educational stations, 
and these are therefore excluded from our calculations based on the 
data base. Non-commercial stations are subject to the requirements 
adopted in the Report and Order. The data indicate that, based on 1995 
revenue estimates, 440 full-power commercial television stations had an 
estimated revenue of 10.5 million dollars or less. That represents 54 
percent of commercial television stations with revenue estimates listed 
in the BIA program. The data base does not

[[Page 41011]]

list estimated revenues for 331 stations. Using an extreme scenario, if 
those 331 stations for which no revenue is listed are counted as small 
stations, there would be a total of 771 stations with an estimated 
revenue of 10.5 million dollars or less, representing approximately 68 
percent of the 1,141 commercial television stations listed in the BIA 
data base.
    Alternatively, if we look at owners of commercial television 
stations as listed in the BIA data base, there are a total of 488 
owners. The data base lists estimated revenues for 60 percent of these 
owners, or 295. Of these 295 owners, 156 or 53 percent had annual 
revenues of less than $10.5 million. Using an extreme scenario, if the 
193 owners for which revenue is not listed are assumed to be small, the 
total of small entities would constitute 72 percent of owners.
    In summary, based on the foregoing extreme analysis using census 
data, we estimate that our rules will apply to as many as 1,150 
commercial and non-commercial television stations (78 percent of all 
stations) that could be classified as small entities. Using the extreme 
analysis based on the data in the BIA data base, we estimate that as 
many as approximately 771 commercial television stations (about 68 
percent of all commercial televisions stations) could be classified as 
small entities. As we noted above, these estimates are based on a 
definition that we believe greatly overstates the number of television 
broadcasters that are small businesses. Further, it should be noted 
that under the SBA's definitions, revenues of affiliates that are not 
television stations should be aggregated with the television station 
revenues in determining whether a concern is small. The estimates 
overstate the number of small entities since the revenue figures on 
which they are based do not include or aggregate such revenues from 
non-television affiliated companies.
    In addition, according to the SBA's regulations, a radio 
broadcasting station must have annual gross receipts of $5.0 million or 
less in order to qualify as a small business concern.\13\ There are 
approximately 10,250 commercial radio broadcasting stations and 1,810 
noncommercial radio broadcast stations of all sizes in the nation, with 
approximately 5,200 different commercial licensees. For the same 
reasons as above, the exact number of small radio broadcasting entities 
to which the elimination of the rule will apply is unknown. Based on 
1996 revenue estimates, the BIA Publications, Inc. Master Access 
Analyzer Database indicates that 3,314 commercial radio stations had an 
estimated revenue of $5.0 million or less. That represents 
approximately 32 percent of commercial radio stations with revenue 
estimates listed in the BIA program. The data base does not list 
estimated revenue for 6,571 stations. Using the most extreme scenario, 
if those 6,571 stations for which no revenue estimates is listed are 
counted as small stations, there would be a total of 9,885 stations 
with an estimated revenue of $5.0 or less, representing approximately 
96 percent of the 10,257 commercial radio stations listed in the BIA 
data base.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ 13 CFR. Sec. 121.201.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Alternatively, if we look at owners of commercial radio stations as 
listed in the BIA data base, there are a total of 5,207 owners. The 
data base lists estimated revenues for 29 percent of these owners, or 
1,532. Of these 1,532 owners, 1,344 or 88 percent had annual revenue of 
less than $5.0 million. Using the most extreme scenario, if the 3,675 
owners for which revenue estimates are not listed are assumed to be 
small businesses, then the total of small entities would constitute 96 
percent of commercial radio station owners. Further, many noncommercial 
radio broadcasters are considered to be small entities. Thus, a large 
number of licensees of radio broadcast facilities of several types 
(commercial AM, commercial FM, and noncommercial FM stations) could 
benefit from the rule amendment herein adopted.
    The Commission receives about 1,800 applications for broadcast 
facilities per year. All applicants must make a determination of 
compliance with the limits, either by calculation or measurement.
G. Stations in the Maritime Services
    This item would require licensees and applicants for ship satellite 
earth terminals to make a determination of compliance with the new RF 
radiation requirements. The Commission has not developed a definition 
of small entities applicable to ship satellite earth station licensees. 
Therefore, the applicable definition of small entity is the definition 
under the Small Business Administration (SBA) rules applicable to 
radiotelephone companies. This definition provides that a small entity 
is a radiotelephone company employing fewer than 1,500 persons.
    Ship MSS is similar to geostationary MSS, as discussed above, 
except that earth stations are aboard maritime vessels rather than 
traditional earth stations in the MSS. In the area of ship MSS the 
Commission has two pending licensees for operation of the satellite 
service, one of which can be considered small business.
    The Commission receives about 272 applications for ship earth 
stations per year. All applicants must make a determination of 
compliance with the new RF radiation limits.
H. Experimental, Auxiliary, and Special Broadcast and Other Program 
Distribution Services
    This service 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 back to the station). It also includes 
Instructional Television Fixed Service stations, which are used to 
relay programming to the home or office, similar to that provided by 
cable television systems. The Commission has not developed a definition 
of small entities applicable to broadcast auxiliary licensees. 
Therefore, the applicable definition of small entity is the definition 
under the Small Business Administration (SBA) rules applicable to 
radiotelephone companies. This definition provides that a small entity 
is a radiotelephone company employing fewer than 1,500 persons.
    There are currently 2,637 FM translators and boosters, 4,910 TV 
translators, and 1,903 Low Power TV stations which will be affected by 
the new requirements.\14\ There are also 2,032 ITFS licensees. The FCC 
does not collect financial information on any broadcast facility and 
the Department of Commerce does not collect financial information on 
these auxiliary broadcast facilities. We believe, however, that most, 
if not all, of these auxiliary facilities, including Low Power TV 
stations, could be classified as small businesses by themselves. We 
also recognize that most translators and boosters are owned by a parent 
station which, in some cases, would be covered by the revenue 
definition of small business entity discussed above. These stations 
would likely have annual revenues that exceed the SBA maximum to be 
designated as a small business (either $5 million for a radio station 
or $10.5 million for a TV station). As we indicated earlier, 96% of 
radio stations and 78% of TV stations are designated as small.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ FCC news release, Broadcast Station Totals as of June 30, 
1996, released July 10, 1996.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The approximate number of annual applications processed by the 
Commission for this service is 1,032. All of these applications would 
be required to have a determination made regarding

