How can I obtain a translator for my LPFM station?

What are the steps to obtain an FM translator for an LPFM station?

1. Find someone who has a license or construction permit for a translator and is willing to sell it to your organization. Note that translator prices have risen due to increased demand, such as rebroadcasting HD-2 channels of commercial broadcast stations.
2. The translator must be physically near your LPFM station. There’s no 250-mile rule for moving a translator that won’t be used for AM radio.
3. If the translator needs to be moved to a different site, there must be contour overlap between the translator’s existing protected contour and the proposed new site.
4. The translator’s channel must remain the same or can only be changed to an adjacent channel or intermediate frequency (plus or minus 1, 2, 3, 53, or 54 channels). Non-adjacent channel changes for a translator require an application by a full-power station.
5. The translator must receive the LPFM station over the air and cannot be fed by the internet, satellite, or microwave. Translators owned by different organizations than the LPFM may receive the signal from another translator carrying the same station.
6. If the translator will be owned by the same organization as the LPFM station, specific rules apply:
   • LPFM organizations are limited to only 2 translators.
   • The translator must carry the main analog programming of the LPFM station.
   • It must receive the LPFM station over the air.
   • The protected contour of the FM translator must overlap the protected contour of the LPFM station.
   • The FM translator must be located within 10 miles (20 miles outside the top-50 metro markets) from either the LPFM station or the reference point for the LPFM’s community of license.
7. Individuals who own a translator cannot be board members or officers of the LPFM organization, violating the cross-ownership rule.
8. If the translator will be owned by a different organization, no person can be a board member of both the FM translator’s organization and the LPFM’s organization, as this also violates the cross-ownership rules.
9. Unlike LPFM, FM translators have different interference rules. Even one listener outside the full-power station’s protected contour but within the translator’s protected contour can potentially block the translator from being granted at a particular location. LPFM interference rules are based on distance separation.
10. FM translators for LPFM stations have power limitations calculated based on height above average terrain (HAAT) measured in 12 directions at 30-degree increments. The highest HAAT determines the maximum HAAT, which affects the maximum Effective Radiated Power (ERP). East of the Mississippi River and in California south of 40 degrees latitude, the ERP is based on a chart with an average facility of 250 watts at 32 meters HAAT. In other areas, the chart specifies 250 watts at 107 meters HAAT for an average facility.

To obtain a translator for an LPFM (Low Power FM) station, you’ll need to follow these general steps:

1. Identify a Suitable Frequency: Determine if there are available frequencies in your area that can be used for the translator. You can check the FCC’s website for available frequencies and potential interference concerns.
2. Acquire a Translator Construction Permit: You will need to file an application for a construction permit for the translator with the FCC. This application includes details about the proposed translator’s frequency, location, power, and technical specifications. Be prepared to pay the necessary application fees.
3. Application Processing: The FCC will review your application to ensure it complies with all relevant regulations and does not cause interference to existing stations. If the application is approved, you will receive a construction permit.
4. Construction and Testing: Once you have the construction permit, you can proceed with building the translator facility. This includes setting up the antenna, transmitter, and necessary equipment.
5. License to Cover: After construction and testing are complete, you must file a “License to Cover” application with the FCC. This confirms that the translator has been built and is operating as authorized.
6. Ongoing Operation: Once the translator is operational, you must adhere to all FCC rules and regulations, including maintaining accurate records and making any required public file disclosures.
7. Coordination with LPFM Station: Ensure that the translator operates in coordination with your LPFM station and does not cause interference. LPFM stations have priority, so translators must protect LPFM stations from interference.
8. License Renewal: Be aware of the translator’s license renewal requirements. Translator licenses are typically granted for eight years but are subject to renewal.

It’s important to consult with an attorney or broadcasting consultant who is experienced in FCC regulations to navigate the application process successfully. Additionally, regularly check the FCC’s website and relevant rules for any updates or changes in the application process or regulations related to translators for LPFM stations.