[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46563-46570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21583]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 80 and 95

[WT Docket No. 95-56; FCC 96-315]


Amendment of the Commission's Rules Concerning Low Power Radio 
and Automated Maritime Telecommunications System Operations in the 216-
217 MHz Band

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This action amends the maritime service and personal radio 
service rules to permit the shared use of the 216-217 MHz band on a 
secondary, non-interference basis, for a new Low Power Radio Service 
(LPRS) to include auditory assistance devices, health care assistance 
devices, law enforcement tracking systems, and automated maritime 
telecommunications system (AMTS) point-to-point network control 
communications. The effect of this rule is to: increase educational 
opportunities and access to telecommunications devices for persons with 
disabilities; facilitate health care services, strengthen law 
enforcement, and maximize efficiency in the use of AMTS coast stations 
frequencies. This action promotes effective utilization of presently 
unused radio spectrum.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 4, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger Noel or Ira Keltz of the 
Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680 or 
via email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report 
and Order, FCC 96-315, adopted July 25, 1996, and released August 2, 
1996. The full 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, NW., Washington, DC. The 
complete text may be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, 
ITS, Inc., 2100 M Street NW., Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037, 
telephone (202) 857-3800.

Summary of Order

    1. The 216-220 MHz band was originally allocated to the AMTS to 
provide automated, integrated, interconnected ship-to-shore 
communications for vessel operators. The 216-217 MHz portion of the 
band, however, was found to be unusable by high power AMTS coast 
stations within 105 miles of TV channel 13 stations, which operate on 
the immediately adjacent 210-216 MHz band, due to the potential for 
harmful interference. On May 16, 1995, the Commission released a Notice 
of Proposed Rule Making, 60 FR 28079 (May 30, 1995), in this proceeding 
proposing to permit the shared use of the 216-217 MHz band for a new 
LPRS and low power AMTS communications.
    2. This action authorizes use of the 216-217 MHz band for a new 
service, the LPRS, for auditory assistance, radio-based health care, 
law enforcement tracking, and AMTS point-to-point network control 
communications. LPRS transmitters will be authorized on a secondary, 
non-interference, basis and must not cause harmful interference to TV 
receivers within the Grade B contour of any TV channel 13 station or 
cause harmful interference to the United States Navy's Space 
Surveillance System (SPASUR) operating in the 216.88-217.08 MHz band.
    3. Rather than licensing each station individually, this action 
authorizes LPRS transmitters by rule under the Citizens Band Radio 
Service in Part 95 of the Commission's rules. This approach greatly 
reduces administrative and economic burdens for individuals and 
organizations that will use LPRS systems by not requiring them to file 
license applications and remit fees to the Commission prior to using 
these low

[[Page 46564]]

power devices. Although these devices may be used anywhere in the 
United States, its territories, and possessions, LPRS devices may only 
be operated as follows: for auditory assistance communications 
(including but not limited to applications such as assistive listening 
devices, audio description for the blind, and simultaneous language 
translation); for health care related communications; for law 
enforcement tracking purposes; and for AMTS point-to-point network 
control communications.
    4. In order to promote flexible use of the 216-217 MHz band, the 
LPRS channel plan accommodates a variety of channel bandwidths and 
technologies. We believe that this flexible channel plan will allow 
consumers to choose equipment that best suits their needs. The channel 
plan permits LPRS transmitters (excluding AMTS) to utilize 40 twenty-
five kilohertz (standard band) channels, 20 fifty kilohertz (extra 
band) channels, or 200 five kilohertz (narrow band) channels. These 
channels are overlapping and extend throughout the entire one megahertz 
band. AMTS transmissions, however, will be limited to the 216.750-
217.000 MHz band and may use this entire segment as a single wideband 
channel or may use any of the three channelizations described above. In 
order to minimize the potential for harmful interference to TV 
reception and federal government radar, all LPRS transmissions are 
limited to 100 milliwatts effective radiated power and must comply with 
the out of band emission and frequency stability requirements as 
described in the final rules.
    5. This rule is necessary in order to provide for the utilization 
of presently unused radio spectrum. This action also furthers the goals 
of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Technology-
Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Act Amendments of 
1994 by promoting the development and use of affordable 
telecommunications devices by persons with disabilities in places such 
as educational settings, public gathering places, and health care 
facilities. Additionally, this action promotes the development of 
state-of-the-art law enforcement tools that will facilitate the 
reduction of crime and law enforcement costs by expediting the 
retrieval of stolen goods and apprehension of suspects. Finally, this 
action benefits vessel operators on our nation's waterways by 
increasing the efficiency of channel usage for AMTS coast stations.
    5. This Report and Order is issued under the authority of sections 
4(i), 302, 303(r), and 307(e) of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, 47 U.S.C. Secs. 154(i), 302, 303(r), and 307(e).

