[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 130 (Monday, July 8, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 45114]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-16903]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[DA 02-1440]


Freeze on the Filing of TV and DTV ``Maximization'' Applications 
in Channels 52-59

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This document announces an immediate freeze on the filing of 
``maximization'' applications, as defined further, by analog and 
digital television broadcast stations in the 698-746 MHz spectrum band, 
currently comprising television channels 52-59. This freeze will assist 
participants in Auction No. 44, consisting of spectrum licenses in the 
698-746 MHz band (Lower 700 MHz band), to determine the areas 
potentially available in the band for the provision of service by 
auction winners before the channels are cleared of broadcast stations 
at the end of the DTV transition.

DATES: The Freeze became effective on June 18, 2002

ADDRESSES: 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kim Matthews, Policy Division, Media 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-2120.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Beginning immediately, and until further 
notice, the Federal Communications Commission (``Commission'') will not 
accept for filing television modification applications that would 
increase a station's analog or DTV service area in channels 52-59 in 
one or more directions beyond the combined area resulting from the 
station's parameters as defined in the following: (1) The DTV Table of 
Allotments; (2) Commission authorizations (license and/or construction 
permit); and (3) applications on file with the Commission prior to 
release of this Notice. We will continue to process applications on 
file as of June 18, 2002, the date this Notice was released. The Media 
Bureau may consider, on a case by case basis and consistent with the 
public interest, amendments to those applications to, for example, 
resolve interference with other stations or pending applications or 
resolve mutual exclusivity with other pending applications.
    The Bureau will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests for 
waiver of this freeze where the modification application: (1) Would 
permit co-location of transmitter sites in a market in circumstances 
consistent with the Commission's policy of encouraging co-location to 
reduce the cost of construction, particularly of DTV facilities, or to 
achieve more efficient spectrum use; or (2) is necessary or otherwise 
in the public interest for technical or other reasons to maintain 
quality service to the public, such as where zoning restrictions 
preclude tower construction at a particular site or where unforeseen 
events, such as extreme weather events or other extraordinary 
circumstances, require relocation to a new tower site. In particular, 
we would be inclined to grant waivers of the freeze for broadcast 
stations that seek new tower sites due to the events of September 11, 
2001.
    As with any request for waiver of our rules, a request for waiver 
of the freeze imposed in this Notice will be granted only upon a 
showing of good cause and where grant of the waiver will serve the 
public interest.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
[FR Doc. 02-16903 Filed 7-5-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P