[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 23176]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10844]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 73

[MM Docket No. 87-267; FCC 97-68]


Implementation of the AM Expanded Band Allotment Plan

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; petitions for reconsideration.

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SUMMARY: In Implementation of the AM Expanded Band Allotment Plan, FCC 
97-68, the Federal Communications Commission granted in part and denied 
in part petitions for reconsideration of Comments in Response to 
Reconsideration of Implementation of the AM Expanded Band and Allotment 
Plan, FCC 96-113, April 18, 1996 (61 FR 16878), and Public Notice, Mass 
Media Bureau Announces Revised Expanded AM Broadcast Band Improvement 
Factors and Allotment Plan, DA 96-408 (released March 22, 1996). By 
this action the Commission rescinds the second allotment plan for the 
AM expanded band, i.e., 1605-1705 kHz, modifies the frequency 
preclusion program, and eliminates software and coding errors in the 
frequency preclusion and allotment computer programs. This action was 
taken to ensure that the stations assigned expanded band frequencies 
would protect existing stations, conform to international agreements, 
and provide interference-free reception within their service areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 17, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter H. Doyle, Audio Services 
Division, Mass Media Bureau, (202) 418-2625.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Concurrent with the release of 
Implementation of the AM Expanded Band Allotment Plan, the Commission's 
Mass Media Bureau released a Public Notice announcing a revised eighty-
eight station Expanded Band Allotment Plan in the frequency band 
between 1605 and 1705 kHz. The Revised Expanded Band Allotment Plan 
identifies stations eligible for specific allotments. See Public Notice 
DA 97-537, released March 17, 1997. Such licensees will also be 
notified individually by letter. Identified stations are afforded until 
June 16, 1997 to file an application for construction permit on the 
allotted channel. Applications will be subject to petitions to deny but 
not to competing applications. Each Expanded Band permittee, following 
grant of construction permit applications and construction of 
authorized facilities, will be required to file an application for 
covering license on FCC Form 302. Expanded Band licensees will receive 
authorizations permitting dual frequency operations for a period not to 
exceed five years. The full text of the Implementation of the AM 
Expanded Band Allotment Plan, FCC 97-68, adopted February 27, 1997 and 
released March 17, 1997 is available for inspection and copying during 
normal business hours in the FCC Dockets Branch (Room 230), 1919 M 
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. (See MM Docket 87-267). The complete text 
of this order may also be purchased from the Commission's copy 
contractor, International Transcription Service (ITS), 2100 M Street, 
NW, Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-10844 Filed 4-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P