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 of Proposed Rule Making. The 
Commission sought written public comments on the proposals in the 
Notice of Proposed Rule Making, 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), Public Law No. 104-121, 110 Stat. 847 
(1996).

I. Need For and Purpose of this Action

    Our objective is to permit the shared use of the 216-217 MHz band 
on a secondary basis by a new Low Power Radio Service (LPRS)--
consisting of auditory assistance devices, health care aids, law 
enforcement tracking systems and AMTS point-to-point network control 
communications. This action will: (1) promote the utilization of 
presently unused spectrum; (2) speed development and delivery of 
advanced telecommunications devices for persons with disabilities and 
illnesses; (3) promote the development of tools for use by federal, 
state, and local law enforcement agencies in retrieving stolen goods 
and deterring crime; and (4) increase system efficiency in the AMTS.
    In creating a new LPRS, we find that the potential benefits to 
persons with disabilities and illnesses, the law enforcement community, 
and vessel operators exceed any negative effects that may result from 
the promulgation of rules for this purpose. Thus, we conclude that the 
public interest is served by creating a new LPRS in the 216-217 MHz 
band.

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

    No comments were filed in direct response to the IRFA. In general 
comments on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making, however, some small 
business commenters raised issues that might affect small entities. In 
particular, some small business commenters argued that requiring very 
low power LPRS devices to be licensed by the Commission would be overly 
burdensome on small entities and individuals and could deter them from 
using LPRS systems. Small business commenters also noted that the 
Commission should channelize the 216-217 MHz band in order to promote 
the conversion of existing equipment (operating in 72-76 MHz band) to 
the higher band and the rapid deployment of auditory assistance 
systems. Further, small business commenters asked the Commission to 
eliminate the requirement for LPRS transmitters to employ crystal 
oscillators to control frequency stability. These small business 
commenters noted that there may be other technologies that may be 
economically and technically viable, while providing adequate frequency 
control. The Commission carefully considered each of these comments in 
reaching the decisions set forth in this Notice.

III. Changes Made to the Proposed Rules

    In the Notice of Proposed Rule Making, the Commission proposed to 
generally license LPRS stations regionally based on Metropolitan 
Statistical Areas (MSAs) and Rural Service Areas (RSAs), with the AMTS 
stations licensed under the Maritime Service Rules in Part 80 and two 
of the law enforcement tracking channels under the Police Radio Service 
in Part 90. The Commission also proposed to require the public to apply 
for these licenses using FCC Form 600 or FCC Form 503 (AMTS only). 
However, the Commission here determines that the public interest is 
served by licensing all LPRS stations by rule, rather than 
individually. The Commission proposed to divide the 216-217 MHz band 
into 40, twenty-five kilohertz channels. In order to promote technical 
flexibility and allow consumers to choose among a broader range of low 
power equipment, the Commission decided to instead divide the band into 
40, twenty-five kilohertz channels (standard band), 20, fifty kilohertz 
channels (extra band), 200, five kilohertz channels (narrowband), and 
permit AMTS operations in the highest two hundred fifty kilohertz block 
of the band. The Commission proposed to permit 100 milliwatt and 1 watt 
transmissions in the lower and upper portions of the 216-217 MHz band, 
respectively. Based on the comments, however, the Commission decides to 
instead limit LPRS transmitter power to 100 milliwatts. The Commission 
also deviates from the proposed rules to expand the scope of the LPRS 
to include auditory assistance services for all persons in educational 
settings and persons that require language translation in any setting. 
The

[[Page 46565]]

Commission decides not to specify the means by which manufacturers may 
provide for frequency stability in LPRS transmitters. Finally, the 
Commission determines that it is unnecessary for AMTS licensees to 
notify channel 13 TV stations of proposed LPRS point-to-point 
operations other than those stations that were not originally notified 
at licensing.