[[Page 41012]]

compliance with the new RF radiation limits.
I. Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS)
    This service involves a variety of transmitters, which are used to 
relay programming to the home or office, similar to that provided by 
cable television systems. The Commission has not developed a definition 
of small entities applicable to MDS licensees. Therefore, the 
applicable definition of small entity is the definition under the Small 
Business Administration (SBA) rules applicable to radiotelephone 
companies. This definition provides that a small entity is a 
radiotelephone company employing fewer than 1,500 persons. There are 
1,800 MDS stations currently licensed and 500 applications for 
additional channels.
    The approximate number of annual applications processed by the 
Commission for MDS is 900. It is estimated that of the 900 processed, 
only 113 will not meet the categorical exclusion criteria and have to 
make a determination of compliance with the RF radiation limits.
J. Paging and Radiotelephone Service, and Private Land Mobile Radio 
Services, Paging Operations
    Since the Commission has not yet approved a definition for paging 
services, we will utilize the SBA's definition applicable to 
radiotelephone companies, i.e., an entity employing less than 1,500 
persons.
    The Commission anticipates that a total of 15,531 non-nationwide 
geographic area licenses will be granted or auctioned. The geographic 
area licenses will consist of 3,050 MTA licenses and 12,481 EA 
licenses. In addition to the 47 Rand McNally MTAs, the Commission is 
licensing Alaska as a separate MTA and adding three MTAs for the U.S. 
territories, for a total of 51 MTAs. No auctions of paging licenses has 
been held yet, and there is no basis to determine the number of 
licenses that will be awarded to small entities. Given the fact that 
nearly all radiotelephone companies have fewer than 1,000 employees, 
and that no reliable estimate of the number of prospective paging 
licensees can be made, we assume, for purposes of this FRFA, that all 
the 15,531 geographic area paging licenses will be awarded to small 
entities, as that term is defined by the Small Business Administration 
(SBA).
    We estimate that the approximately 600 current paging carriers 
could take the opportunity to partition and or/ disaggregate a license 
to obtain an additional license through partitioning or disaggregation. 
We estimate that up to 48,393 licensees or potential licensees could 
take the opportunity to partition and/or disaggregate a license or 
obtain a license through partitioning or disaggregation. This number is 
based on the total estimate of paging carriers (approximately 600) and 
non-nationwide geographic area licenses to be awarded (15,531) and our 
estimate that each license will probably not be partitioned and/or 
disaggrageted to no more than three parties. Given the fact that nearly 
all radiotelephone companies have fewer than 1,000 employees, and that 
no reliable estimate of the number of future paging licensees can be 
made, we assume for purposes of this FRFA that all of the licensees 
will be awarded to small businesses. We believe that it is possible 
that a significant number of up to approximately 48,393 licensees or 
potential licensees who could take the opportunity to partition and/or 
disaggregate a license or who could obtain a license through 
partitioning and/or disaggregation will be a small business.
    The Commission receives about 10,000 applications for paging 
facilities per year. Approximately 1,176 transmitters will exceed 
categorical exclusion criteria and will require a determination of 
compliance with the new guidelines, either by measurement or 
calculation.
K. Experimental Radio Service
    The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to experimental licensees. Therefore, the applicable 
definition of small entity is the definition under the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) rules applicable to radiotelephone companies. This 
definition provides that a small entity is a radiotelephone company 
employing fewer than 1,500 persons.15 Since the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act amendments were not in effect until the record in this 
proceeding was closed, the Commission was unable to request information 
regarding the number of small experimental radio businesses and is 
unable at this time to make a precise estimate of the number of 
Experimental Radio Services which are small businesses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ 13 C.F.R. Sec. 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification 
(SIC) Code 4812.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The majority of experimental licenses are issued to companies such 
as Motorola and Department of Defense contractors such as Northrop, 
Lockheed and Martin Marietta. Businesses such as these may have as many 
as 200 licenses at one time. The majority of these applications, 70 
percent, are from entities such as these. Given this fact, the 
remaining 30 percent of applications, we assume, for purposes of our 
evaluations and conclusions in this FRFA, will be awarded to small 
entities, as that term is defined by the SBA.
    The Commission processes approximately 1,000 applications a year 
for experimental radio operations. About half or 500 of these are 
renewals and the other half are for new licenses. Approximately 500 of 
these applications will be required to make an initial determination of 
compliance with our new RF guidelines.
IV. Summary of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance 
Requirements:
    Applicants that are subject to the new RF radiation guidelines 
(i.e., not categorically excluded), are required to make a statement on 
any application filed with the Commission indicating that they comply 
with the RF radiation limits. Technical information supporting that 
statement must be retained by the applicant, and provided to the 
Commission upon request. In some cases, the applicant will be able to 
determine compliance by making calculations or reading applicable 
literature, including OST Bulletin No. 65. In other cases, detailed 
measurements of the transmitting facility may be necessary. In 
addition, steps to control access to the facility, such as warning 
signs or fences, may be required. Manufacturers of radio transmitting 
equipment will, as indicated above, need to make MPE and/or SAR 
measurements that will need to form part of the manufacturer's records 
for equipment authorization.

