What does the term “automatic upgrade authority” mean within the context of the LP-250 proposal RM-11749?

In the LP-250 proposal RM-11749, “automatic upgrade authority” refers to a provision that would allow existing LPFM (Low-Power FM) radio stations to automatically upgrade their broadcasting power from the current limit of 100 watts to 250 watts without having to go through a traditional application process. This proposal is designed to simplify the process for LPFM stations to increase their transmitting power, thereby potentially expanding their coverage area and reach.

Here are the key points related to “automatic upgrade authority” in RM-11749:

1. Eligibility: Existing LPFM stations that meet certain eligibility criteria, such as technical compliance and interference considerations, would be eligible for this automatic upgrade.
2. Spectrum Availability: The proposal ensures that the upgrade does not cause interference to other stations or services in the same frequency band. It takes into account the availability of spectrum in the station’s area to accommodate the increased power.
3. Streamlined Process: Instead of going through a lengthy application and approval process, eligible LPFM stations would be able to request the power upgrade through a simplified procedure.
4. Efficiency: The automatic upgrade authority aims to make the process more efficient for existing LPFM stations to access increased transmitting power, potentially improving their signal coverage and service to the community.
5. Interference Mitigation: Ensuring that upgraded LPFM stations do not interfere with other radio services or stations remains a crucial consideration in this proposal.

The intent behind the automatic upgrade authority is to facilitate the expansion of LPFM stations’ broadcasting capabilities, which can benefit local communities by providing broader access to diverse and community-oriented programming. This proposal is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the LPFM service and make it more accessible to community broadcasters.

The proposal suggests the implementation of an option, known as “automatic upgrade authority” (AUA), to streamline the FCC’s process for LPFM station upgrades. Under this proposal, eligible LPFM stations, except for certain exclusions, would be granted authority by Public Notice to make specific changes to their stations without the need to file a Form 318. These changes should not involve altering the station’s location, channel, or antenna height. Stations making such changes during the AUA period would later submit Form 319 to formalize these modifications.

However, some station types would still be required to file a Form 318 for upgrades and would not be eligible for automatic upgrade authority. These exclusions include:

1. Stations located within 320 kilometers of Canada or Mexico (due to international coordination issues).
2. Stations in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands (also due to international coordination issues).
3. Stations operating in the reserved band 88.1~91.9 MHz (due to congestion and potential TV channel 6 interference; there are only 60 LPFM stations below 92 MHz).
4. Stations that are or would be short-spaced on co-channel, first-adjacent, or second-adjacent channels, even if the station already has a waiver.
5. Stations that are or would be short-spaced to a radio reading service on a third-adjacent channel.
6. “Foothill” stations, have a large service contour lobe in one or more directions.

This proposal aims to simplify the upgrade process for eligible LPFM stations while ensuring that certain situations that require more careful consideration are still subject to formal application procedures.