IV. Description and Estimate of the Small Entities Subject to the Rules

    The rules adopted in this Report and Order will apply to small 
businesses that choose to use, manufacturer, design, import, or sell 
auditory assistance devices, radio-based health care aids, law 
enforcement tracking systems, or AMTS point-to-point transmitters. 
There is no requirement, however, for any entity to use or produce 
these types of products.
A. Estimates for LPRS Manufacturers/Importers
    The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
specifically applicable to LPRS manufacturers and importers. Therefore, 
the applicable definition of small entity is the definition under the 
Small Business Administration rules applicable to radio and television 
broadcasting and communications equipment manufacturers. This 
definition provides that a small entity is any entity employing less 
than 750 persons. See 13 CFR Sec. 121.201, Standard Industrial 
Classification (SIC) Code 3663. Additionally, the Small Business 
Administration rules state that wholesale electronic parts and 
equipment firms must have 100 or fewer employees in order to qualify as 
a small business entity. See 13 CFR Sec. 121.201. 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 entities that may choose to manufacture 
LPRS equipment and is unable at this time to make a meaningful estimate 
of the number of potential manufacturers which are small businesses.
    The 1992 Census of Manufacturers, conducted by the Bureau of 
Census, which is the most comprehensive and recent information 
available, shows that approximately 925 out of the 948 entities 
manufacturing radio and television transmitting equipment in 1992 
employed less than 750 persons. We are unable to discern from the 
Census data precisely how many of these manufacturers produce devices 
similar to those that will be used under the new LPRS. Further, any 
entity may choose to manufacture LPRS equipment. Further, 12,161 of the 
12,654 wholesale electronic parts and equipment firms have fewer than 
100 employees, and would be classified as small entities. Therefore, 
for purposes of our evaluations and conclusions in this Final 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, we estimate that there are at least 
13,086 potential manufacturers or importers of LPRS equipment which are 
small businesses, as that term is defined by the Small Business 
Administration.
B. Estimates for AMTS Licensees
    The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
specifically applicable to AMTS licensees. Therefore, the applicable 
definition of small entity is the definition under the Small Business 
Administration rules applicable to radiotelephone service providers. 
This definition provides that a small entity is any entity employing 
less than 1,500 persons. See 13 CFR Sec. 121.201, Standard Industrial 
Classification (SIC) Code 4812. 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 AMTS businesses and is unable at this time to determine 
the precise number of AMTS firms which are small businesses.
    The size data provided by the Small Business Administration does 
not enable us to make a meaningful estimate of the number of AMTS firms 
which are small businesses. Therefore, we used the 1992 Census of 
Transportation, Communications, and Utilities, conducted by the Bureau 
of the Census, which is the most recent information available. This 
document 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. There are three AMTS licensees which are authorized on an 
exclusive basis along the Mississippi River, portions of the West 
Coast, and nearly the entire East Coast. Because most of the nation's 
coastline has or will be covered by the present licensees, it is 
unlikely that a large number of additional licenses will be authorized 
in the future. Therefore, for purposes of our evaluations and 
conclusions in this Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, we estimate 
that there are three AMTS licensees which are small businesses, as that 
term is defined by the Small Business Administration.

V. Summary of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    In order to facilitate operation of LPRS devices without individual 
licenses, we are imposing four separate regulatory burdens that may 
affect small businesses.
    (1) Prior to marketing an LPRS device in the U.S., a manufacturer 
must have the unit type accepted by the Commission under the technical 
criteria set forth in the final rules. The criteria include channel 
specifications and emission limitations that will facilitate the shared 
use of the 216-217 MHz band by a diverse group of users. All classes of 
small businesses could potentially be affected by this requirement. In 
order to have a unit type accepted, a small entity would have to test 
the radio equipment and provide clerical support to file the requisite 
FCC application forms. Both of these functions could be handled by a 
third party.
    (2) Each LPRS transmitter sold must have included with it the 
following statement: ``This transmitter is authorized by rule under the 
Low Power Radio Service (47 C.F.R. Part 95) and must not cause harmful 
interference to TV reception or United States Navy SPASUR 
installations. You do not need an FCC license to operate this 
transmitter. This transmitter may only be used to provide: auditory 
assistance to persons with disabilities, persons who require language 
translation, or persons in educational settings; health care services 
to the ill; law enforcement tracking services under agreement with a 
law enforcement agency; or automated maritime telecommunications system 
(AMTS) network control communications Two-way voice communications and 
all other types of uses are expressly prohibited.'' All classes of 
small businesses could potentially be affected. Because the Commission 
is providing specific language to be included with each device, a small 
business would need clerical support to add this language to the 
instruction manual for the device.
    (3) Unless the transmitter is so small as to make this requirement 
impractical, each LPRS transmitter sold must bear the following 
statement in a conspicuous location on the device: ``This device may 
not interfere with TV reception or federal government radar, and must 
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause 
undesired operation.'' The Commission does not specifiy whether this 
statement must be inscribed into

[[Page 46566]]

the unit or attached via a label or sticker.
    (4) AMTS licensees must notify, in writing, each television station 
that may be affected by these new low power operations. There is no 
need, however, for AMTS licensees to renotify television stations that 
were previously alerted concerning AMTS operations in their areas.