Reporting

    Reporting requirements are limited to certain classes of applicants 
and licensees for which the potential for human exposure to RF 
emissions is the greatest. Most applicants and licensees are 
categorically excluded from routinely evaluating their facilities, 
operations or transmitters for compliance with the new RF exposure 
guidelines. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), upon which 
our rules are based, allows ``categorical exclusion'' of large classes 
of actions that generally do not provide an opportunity for causing 
significant environmental impact, such as would result from human 
exposure to RF emissions in excess of the guidelines. In this case, the 
``actions'' excluded are the granting of Commission applications and 
authorizations. Therefore, we are categorically excluding many 
applications submitted to the

[[Page 41013]]

Commission from routine evaluation for compliance with the RF 
guidelines. This exclusion significantly limits burden on our 
regulatees, including many small businesses. The category exclusions 
apply to all radio services except those listed in section IV above and 
the radio amateur service. This means, for example, that all land 
mobile and public safety two-way systems are categorically excluded.
    Applicants in services that are not categorically excluded may also 
be categorically excluded from determining compliance based on antenna 
location or station power. Applicants who are not categorically 
excluded are required to make a statement on certain application forms 
filed with the Commission indicating whether they comply with our 
environmental rules. This action by a licensee or applicant is the 
primary reporting requirement. In addition, supporting information 
(such as measurement data, site drawings, and calculations) may be 
requested, in certain cases, to justify the statement made on a 
Commission form.

Recordkeeping

    The Commission has no specific recordkeeping requirements related 
to compliance with the RF exposure guidelines. This has not changed 
from the rules previously in place regarding compliance with RF 
exposure guidelines. The Commission does reserve the right to request 
information supporting the answer an applicant gives on a form. Such 
information would normally be technical in nature and could involve a 
report of calculations performed or measurements made to determine 
compliance. Therefore, many applicants and licensees may keep 
information related to their compliance on file in some form for their 
own records. The Commission provides applicants with guidance on 
performing calculations or measurements through its OST Bulletin No. 
65, which is being updated to reflect the new guidelines. In many 
cases, an applicant or licensee can easily use this bulletin to 
determine compliance through the use of charts, figures and tables. 
This largely eliminates the need for keeping a detailed analytic report 
in many cases. Manufacturers of equipment who are required to evaluate 
portable or mobile devices would likely have to perform more detailed 
analysis and keep on file a specific technical report for review by the 
Commission if requested. Also, in a few cases involving multiple 
transmitters at large antenna farms detailed measurement studies may be 
necessary. Reports of such studies would be retained by an applicant to 
provide evidence of compliance if required.

Other Compliance Requirements

    As was true for the previous rules, there are no specific 
compliance requirements, as such. Under the Commission's NEPA rules, 
applicants and licensees are required to submit an Environmental 
Assessment (EA) if they do not comply with our RF exposure guidelines 
(47 CFR Sec. 1.1311). An EA is a detailed accounting of the 
consequences created by a specific action that may have a significant 
environmental impact, in this case a Commission authorization of a 
transmitter or facility that exceeds the RF guidelines. An EA would be 
evaluated by the Commission to determine whether the authorization 
should be granted in view of the environmental impact. In reality, this 
leads to a de facto compliance requirement, since most applicants and 
licensees who are not categorically excluded (see above) undertake 
measures to ensure compliance before submitting an application in order 
to avoid the preparation of a costly and time-consuming EA. For this 
reason EAs are rarely filed with the Commission. This has not changed 
from the existing rules. As for determining compliance, as mentioned 
above, the Commission provides applicants with specific guidance in the 
form of a technical bulletin. This bulletin is designed to minimize the 
effort and burden required by an applicant to determine compliance with 
the guidelines prior to submitting an application. Many options are 
available for ensuring compliance, including restricting access to an 
area where high RF levels exist, using warning signs or fences to 
provide notice of potential RF exposure, use or protective shielding or 
warning devices, reduction of power when people are in high RF areas 
and, in the case of portable and mobile devices, designing devices to 
minimize RF absorption in the body of the user.

Skills Needed to Meet Requirements

    If a station is not categorically excluded, then the licensee or 
applicant must make a determination of whether the station will comply 
with the RF radiation limits. This study can be done by calculation or 
measurement, depending upon the situation. The calculations can be done 
in many cases by a radio technician or engineer familiar with radio 
propagation. If measurements are necessary, then a radio technician or 
engineer will also be required.
    The applicant must indicate on its application that it meets the 
NEPA requirements and, therefore, does not exceed the RF radiation 
limits. This is usually done by checking a box on a form, which can be 
done by a clerical person.

V. Steps Taken to Minimize the Economic Impact on Small Entities

    The Commission has made every effort to devise ways to minimize the 
impact of the new RF limits on small entities, while protecting the 
health and safety of the public. However, we have incorporated 
sufficient flexibility in the procedures to make compliance as 
minimally burdensome as possible. We have taken the following steps to 
ease the impact on small businesses.
    1. The Commission has created a categorical exclusion that requires 
only those transmitters that appear to have the highest potential to 
create a significant environmental effect to perform an environmental 
evaluation.
    2. The Commission will revise OST Bulletin No. 65 to provide 
guidance for determining compliance with FCC-specified RF limits. This 
should be of particular assistance to small businesses since it will 
provide straightforward information that should allow a quick 
understanding of the requirements and a quick assessment of the 
potential for compliance problems without the need for an expensive 
consultant or measurement.
    3. The Commission allows various methods for ensuring compliance 
with RF limits such as fencing, warning signs, labels, and markings, 
locked doors in roof-top areas, and the use of personal monitors and RF 
protective clothing in an occupational environment.
    4. The Commission has rejected its initial proposal to adopt 
induced and contact currents limits due to the lack of reliable 
equipment available.
    5. The Commission has specified a variety of acceptable testing 
methods and procedures that may be used to determine compliance. This 
will allow each small business to choose a procedure that best meets 
its needs in the manner that is least burdensome to it.
    6. The Commission has always allowed multiple transmitter sites, 
i.e., antenna farms, to pool their resources and have only one study 
done for the entire site. This is very common at sites that have 
multiple entities such as TV, FM, paging, cellular, etc. In most 
circumstances, rather than each licensee hiring a separate consultant 
and submitting a study showing their compliance with the guidelines, 
one

[[Page 41014]]

consulting radio technician or radio engineer can be hired by the group 
of licensees. The consultant surveys the entire site for compliance and 
gives his recommendations and findings to each of the licensees at the 
site. The licensees can then use the findings to show their compliance 
with the guidelines. In this way the cost of compliance is minimized as 
no one licensee has to pay the entire consulting fee, rather just a 
portion of it.
    The Commission has determined cost of performing an environmental 
evaluation is minimal for 87 percent of the businesses required to 
determine compliance. In normal situations, an environmental evaluation 
can be performed within 1 hour or less with the use of the revised OST 
Bulletin No. 65, ``Evaluating Compliance With FCC-Specified Guidelines 
for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation.'' In situations 
involving devices intended to be used in close proximity to the body, 
only PCS, cellular, and SMR portable and mobile devices will be 
required to evaluate compliance under the Commission's equipment 
authorization process.