VI. Steps Taken to Minimize the Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities

    The Commission in this proceeding has considered comments on ways 
to implement a new LPRS. In doing so, the Commission has adopted 
alternatives which minimize burdens placed on small entities. First, it 
has decided not to require LPRS transmitters to be individually 
licensed, as proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rule Making in this 
proceeding. This approach eliminates the need for small entities and 
individuals to apply for a license and remit processing fees. Second, 
as the small business commenters point out, dividing the 216-217 MHz 
band into forty, twenty-five kilohertz channels will allow existing 
equipment designs (e.g., 72-76 MHz band equipment) to be converted to 
permit operation in the higher band. This approach promotes the rapid 
delivery of LPRS devices to the public with a minimum negative impact 
on manufacturers who are small businesses. Third, it has decided not to 
require LPRS transmitter stability to be controlled by crystal 
oscillators. This approach permits manufacturers to use other 
technologies that may be cheaper to implement and can provide 
equivalent, if not better, control of a unit's operating frequency. 
Fourth, it has decided not to require AMTS licensees to renotify 
broadcast licensees prior to commencing point-to-point operations under 
the LPRS. Renotification is unnecessary because AMTS applicants already 
notify affected broadcast licensees prior to licensing. Further, it is 
unlikely that AMTS point-to-point operations will affect broadcast 
licensees that have not already been notified. This action eliminates 
unnecessary economic and administrative burdens for AMTS providers that 
are also small businesses. Fifth, the Commission has taken steps to 
minimize the economic burdens associated with the labeling requirement 
found in Sec. 95.1017. The Commission minimized the number of words to 
be included in the label (half the number of words required for similar 
devices under Part 15 of our rules) and did not require the words to be 
engraved or molded into the transmitter unit. This action reduces 
burdens and increases flexibility for manufacturers that are also small 
entities.

VII. Significant Alternatives Considered and Rejected

    The Commission considered and rejected several significant 
alternatives. The Commission rejected the alternative of requiring LPRS 
transmitters to be licensed individually because it determined that 
such a procedure would not further spectrum management or enforcement 
goals and would place administrative and economic burdens on the 
public. The Commission also rejected the alternative of permitting one-
watt transmissions in the 216-217 MHz band because of the potential for 
harmful interference to TV reception. Finally, the Commission rejected 
the alternative of requiring the use of crystal oscillators because 
there are other technologies that can control frequency stability that 
may be cheaper and just as efficient to implement. By rejecting these 
alternatives, the Commission seeks to provide flexibility in the 
licensing and design of these low power transmitters while eliminating 
unnecessary regulatory burdens for small entities.

VIII. 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 80

    Communications equipment, Radio, Vessels.

47 CFR Part 95

    Communications equipment, Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Parts 80 and 95 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations are amended as follows:

PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 80 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 
U.S.C. 154, 303, unless otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 
1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609; 3 UST 
3450, 3 UST 4726, 12 UST 2377.

    2. Section 80.385 is amended by revising footnote 2 to the table in 
paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:


Sec. 80.385  Frequencies for automated systems.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) * * *
    \2\ Coast station operation on frequencies in Groups C and D are 
not currently assignable and are shared on a secondary basis with 
the Low Power Radio Service in part 95 of this chapter. Frequencies 
in the band 216.750-217.000 MHz band are available for low power 
point-to-point network control communications by AMTS coast stations 
under the Low Power Radio Service (LPRS). LPRS operations are 
subject to the conditions that no harmful interference is caused to 
the United States Navy's SPASUR radar system (216.88-217.08 MHz) or 
to TV reception within the Grade B contour of any TV channel 13 
station or within the 68 dBu predicted contour of any low power TV 
or TV translator station operating on channel 13.
* * * * *

PART 95--PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 95 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 
U.S.C. 154, 303.

    2. Section 95.401 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 95.401  (CB Rule 1) What are the Citizens Band Radio Services?

* * * * *
    (c) The Low Power Radio Service (LPRS)--a private, short-distance 
communication service providing auditory assistance to persons with 
disabilities, persons who require language translation, and persons in 
educational settings, health care assistance to the ill, law 
enforcement tracking services in cooperation with law enforcement, and 
point-to-point network control communications for Automated Marine 
Telecommunications System (AMTS) coast stations licensed under part 80 
of this chapter. The rules for this service are listed under subpart G 
of this part. Two-way voice communications are prohibited.
    3. Section 95.601 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 95.601  Basis and purpose.

    This section provides the technical standards to which each 
transmitter (apparatus that converts electrical energy received from a 
source into RF (radio frequency) energy capable of

[[Page 46567]]

being radiated) used or intended to be used in a station authorized in 
any of the Personal Radio Services must comply. This section also 
provides requirements for obtaining type acceptance or type 
certification for such transmitters. The Personal Radio Services are 
the GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)--subpart A, the Family Radio 
Service (FRS)--subpart B, the R/C (Radio Control Radio Service)--
subpart C, the CB (Citizens Band Radio Service)--subpart D, and the Low 
Power Radio Service (LPRS)--subpart G.
    4. Section 95.603 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 95.603  Type acceptance or certification required.

* * * * *
    (e) Each Low Power Radio Service transmitter (a transmitter that 
operates or is intended to operate in the LPRS) must be type accepted.
    5. Section 95.605 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 95.605  Type acceptance and certification procedures.

    Any entity may request type acceptance for its transmitter when the 
transmitter is used in the GMRS, R/C, CB, IVDS, or LPRS following the 
procedures in part 2 of this chapter.
    Any entity may request certification for its transmitter when the 
transmitter is used in the FRS following the procedures in part 2 of 
this chapter.
    6. Sections 95.629 through 95.671 are redesignated as 95.631 
through 95.673 respectively, and a new Section 95.629 is added to read 
as follows:


Sec. 95.629  LPRS transmitter frequencies.

    (a) LPRS transmitters may operate on any frequency listed in 
paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section. Channels 19, 20, 50, and 
151-160 are available exclusively for law enforcement tracking 
purposes. AMTS transmissions are limited to the 216.750-217.000 MHz 
band for low power point-to-point network control communications by 
AMTS coast stations. Other AMTS transmissions in the 216-217 MHz band 
are prohibited.
    (b) Standard band channels.
    (1) The following table indicates standard band frequencies. The 
channel bandwidth is 25 kHz.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Center  
                        Channel No.                           frequency 
                                                                (MHz)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 1.........................................................     216.0125
 2.........................................................     216.0375
 3.........................................................     216.0625
 4.........................................................     216.0875
 5.........................................................     216.1125
 6.........................................................     216.1375
 7.........................................................     216.1625
 8.........................................................     216.1875
 9.........................................................     216.2125
10.........................................................     216.2375
11.........................................................     216.2625
12.........................................................     216.2875
13.........................................................     216.3125
14.........................................................     216.3375
15.........................................................     216.3625
16.........................................................     216.3875
17.........................................................     216.4125
18.........................................................     216.4375
19.........................................................     216.4625
20.........................................................     216.4875
21.........................................................     216.5125
22.........................................................     216.5375
23.........................................................     216.5625
24.........................................................     216.5875
25.........................................................     216.6125
26.........................................................     216.6375
27.........................................................     216.6625
28.........................................................     216.6875
29.........................................................     216.7125
30.........................................................     216.7375
31.........................................................     216.7625
32.........................................................     216.7875
33.........................................................     216.8125
34.........................................................     216.8375
35.........................................................     216.8625
36.........................................................     216.8875
37.........................................................     216.9125
38.........................................................     216.9375
39.........................................................     216.9625
40.........................................................     216.9875
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) LPRS transmitters operating on standard band channels must be 
maintained within a frequency stability of 50 parts per million.
    (c) Extra band channels.
    (1) The following table indicates extra band frequencies. The 
channel bandwidth is 50 kHz.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Center  
                        Channel No.                           frequency 
                                                                (MHz)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.........................................................      216.025
42.........................................................      216.075
43.........................................................      216.125
44.........................................................      216.175
45.........................................................      216.225
46.........................................................      216.275
47.........................................................      216.325
48.........................................................      216.375
49.........................................................      216.425
50.........................................................      216.475
51.........................................................      216.525
52.........................................................      216.575
53.........................................................      216.625
54.........................................................      216.675
55.........................................................      216.725
56.........................................................      216.775
57.........................................................      216.825
58.........................................................      216.875
59.........................................................      216.925
60.........................................................      216.975
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) LPRS transmitters operating on extra band channels must be 
maintained within a frequency stability of 50 parts per million.
    (d) Narrowband channels.
    (1) The following table indicates narrowband frequencies. The 
channel bandwidth is 5 kHz and the authorized bandwidth is 4 kHz.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Center  
                        Channel No.                           frequency 
                                                                (MHz)   
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 61........................................................     216.0025
 62........................................................     216.0075
 63........................................................     216.0125
 64........................................................     216.0175
 65........................................................     216.0225
 66........................................................     216.0275
 67........................................................     216.0325
 68........................................................     216.0375
 69........................................................     216.0425
 70........................................................     216.0475
 71........................................................     216.0525
 72........................................................     216.0575
 73........................................................     216.0625
 74........................................................     216.0675
 75........................................................     216.0725
 76........................................................     216.0775
 77........................................................     216.0825
 78........................................................     216.0875
 79........................................................     216.0925
 80........................................................     216.0975
 81........................................................     216.1025
 82........................................................     216.1075
 83........................................................     216.1125
 84........................................................     216.1175
 85........................................................     216.1225
 86........................................................     216.1275
 87........................................................     216.1325
 88........................................................     216.1375
 89........................................................     216.1425
 90........................................................     216.1475
 91........................................................     216.1525
 92........................................................     216.1575
 93........................................................     216.1625
 94........................................................     216.1675
 95........................................................     216.1725
 96........................................................     216.1775
 97........................................................     216.1825
 98........................................................     216.1875
 99........................................................     216.1925
100........................................................     216.1975
101........................................................     216.2025
102........................................................     216.2075
103........................................................     216.2125
104........................................................     216.2175
105........................................................     216.2225
106........................................................     216.2275
107........................................................     216.2325
108........................................................     216.2375
109........................................................     216.2425
110........................................................     216.2475
111........................................................     216.2525
112........................................................     216.2575
113........................................................     216.2625
114........................................................     216.2675
115........................................................     216.2725
116........................................................     216.2775
117........................................................     216.2825
118........................................................     216.2875
119........................................................     216.2925
120........................................................     216.2975
121........................................................     216.3025
122........................................................     216.3075
123........................................................     216.3125
124........................................................     216.3175