Report to Congress

    The Commission shall send a copy of this Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis, along with this Report and Order, in a report to 
Congress pursuant to the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness 
Act of 1996, 5 U.S.C. Sec. 801(a)(1)(A). A copy of this FRFA will also 
be published in the Federal Register.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 1

    Environmental impact statement, Federal Communications Commission, 
Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 2

    Federal Communications Commission, Radio, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 15

    Computer technology, Federal Communications Commission, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 24

    Federal Communications Commission, Personal communications service.

47 CFR Part 97

    Communications equipment, Federal Communications Commission, Radio.

Federal Communications Commission
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, parts 1, 2, 15, 24 and 
97 are amended as follows:

PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

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

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 303 and 309(j) unless otherwise 
noted.

    2. Section 1.1307 is amended by revising paragraph (b), by removing 
notes 1, 2 and 3 following paragraph (b), and by adding new paragraph 
(e) to read as follows:


Sec. 1.1307  Actions that may have a significant environmental effect, 
for which Environmental Assessments (EAs) must be prepared.

* * * * *
    (b) In addition to the actions listed in paragraph (a) of this 
section, Commission actions granting construction permits, licenses to 
transmit or renewals thereof, equipment authorizations or modifications 
in existing facilities, require the preparation of an Environmental 
Assessment (EA) if the particular facility, operation or transmitter 
would cause human exposure to levels of radiofrequency radiation in 
excess of the limits in Sec. 1.1310 and Sec. 2.1093 of this chapter. 
Applications to the Commission for construction permits, licenses to 
transmit or renewals thereof, equipment authorizations or modifications 
in existing facilities must contain a statement confirming compliance 
with the limits unless the facility, operation, or transmitter is 
categorically excluded, as discussed below. Technical information 
showing the basis for this statement must be submitted to the 
Commission upon request.
    (1) The exposure limits in Sec. 1.1310 are generally applicable to 
all facilities, operations and transmitters regulated by the 
Commission. However, a determination of compliance with the exposure 
limits in Sec. 1.1310, and preparation of an EA if the limits are 
exceeded, is necessary only for facilities, operations and transmitters 
that fall into the categories listed in Table 1, or those specified in 
paragraph (b)(2) of this section. All other facilities, operations and 
transmitters are categorically excluded from making such studies or 
preparing an EA, except as indicated in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this 
section. For purposes of Table 1, ``rooftop'' means the roof or 
otherwise outside, topmost level or levels of a building structure that 
is occupied as a workplace or residence and where either workers or the 
general public may have access. The term ``power'' in column 2 of Table 
1 refers to total operating power of the transmitting operation in 
question in terms of effective radiated power (ERP), equivalent 
isotropically radiated power (EIRP), or peak envelope power (PEP), as 
defined in Sec. 2.1 of this chapter. For the case of the Cellular 
Radiotelephone Service, subpart H of part 22 of this chapter; the 
Personal Communications Service, part 24 of this chapter and covered 
Specialized Mobile Radio Service operations, part 90 of this chapter, 
the phrase ``total power of all channels'' in column 2 of Table 1 means 
the sum of the ERP or EIRP of all co-located simultaneously operating 
transmitters of the facility. When applying the criteria of Table 1, 
radiation in all directions should be considered. For the case of 
transmitting facilities using sectorized transmitting antennas, 
applicants and licensees should apply the criteria to all transmitting 
channels in a given sector, noting that for a highly directional 
antenna there is relatively little contribution to ERP or EIRP 
summation for other directions.

  Table 1.--Transmitters, Facilities and Operations Subject to Routine  
                        Environmental Evaluation                        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Service (Title 47 CFR Rule Part)         Evaluation required if:    
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental Radio Services (part 5)...  Power > 100W ERP (164W EIRP).  
Radio Frequency Devices (part 15)......  Millimeter wave devices        
                                          operating in one of the       
                                          following bands 46.7-46.8 GHz,
                                          59.0-64.0 GHz or 76.0-77.0 GHz
                                          (see Secs.  15.253 and 15.255 
                                          of this chapter).             
                                         Unlicensed personal            
                                          communications service devices
                                          operating under subpart D of  
                                          this chapter.                 

[[Page 41015]]