[[Page 46568]]

                                                                        
125........................................................     216.3225
126........................................................     216.3275
127........................................................     216.3325
128........................................................     216.3375
129........................................................     216.3425
130........................................................     216.3475
131........................................................     216.3525
132........................................................     216.3575
133........................................................     216.3625
134........................................................     216.3675
135........................................................     216.3725
136........................................................     216.3775
137........................................................     216.3825
138........................................................     216.3875
139........................................................     216.3925
140........................................................     216.3975
141........................................................     216.4025
142........................................................     216.4075
143........................................................     216.4125
144........................................................     216.4175
145........................................................     216.4225
146........................................................     216.4275
147........................................................     216.4325
148........................................................     216.4375
149........................................................     216.4425
150........................................................     216.4475
151........................................................     216.4525
152........................................................     216.4575
153........................................................     216.4625
154........................................................     216.4675
155........................................................     216.4725
156........................................................     216.4775
157........................................................     216.4825
158........................................................     216.4875
159........................................................     216.4925
160........................................................     216.4975
161........................................................     216.5025
162........................................................     216.5075
163........................................................     216.5125
164........................................................     216.5175
165........................................................     216.5225
166........................................................     216.5275
167........................................................     216.5325
168........................................................     216.5375
169........................................................     216.5425
170........................................................     216.5475
171........................................................     216.5525
172........................................................     216.5575
173........................................................     216.5625
174........................................................     216.5675
175........................................................     216.5725
176........................................................     216.5775
177........................................................     216.5825
178........................................................     216.5875
179........................................................     216.5925
180........................................................     216.5975
181........................................................     216.6025
182........................................................     216.6075
183........................................................     216.6125
184........................................................     216.6175
185........................................................     216.6225
186........................................................     216.6275
187........................................................     216.6325
188........................................................     216.6375
189........................................................     216.6425
190........................................................     216.6475
191........................................................     216.6525
192........................................................     216.6575
193........................................................     216.6625
194........................................................     216.6675
195........................................................     216.6725
196........................................................     216.6775
197........................................................     216.6825
198........................................................     216.6875
199........................................................     216.6925
200........................................................     216.6975
201........................................................     216.7025
202........................................................     216.7075
203........................................................     216.7125
204........................................................     216.7175
205........................................................     216.7225
206........................................................     216.7275
207........................................................     216.7325
208........................................................     216.7375
209........................................................     216.7425
210........................................................     216.7475
211........................................................     216.7525
212........................................................     216.7575
213........................................................     216.7625
214........................................................     216.7675
215........................................................     216.7725
216........................................................     216.7775
217........................................................     216.7825
218........................................................     216.7875
219........................................................     216.7925
220........................................................     216.7975
221........................................................     216.8025
222........................................................     216.8075
223........................................................     216.8125
224........................................................     216.8175
225........................................................     216.8225
226........................................................     216.8275
227........................................................     216.8325
228........................................................     216.8375
229........................................................     216.8425
230........................................................     216.8475
231........................................................     216.8525
232........................................................     216.8575
233........................................................     216.8625
234........................................................     216.8675
235........................................................     216.8725
236........................................................     216.8775
237........................................................     216.8825
238........................................................     216.8875
239........................................................     216.8925
240........................................................     216.8975
241........................................................     216.9025
242........................................................     216.9075
243........................................................     216.9125
244........................................................     216.9175
245........................................................     216.9225
246........................................................     216.9275
247........................................................     216.9325
248........................................................     216.9375
249........................................................     216.9425
250........................................................     216.9475
251........................................................     216.9525
252........................................................     216.9575
253........................................................     216.9625
254........................................................     216.9675
255........................................................     216.9725
256........................................................     216.9775
257........................................................     216.9825
258........................................................     216.9875
259........................................................     216.9925
260........................................................     216.9975
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) LPRS transmitters operating on narrowband channels must be 
maintained within a frequency stability of 1.5 parts per million.
    7. Section 95.631 is amended by adding paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 95.631  Emission types.

* * * * *
    (g) An LPRS station may transmit any emission type appropriate for 
communications in this service. Two-way voice communications, however, 
are prohibited.
    8. Section 95.633 is amended by adding paragraph (d) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 95.633  Emission bandwidth.

* * * * *
    (d) For transmitters in the LPRS:
    (1) The authorized bandwidth for narrowband frequencies is 4 kHz 
and the channel bandwidth is 5 kHz
    (2) The channel bandwidth for standard band frequencies is 25 kHz.
    (3) The channel bandwidth for extra band frequencies is 50 kHz.
    (4) AMTS stations may use the 216.750-217.000 MHz band as a single 
250 kHz channel so long as the signal is attenuated as specified in 
Sec. 95.635(c).
    9. Section 95.635 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 95.635  Unwanted radiation.

* * * * *
    (c) For transmitters designed to operate in the LPRS, emissions 
shall be attenuated in accordance with the following:
    (1) Emissions for LPRS transmitters operating on standard band 
channels (25 kHz) shall be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier in 
accordance with the following:
    (i) Emissions 12.5 kHz to 22.5 kHz away from the channel center 
frequency: at least 30 dB; and
    (ii) Emissions more than 22.5 kHz away from the channel center 
frequency: at least 43 + 10log(carrier power in watts) dB.
    (2) Emissions for LPRS transmitters operating on extra band 
channels (50 kHz) shall be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier in 
accordance with the following:
    (i) Emissions 25 kHz to 35 kHz from the channel center frequency: 
at least 30 dB; and
    (ii) Emissions more than 35 kHz away from the channel center 
frequency: at least 43 + 10log(carrier power in watts) dB.
    (3) Emissions for LPRS transmitters operating on narrowband 
channels (5 kHz) shall be attenuated below the power (P) of the highest 
emission, measured in peak values, contained within the authorized 
bandwidth (4 kHz) in accordance with the following:
    (i) On any frequency within the authorized bandwidth: Zero dB;
    (ii) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized 
bandwidth by a displacement frequency (fd in kHz)

[[Page 46569]]

of more than 2 kHz up to and including 3.75 kHz: The lesser of 30 + 
20(fd-2) dB, or 55 + 10 log(P), or 65 dB; and
    (iii) On any frequency beyond 3.75 kHz removed from the center of 
the authorized bandwidth: At least 55 + 10 log(P) dB.
    (4) Emissions from AMTS transmitters using a single 250 kHz channel 
shall be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier in accordance with 
the following:
    (i) Emissions from 125 kHz to 135 kHz away from the channel center 
frequency; at least 30 dB; and
    (ii) Emissions more than 135 kHz away from the channel center 
frequency; at least 43 + 10log(carrier power in watts) dB.
    10. Section 95.639 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 95.639  Maximum transmitter power.

* * * * *
    (e) The maximum transmitter output power authorized for LPRS 
stations is 100 mW.
    11. Section 95.649 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 95.649  Power capability.

    No CB, R/C, LPRS transmitter, or FRS unit shall incorporate 
provisions for increasing its transmitter power to any level in excess 
of the limits specified in Sec. 95.639.
    12. Section 95.651 is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 95.651  Crystal control required.

    All transmitters used in the Personal Radio Services must be 
crystal controlled, except an R/C station that transmits in the 26-27 
MHz frequency band, a FRS unit, and a LPRS unit.
    13. A new Subpart G is added to Part 95 to read as follows:

Subpart G--Low Power Radio Service (LPRS).

General Provisions

Sec.
95.1001  Eligibility.
95.1003  Authorized locations.
95.1005  Station identification.
95.1007  Station inspection.
95.1009  Permissible communications.
95.1011  Channel use policy.
95.1013  Antennas.
95.1015  Disclosure policies.
95.1017  Labeling requirements.
95.1019  Marketing limitations.

Subpart G--Low Power Radio Service (LPRS).

General Provisions


Sec. 95.1001  Eligibility.

    An entity is authorized by rule to operate a LPRS transmitter and 
is not required to be individually licensed by the FCC if it is not a 
representative of a foreign government and if it uses the transmitter 
only in accordance with Sec. 95.1009. Each entity operating a LPRS 
transmitter for AMTS purposes must hold an AMTS license under part 80 
of this chapter.


Sec. 95.1003  Authorized locations.

    LPRS operation is authorized:
    (a) Anywhere CB station operation is permitted under 
Sec. 95.405(a); and
    (b) Aboard any vessel or aircraft of the United States, with the 
permission of the captain, while the vessel or aircraft is either 
travelling domestically or in international waters or airspace.