                                                                        
Multipoint Distribution Service          Non-rooftop antennas: height   
 (subpart K of part 21).                  above ground level to         
                                          radiation center < 10 m and   
                                          power > 1640 W EIRP.          
                                         Rooftop antennas: Power > 1640W
                                          EIRP.                         
Paging and Radiotelephone Service        Non-rooftop antennas: height   
 (subpart E of part 22).                  above ground level to         
                                          radiation center < 10 m and   
                                          power > 1000W ERP (1640 W     
                                          EIRP).                        
                                         Rooftop antennas: power > 1000W
                                          ERP (1640W EIRP).             
Cellular Radiotelephone Service          Non-rooftop antennas: height   
 (subpart H of part 22).                  above ground level to         
                                          radiation center < 10 m and   
                                          total power of all channels > 
                                          1000W ERP (1640 W EIRP).      
                                         Rooftop antennas: total power  
                                          of all channels > 1000W ERP   
                                          (1640W EIRP).                 
Personal Communications Services (part   (1) Narrowband PCS (subpart D):
 24).                                     non-rooftop antennas: height  
                                          above ground level to         
                                          radiation center <10 m and    
                                          total power of all channels > 
                                          1000W ERP (1640 W EIRP).      
                                         Rooftop antennas: total power  
                                          of all channels > 1000W (1640W
                                          EIRP).                        
                                         (2) Broadband PCS (subpart E): 
                                          non-rooftop antennas: height  
                                          above ground level to         
                                          radiation center <10 m and    
                                          total power of all channels > 
                                          2000W ERP (3280 W EIRP).      
                                         Rooftop antennas: total power  
                                          of all channels > 2000W (3280W
                                          EIRP).                        
Satellite Communications (part 25).....  All included.                  
Radio Broadcast Services (part 73).....  All included.                  
Experimental, auxiliary, and special     Subparts A, G, L: power > 100W 
 broadcast and other program              ERP.                          
 distributional services (part 74).      Subpart I: non-rooftop         
                                          antennas: height above ground 
                                          level to radiation center < 10
                                          m and power > 1640 W EIRP.    
                                         Rooftop antennas: power > 1640W
                                          EIRP.                         
Stations in the Maritime Services (part  Ship earth stations only.      
 80).                                                                   
Private Land Mobile Radio Services       Non-rooftop antennas: height   
 Paging Operations (part 90).             above ground level to         
                                          radiation center < 10 m and   
                                          power > 1000W ERP (1640 W     
                                          EIRP).                        
                                         Rooftop antennas: power > 1000W
                                          ERP (1640W EIRP).             
Private Land Mobile Radio Services       Non-rooftop antennas: height   
 Specialized Mobile Radio (``covered''    above ground level to         
 providers only--see below)\1\ (part      radiation center < 10 m and   
 90).                                     total power of all channels > 
                                          1000W ERP (1640 W EIRP).      
                                         Rooftop antennas: total power  
                                          of all channels > 1000W ERP   
                                          (1640W EIRP).                 
Amateur Radio Service (part 97)........  Transmitter power > 50W PEP.   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 \1\ Note: ``Covered'' SMR providers includes geographic area SMR       
  licensees in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands that offer real-time, two- 
  way switched voice service that is interconnected with the public     
  switched network and Incumbent Wide Area SMR licensees, as defined in 
  Sec.  20.3 of this chapter.                                           


    (2) Mobile and portable transmitting devices that operate in the 
Cellular Radiotelephone Service, the Personal Communications Services 
(PCS), the Satellite Communications Services, the Maritime Services 
(ship earth stations only) and covered Specialized Mobile Radio Service 
providers authorized under subpart H of part 22, part 24, part 25, part 
80, and part 90 of this chapter are subject to routine environmental 
evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment authorization or use, as 
specified in Secs. 2.1091 and 2.1093 of this chapter. All unlicensed 
PCS and millimeter wave devices are also subject to routine 
environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment 
authorization or use, as specified in Sec. 15.253(f), Sec. 15.255(g), 
and Sec. 15.319(i) of this chapter. All other mobile, portable, and 
unlicensed transmitting devices are categorically excluded from routine 
environmental evaluation for RF exposure under Secs. 2.1091 and 2.1093 
of this chapter except as specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this 
section.
    (3) In general, when the guidelines specified in Sec. 1.1310 are 
exceeded in an accessible area due to the emissions from multiple fixed 
transmitters, actions necessary to bring the area into compliance with 
the guidelines are the shared responsibility of all licensees whose 
transmitters produce field strengths or power density levels at the 
area in question in excess of 1% of the exposure limits applicable to 
their particular transmitter.
    (i) Applicants for proposed (not otherwise excluded) transmitters, 
facilities or modifications that would cause non-compliance with the 
limits specified in Sec. 1.1310 at an accessible area previously in 
compliance must submit an EA if emissions from the applicant's 
transmitter or facility would result in a field strength or power 
density at the area in question that exceeds 1% of the exposure limit 
applicable to that transmitter or facility.
    (ii) Renewal applicants whose (not otherwise excluded) transmitters 
or facilities contribute to the field strength or power density at an 
accessible area not in compliance with the limits specified in 
Sec. 1.1310 must submit an EA if emissions from the applicant's 
transmitter or facility results in a field strength or power density at 
the area in question that exceeds 1% of the exposure limit applicable 
to that transmitter or facility.
    (4) Transition Provisions. For applications filed with the 
Commission prior to January 1, 1997, Commission actions granting 
construction permits, licenses to transmit or renewals thereof, 
equipment authorizations, or modifications in existing facilities 
require the preparation of an Environmental Assessment if the 
particular facility, operation or transmitter would cause human 
exposure to levels of radiofrequency radiation that are in excess of 
the requirements contained in paragraphs (b)(4) (i) through (iii) of 
this section. These transition provisions do not apply to applications 
for equipment authorization of mobile, portable, and unlicensed devices 
specified in paragraph (b) (2) of this section.
    (i) For facilities and operations licensed or authorized under 
parts 5, 21 (subpart K), 25, 73, 74 (subparts A, G, I, and L), and 80 
of this chapter, the ``Radio Frequency Protection Guides'' recommended 
in ``American National Standard Safety Levels with Respect to

[[Page 41016]]

Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 300 kHz to 
100 GHz'', (ANSI C95.1-1982), issued by the American National Standards 
Institute (ANSI) and copyright 1982 by the Institute of Electrical and 
Electronics Engineers, Inc., New York, New York shall apply. With 
respect to subpart K of part 21 and subpart I of Part 74 of this 
chapter, these requirements apply only to multipoint distribution 
service and instructional television fixed service stations 
transmitting with an equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) in 
excess of 200 watts. With respect to subpart L of part 74 of this 
chapter, these requirements apply only to FM booster and translator 
stations transmitting with an effective radiated power (ERP) in excess 
of 100 watts. With respect to part 80 of this chapter, these 
requirements apply only to ship earth stations.
    (ii) For facilities and operations licensed or authorized under 
part 24 of this chapter, licensees and manufacturers are required to 
ensure that their facilities and equipment comply with IEEE C95.1-1991 
(ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992), ``Safety Levels With Respect to Human Exposure 
to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.'' 
Measurement methods are specified in IEEE C95.3-1991, ``Recommended 
Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic 
Fields--RF and Microwave.'' Copies of these standards are available 
from IEEE Standards Board, 445 Hoes Lane, P.O. Box 1331, Piscataway, NJ 
08855-1331. Telephone: 1-800-678-4333. The limits for both 
``controlled'' and ``uncontrolled'' environments, as defined by IEEE 
C95.1-1991, will apply to all PCS base and mobile stations, as 
appropriate.
    (iii) Applications for all other types of facilities and operations 
are categorically excluded from routine RF radiation evaluation except 
as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
* * * * *
    (e) No State or local government or instrumentality thereof may 
regulate the placement, construction, and modification of personal 
wireless service facilities on the basis of the environmental effects 
of radio frequency emissions to the extent that such facilities comply 
with the regulations contained in this chapter concerning the 
environmental effects of such emissions. For purposes of this 
paragraph:
    (1) The term ``personal wireless service'' means commercial mobile 
services, unlicensed wireless services, and common carrier wireless 
exchange access services;
    (2) The term ``personal wireless service facilities'' means 
facilities for the provision of personal wireless services;
    (3) The term ``unlicensed wireless services'' means the offering of 
telecommunications services using duly authorized devices which do not 
require individual licenses, but does not mean the provision of direct-
to-home satellite services; and
    (4) The term ``direct-to-home satellite services'' means the 
distribution or broadcasting of programming or services by satellite 
directly to the subscriber's premises without the use of ground 
receiving or distribution equipment, except at the subscriber's 
premises or in the uplink process to the satellite.
    3. A new Section 1.1310 is added to read as follows:


Sec. 1.1310  Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits.

    The criteria listed in Table 1 shall be used to evaluate the 
environmental impact of human exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation 
as specified in Sec. 1.1307(b), except in the case of portable devices 
which shall be evaluated according to the provisions of Sec. 2.1093 of 
this chapter. Further information on evaluating compliance with these 
limits can be found in the FCC's OST/OET Bulletin Number 65, 
``Evaluating Compliance with FCC-Specified Guidelines for Human 
Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation.''

    Note to Introductory Paragraph: These limits are generally based 
on recommended exposure guidelines published by the National Council 
on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) in ``Biological 
Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic 
Fields,'' NCRP Report No. 86, Sections 17.4.1, 17.4.1.1, 17.4.2 and 
17.4.3. Copyright NCRP, 1986, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. In the 
frequency range from 100 MHz to 1500 MHz, exposure limits for field 
strength and power density are also generally based on guidelines 
recommended by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 
Section 4.1 of ``IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to 
Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 
300 GHz,'' ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, Copyright 1992 by the Institute of 
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., New York, New York 
10017.

                            Table 1.-- Limits for Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE)                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Electric field     Magnetic field     Power density      Averaging time 
       Frequency range  (MHz)          strength  (V/m)    strength  (A/m)       (mW/cm\2\)         (minutes)    
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (A) Limits for Occupational/Controlled Exposures                                
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.3-3.0.............................                614               1.63             *(100)                  6
3.0-30..............................             1842/f             4.89/f        *(900/f\2\)                  6
30-300..............................               61.4              0.163                1.0                  6
300-1500............................  .................  .................              f/300                  6
1500-100,000........................  .................  .................                  5                  6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             (B) Limits for General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure                            
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0.3-1.34............................                614               1.63             *(100)                 30
1.34-30.............................              824/f             2.19/f        *(180/f\2\)                 30
30-300..............................               27.5              0.073                0.2                 30
300-1500............................  .................  .................             f/1500                 30
1500-100,000........................  .................  .................                1.0                30 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
f = frequency in MHz                                                                                            
* = Plane-wave equivalent power density                                                                         

    Note 1 to Table 1: Occupational/controlled limits apply in 
situations in which persons are exposed as a consequence of their 
employment provided those persons are fully aware of the potential 
for exposure and can exercise control over their exposure. Limits 
for occupational/controlled exposure also apply in situations when 
an individual is transient through a location where

[[Page 41017]]

occupational/controlled limits apply provided he or she is made 
aware of the potential for exposure.
    Note 2 to Table 1: General population/uncontrolled exposures 
apply in situations in which the general public may be exposed, or 
in which persons that are exposed as a consequence of their 
employment may not be fully aware of the potential for exposure or 
can not exercise control over their exposure.

PART 2--FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL 
RULES AND REGULATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sec. 4, 302, 303 and 307 of the Communications Act of 
1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 302, 303 and 307, unless 
otherwise noted.

    2. A new center heading and Sec. 2.1091 are added to subpart J to 
read as follows: Radiofrequency Radiation Exposure


Sec. 2.1091  Radiofrequency radiation exposure evaluation: mobile and 
unlicensed devices.

    (a) Requirements of this section are a consequence of Commission 
responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act to 
evaluate the environmental significance of its actions. See subpart I 
of part 1 of this chapter, in particular Sec. 1.1307(b).
    (b) For purposes of this section mobile devices are defined as 
transmitters designed to be used in other than fixed locations and to 
generally be used in such a way that a separation distance of at least 
20 centimeters is normally maintained between radiating antennas and 
the body of the user or nearby persons.
    (c) Mobile devices that operate in the Cellular Radiotelephone 
Service, the Personal Communications Services, the Satellite 
Communications Services, the Maritime Services and the Specialized 
Mobile Radio Service authorized under subpart H of part 22, part 24, 
part 25, part 80 of this chapter (ship earth station devices only) and 
part 90 of this chapter (``covered'' SMR devices only, as defined in 
the note to Table 1 of Sec. 1.1307(b)(1) of this chapter), are subject 
to routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment 
authorization or use if their effective radiated power (ERP) is 1.5 
watts or more. Unlicensed personal communications service and 
unlicensed millimeter wave devices authorized under Sec. 15.253, 
Sec. 15.255 and subpart D of part 15 of this chapter are also subject 
to routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to equipment 
authorization or use, regardless of their power used, unless they meet 
the definition of a portable device as specified in Sec. 2.1093(b). All 
other mobile and unlicensed transmitting devices are categorically 
excluded from routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to 
equipment authorization, except as specified in Secs. 1.1307(c) and 
1.1307(d) of this chapter. Applications for equipment authorization of 
mobile and unlicensed transmitting devices subject to routine 
environmental evaluation must contain a statement confirming compliance 
with the limits specified in paragraph (d) of this section as part of 
their application. Technical information showing the basis for this 
statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
    (d) The limits to be used for evaluation are specified in 
Sec. 1.1310 of this chapter. All unlicensed personal communications 
service (PCS) devices shall be subject to the limits for general 
population/uncontrolled exposure.
    (1) For purposes of analyzing mobile transmitting devices under the 
occupational/controlled criteria specified in Sec. 1.1310 of this 
chapter, time-averaging provisions of the guidelines may be used in 
conjunction with typical maximum duty factors to determine maximum 
likely exposure levels.
    (2) Time-averaging provisions may not be used in determining 
typical exposure levels for devices intended for use by consumers in 
general population/uncontrolled environments as defined in Sec. 1.1310 
of this chapter. However, ``source-based'' time-averaging based on an 
inherent property or duty-cycle of a device is allowed. An example of 
this is the determination of exposure from a device that uses digital 
technology such as a time-division multiple-access (TDMA) scheme for 
transmission of a signal. In general, maximum average power levels must 
be used to determine compliance.
    (3) Compliance with exposure guidelines for mobile and unlicensed 
devices can be accomplished by the use of warning labels and by 
providing users with information concerning minimum separation 
distances from transmitting structures and proper installation of 
antennas.
    4. A new section 2.1093 is added to subpart J to read as follows:


Sec. 2.1093  Radiofrequency radiation exposure evaluation: portable 
devices.

    (a) Requirements of this section are a consequence of Commission 
responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act to 
evaluate the environmental significance of its actions. See subpart I 
of Part 1 of this chapter, in particular Sec. 1.1307(b).
    (b) For purposes of this section portable devices are defined as 
transmitters designed to be used within 20 centimeters of the body of 
the user.
    (c) Portable devices that operate in the Cellular Radiotelephone 
Service, the Personal Communications Services, the Satellite 
Communications services, the Maritime Services and the Specialized 
Mobile Radio Service authorized under subpart H of part 22 of this 
chapter, part 24 of this chapter, part 25 of this chapter, part 80 of 
this chapter (ship earth station devices only), part 90 of this chapter 
(``covered'' SMR devices only, as defined in the note to Table 1 of 
Sec. 1.1307(b)(1) of this chapter), and portable unlicensed personal 
communication service and millimeter wave devices authorized under 
Sec. 15.253, Sec. 15.255 or subpart D of part 15 of this chapter are 
subject to routine environmental evaluation for RF exposure prior to 
equipment authorization or use. All other portable transmitting devices 
are categorically excluded from routine environmental evaluation for RF 
exposure prior to equipment authorization, except as specified in 
Secs. 1.1307(c) and 1.1307(d) of this chapter. Applications for 
equipment authorization of portable transmitting devices subject to 
routine environmental evaluation must contain a statement confirming 
compliance with the limits specified in paragraph (d) of this section 
as part of their application. Technical information showing the basis 
for this statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
    (d) The limits to be used for evaluation are based generally on 
criteria published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 
for localized specific absorption rate (``SAR'') in Section 4.2 of 
``IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to 
Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz,'' ANSI/IEEE 
C95.1-1992, Copyright 1992 by the Institute of Electrical and 
Electronics Engineers, Inc., New York, New York 10017. These criteria 
for SAR evaluation are similar to those recommended by the National 
Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) in ``Biological 
Effects and Exposure Criteria for Radiofrequency Electromagnetic 
Fields,'' NCRP Report No. 86, Section 17.4.5. Copyright NCRP, 1986, 
Bethesda, Maryland 20814. SAR is a measure of the rate of energy 
absorption due to exposure to an RF transmitting source. SAR values 
have been related to threshold levels for potential biological hazards. 
The criteria to be used are

[[Page 41018]]

specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section.
    (1) Limits for Occupational/Controlled exposure: 0.4 W/kg as 
averaged over the whole-body and spatial peak SAR not exceeding 8 W/kg 
as averaged over any 1 gram of tissue (defined as a tissue volume in 
the shape of a cube). Exceptions are the hands, wrists, feet and ankles 
where the spatial peak SAR shall not exceed 20 W/kg, as averaged over 
an 10 grams of tissue (defined as a tissue volume in the shape of a 
cube). Occupational/Controlled limits apply when persons are exposed as 
a consequence of their employment provided these persons are fully 
aware of and exercise control over their exposure. Awareness of 
exposure can be accomplished by use of warning labels or by specific 
training or education through appropriate means, such as an RF safety 
program in a work environment.
    (2) Limits for General Population/Uncontrolled exposure: 0.08 W/kg 
as averaged over the whole-body and spatial peak SAR not exceeding 1.6 
W/kg as averaged over any 1 gram of tissue (defined as a tissue volume 
in the shape of a cube). Exceptions are the hands, wrists, feet and 
ankles where the spatial peak SAR shall not exceed 4 W/kg, as averaged 
over any 10 grams of tissue (defined as a tissue volume in the shape of 
a cube). General Population/Uncontrolled limits apply when the general 
public may be exposed, or when persons that are exposed as a 
consequence of their employment may not be fully aware of the potential 
for exposure or do not exercise control over their exposure. Warning 
labels placed on consumer devices such as cellular telephones will not 
be sufficient reason to allow these devices to be evaluated subject to 
limits for occupational/controlled exposure in paragraph (d)(1) of this 
section.
    (3) Compliance with SAR limits can be demonstrated by either 
laboratory measurement techniques or by computational modeling. 
Methodologies and references for SAR evaluation are described in 
numerous technical publications including ``IEEE Recommended Practice 
for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic Fields--RF 
and Microwave,'' IEEE C95.3-1991.
    (4) For purposes of analyzing portable transmitting devices under 
the occupational/controlled criteria, the time-averaging provisions of 
the MPE guidelines identified in Sec. 1.1310 of this chapter can be 
used in conjunction with typical maximum duty factors to determine 
maximum likely exposure levels.
    (5) Time-averaging provisions of the MPE guidelines identified in 
Sec. 1.1310 of this chapter may not be used in determining typical 
exposure levels for portable devices intended for use by consumers, 
such as hand-held cellular telephones, that are considered to operate 
in general population/uncontrolled environments as defined above. 
However, ``source-based'' time-averaging based on an inherent property 
or duty-cycle of a device is allowed. An example of this would be the 
determination of exposure from a device that uses digital technology 
such as a time-division multiple-access (TDMA) scheme for transmission 
of a signal. In general, maximum average power levels must be used to 
determine compliance.

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

    1. The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4, 302, 303, 304, 307 and 624A of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 307 
and 544A.

    2. Section 15.253 is amended by revising paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 15.253  Operation within the bands 46.7-46.9 GHz and 76.0-77.0 
GHz.

* * * * *
    (f) Regardless of the power density levels permitted under this 
section, devices operating under the provisions of this section are 
subject to the radiofrequency radiation exposure requirements specified 
in Sec. 1.1307(b), Sec. 2.1091 and Sec. 2.1093 of this chapter, as 
appropriate. Applications for equipment authorization of devices 
operating under this section must contain a statement confirming 
compliance with these requirements for both fundamental emissions and 
unwanted emissions. Technical information showing the basis for this 
statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
    3. Section 15.255 is amended by revising paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 15.255  Operation within the band 59.0-64.0 GHz.

* * * * *
    (g) Regardless of the power density levels permitted under this 
section, devices operating under the provisions of this section are 
subject to the radiofrequency radiation exposure requirements specified 
in Sec. 1.1307(b), Sec. 2.1091 and Sec. 2.1093 of this chapter, as 
appropriate. Applications for equipment authorization of devices 
operating under this section must contain a statement confirming 
compliance with these requirements for both fundamental emissions and 
unwanted emissions. Technical information showing the basis for this 
statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
    4. Section 15.319 is amended by revising paragraph (i), to read as 
follows:


Sec. 15.319  General technical requirements.

* * * * *
    (i) Unlicensed PCS devices are subject to the radiofrequency 
radiation exposure requirements specified in Sec. 1.1307(b), 
Sec. 2.1091 and Sec. 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. All 
equipment shall be considered to operate in a ``general population/
uncontrolled'' environment. Applications for equipment authorization of 
devices operating under this section must contain a statement 
confirming compliance with these requirements for both fundamental 
emissions and unwanted emissions. Technical information showing the 
basis for this statement must be submitted to the Commission upon 
request.

PART 24--PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for part 24 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 309, and 332, unless 
otherwise noted.

    2. Section 24.52 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 24.52  RF hazards.

    Licensees and manufacturers are subject to the radiofrequency 
radiation exposure requirements specified in Sec. 1.1307(b), 
Sec. 2.1091 and Sec. 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. 
Applications for equipment authorization of mobile or portable devices 
operating under this section must contain a statement confirming 
compliance with these requirements for both fundamental emissions and 
unwanted emissions. Technical information showing the basis for this 
statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.

PART 97--AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE

    1. The authority citation for part 97 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. Secs. 154, 
303. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 
47 U.S.C. Secs. 151-155, 301-609, unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 97.13 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:

[[Page 41019]]

Sec. 97.13  Restrictions on station location.

* * * * *
    (c) Before causing or allowing an amateur station to transmit from 
any place where the operation of the station could cause human exposure 
to levels of radiofrequency (RF) radiation in excess of that allowed 
under Sec. 1.1310 of this chapter, the licensee is required to take 
certain actions. A routine RF radiation evaluation, as discussed in 
Sec. 1.1307(b) of this chapter, is required if the transmitter power 
exceeds 50 watts peak envelope power; otherwise the operation is 
categorically excluded from routine RF radiation evaluation except as 
specified in Sec. 1.1307(c) and Sec. 1.1307(d) of this chapter. Where 
the routine evaluation indicates that the RF radiation could be in 
excess of the limits contained in Sec. 1.1310 of this chapter, the 
licensee must take action to prevent such an occurrence. Further 
information on evaluating compliance with these limits can be found in 
the FCC's OST/OET Bulletin Number 65, ``Evaluation Compliance with FCC-
Specified Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Radiation.''
    3. Section 97.503 is amended by revising paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), 
and (b)(3), and adding entry 10 to the table in paragraph (c) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 97.503  Element standards.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) Element 2: 35 questions concerning the privileges of a Novice 
Class operator license. The minimum passing score is 26 questions 
answered correctly.
    (2) Element 3(A): 30 questions concerning the privileges of a 
Technician Class operator license. The minimum passing score is 22 
questions answered correctly.
    (3) Element 3(B): 30 questions concerning the privileges of a 
General Class operator license. The minimum passing score is 22 
questions answered correctly.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Topics                  2     3(A)    3(B)    4(A)    4(B) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
         *        *        *        *        *        *        *        
(10) Radiofrequency                                                     
 environmental safety practices                                         
 at an amateur station..........       5       5       5       0       0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 96-20082 Filed 8-5-96; 2:01 pm]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P