Sec. 95.1005  Station identification.

    An LPRS station is not required to transmit a station 
identification announcement.


Sec. 95.1007  Station inspection.

    All LPRS system apparatus must be made available for inspection 
upon request by an authorized FCC representative.


Sec. 95.1009  Permissible communications.

    LPRS stations may transmit voice, data, or tracking signals as 
permitted in this section. Two-way voice communications are prohibited.
    (a) Auditory assistance communications (including but not limited 
to applications such as assistive listening devices, audio description 
for the blind, and simultaneous language translation) for:
    (1) Persons with disabilities. In the context of the LPRS, the term 
``disability'' has the meaning given to it by section 3(2)(A) of the 
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102(2)(A)), i.e, 
persons with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits 
one or more of the major life activities of such individuals;
    (2) Persons who require language translation; or
    (3) Persons who may otherwise benefit from auditory assistance 
communications in educational settings.
    (b) Health care related communications for the ill.
    (c) Law enforcement tracking signals (for homing or interrogation) 
including the tracking of persons or stolen goods under authority or 
agreement with a law enforcement agency (federal, state, or local) 
having jurisdiction in the area where the transmitters are placed.
    (d) AMTS point-to-point network control communications.


Sec. 95.1011  Channel use policy.

    (a) The channels authorized to LPRS systems by this part are 
available on a shared basis only and will not be assigned for the 
exclusive use of any entity.
    (b) Those using LPRS transmitters must cooperate in the selection 
and use of channels in order to reduce interference and make the most 
effective use of the authorized facilities. Channels must be selected 
in an effort to avoid interference to other LPRS transmissions.
    (c) Operation is subject to the conditions that no harmful 
interference is caused to the United States Navy's SPASUR radar system 
(216.88-217.08 MHz) or to TV reception within the Grade B contour of 
any TV channel 13 station or within the 68 dBu predicted contour of any 
low power TV or TV translator station operating on channel 13.


Sec. 95.1013  Antennas.

    (a) The maximum allowable ERP for a station in the LPRS is 100 mW.
    (b) AMTS stations must employ directional antennas.
    (c) Antennas used with LPRS units must comply with the following:
    (1) For LPRS units operating entirely within an enclosed structure, 
e.g., a building, there is no limit on antenna height;
    (2) For LPRS units not operating entirely within an enclosed 
structure, the tip of the antenna shall not exceed 30.5 meters (100 
feet) above ground. In cases where harmful interference occurs the FCC 
may require that the antenna height be reduced; and
    (3) The height limitation in paragraph (c)(2) of this section does 
not apply to LPRS units in which the antenna is an integral part of the 
unit.


Sec. 95.1015  Disclosure policies.

    (a) Manufacturers of LPRS transmitters used for auditory 
assistance, health care assistance, and law enforcement tracking 
purposes must include with each transmitting device the following 
statement: ``This transmitter is authorized by rule under the Low Power 
Radio Service (47 C.F.R. Part 95) and must not cause harmful 
interference to TV reception or United States Navy SPASUR 
installations. You do not need an FCC license to operate this 
transmitter. This transmitter may only be used to provide: auditory 
assistance to persons with disabilities, persons who require language 
translation, or persons in educational settings; health care services 
to the ill; law enforcement tracking services under agreement with a 
law enforcement agency; or automated maritime telecommunications system 
(AMTS) network control communications. Two-

[[Page 46570]]

way voice communications and all other types of uses not mentioned 
above are expressly prohibited.''
    (b) Prior to operating a LPRS transmitter for AMTS purposes, an 
AMTS licensee must notify, in writing, each television station that may 
be affected by such operations, as defined in Sec. 80.215(h) of this 
chapter. The notification provided with the station's license 
application is sufficient to satisfy this requirement if no new 
television stations would be affected.


Sec. 95.1017  Labeling requirements.

    (a) Each LPRS transmitting device shall bear the following 
statement in a conspicuous location on the device: ``This device may 
not interfere with TV reception or federal government radar, and must 
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause 
undesired operation.''
    (b) Where an LPRS device is constructed in two or more sections 
connected by wires and marketed together, the statement specified in 
this section is required to be affixed only to the main control unit.
    (c) When the LPRS device is so small or for such use that it is not 
practicable to place the statement specified in the section on it, the 
statement must be placed in a prominent location in the instruction 
manual or pamphlet supplied to the user or, alternatively, shall be 
placed on the container in which the device is marketed.


Sec. 95.1019  Marketing limitations.

    Transmitters intended for operation in the LPRS may be marketed and 
sold only for those uses described in Sec. 95.1109.

[FR Doc. 96-21583 Filed 9-3-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-U