Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, 71726-71728 [2016-25066]
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71726
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
[OMB 3060–xxxx]
Information Collection Being Reviewed
by the Federal Communications
Commission
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
As part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork burdens, and as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
3520), the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC or Commission)
invites the general public and other
Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on the
following information collections.
Comments are requested concerning:
Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
the accuracy of the Commission’s
burden estimate; ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information collected; ways to minimize
the burden of the collection of
information on the respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and ways to
further reduce the information
collection burden on small business
concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a
collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number. No person shall be subject to
any penalty for failing to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
PRA that does not display a valid OMB
control number.
DATES: Written PRA comments should
be submitted on or before December 19,
2016. If you anticipate that you will be
submitting comments, but find it
difficult to do so within the period of
time allowed by this notice, you should
advise the contact listed below as soon
as possible.
ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to
Cathy Williams, FCC, via email PRA@
fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
additional information about the
information collection, contact Cathy
Williams at (202) 418–2918.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Control No.: 3060–xxxx.
Title: Sections 80.233, Technical
requirements for Automatic
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:19 Oct 17, 2016
Jkt 241001
Identification System Search and
Rescue Transmitter (AIS–SART)
equipment, 80.1061 Special
requirements for 406.0–406.1 MHz
EPIRB stations, 95.1402 Special
requirements for 406 MHz PLBs,
95.1403 Special Requirements for
Maritime Survivor Locating Devices.
Form No.: N/A.
Type of Review: New collection.
Respondents: Business or other forprofit entities.
Number of Respondents and
Responses: 80 respondents and 80
responses.
Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour.
Frequency of Response: Third party
disclosure requirement and on occasion
reporting requirement.
Obligation to Respond: Required to
obtain or retain benefits. Statutory
authority for this collection of
information is contained in Sections 4,
303, 48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47
U.S.C. 154, 303 unless otherwise noted.
Total Annual Burden: 80 hours.
Annual Cost Burden: No cost.
Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No
impact(s).
Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:
There is no need for confidentiality with
this information collection.
Needs and Uses: The Commission
will submit this information collection
to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) after this 60 day comment period
in order to obtain the full three year
clearance from them.
The information collections contained
in these rule sections require
manufacturers of certain emergency
radio beacons to include supplemental
information with their equipment
certification application which are due
to the I formation collection
requirements which were adopted by
the Federal Communications
Commission in FCC 16–119 on August
30, 2016. Manufacturers of Automatic
Identification System Search and
Rescue Transmitters (AIS–SARTS), 406
MHz Emergency Position Indicating
RadioBeacons (EPRIBs) and Maritime
Survivor Locating Device (MSLD) must
provide a copy of letter from the U.S.
Coast Guard stating their devices
satisfies technical requirements
specified in the IEC 61097–17 technical
standard for AIS–SARTs, or Radio
Technical Commission for Maritime
Services (RTCM) Standard 11000 for
406 MHz EPIRBs, or that RTCM
Standard 11901 for MSLDs. They must
also provide a copy or the technical test
data, and the instruction manual(s). For
406 MHz PLBs manufacturers must
include documentation from COSPAS/
SARSAT recognized test facility that the
PLB satisfies the technical requirements
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
specified in COSPAS–SARSAT
Standard C/S T.001 and COSPAS–
SARSAT Standard C/S T.007 standards
and documentation from an
independent test facility stating that the
PLB complies RTCM Standard 11010.2.
The information is used by
Telecommunications Certification
Bodies (TCBs) to determine if the
devices meets the necessary
international technical standards and
insure compliance with applicable
rules. If this information were not
available, operation of marine safety
equipment could be hindered
threatening the ability of rescue
personnel to locate vessels in distress.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016–25067 Filed 10–17–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
[OMB 3060–1121]
Information Collection Being Reviewed
by the Federal Communications
Commission
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
As part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork burdens, and as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
3520), the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC or Commission)
invites the general public and other
Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on the
following information collections.
Comments are requested concerning:
Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
the accuracy of the Commission’s
burden estimate; ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information collected; ways to minimize
the burden of the collection of
information on the respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and ways to
further reduce the information
collection burden on small business
concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a
collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM
18OCN1
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices
number. No person shall be subject to
any penalty for failing to comply with
a collection of information subject to the
PRA that does not display a valid OMB
control number.
DATES: Written PRA comments should
be submitted on or before December 19,
2016. If you anticipate that you will be
submitting comments, but find it
difficult to do so within the period of
time allowed by this notice, you should
advise the contact listed below as soon
as possible.
ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to
Cathy Williams, FCC, via email PRA@
fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
additional information about the
information collection, contact Cathy
Williams at (202) 418–2918.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Control No.: 3060–1121.
Title: Sections 1.30002, 1.30003,
1.30004, 73.875, 73.1657 and 73.1690,
Disturbance of AM Broadcast Station
Antenna Patterns.
Form No.: Not applicable.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents: Business or other forprofit entities and Not-for-profit
Institutions.
Number of Respondents and
Responses: 1,195 respondents and 1,195
responses.
Estimated Time per Response: 1–2
hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion
reporting requirement and third party
disclosure requirement.
Obligation to Respond: Required to
obtain or retain benefits. Statutory
authority for this information collection
is contained in Section 154(i) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as
amended.
Total Annual Burden: 1,960 hours.
Total Annual Cost: $1,078,200.
Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No
impact(s).
Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:
There is no need for confidentiality with
this collection of information.
Needs and Uses: On August 14, 2013,
the Commission adopted the Third
Report and Order and Second Order on
Reconsideration in the matter of An
Inquiry Into the Commission’s Policies
and Rules Regarding AM Radio Service
Directional Antenna Performance
Verification, MM Docket No. 93–177,
FCC 13–115. In the Third Report and
Order in this proceeding, the
Commission harmonized and
streamlined the Commission’s rules
regarding tower construction near AM
stations.
In AM radio, the tower itself functions
as the antenna. Consequently, a nearby
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:19 Oct 17, 2016
Jkt 241001
tower may become an unintended part
of the AM antenna system, reradiating
the AM signal and distorting the
authorized AM radiation pattern. Our
old rules contained several sections
concerning tower construction near AM
antennas that were intended to protect
AM stations from the effects of such
tower construction, specifically,
Sections 73.1692, 22.371, and 27.63.
These old rule sections imposed
differing requirements on the broadcast
and wireless entities, although the issue
is the same regardless of the types of
antennas mounted on a tower. Other
rule parts, such as Part 90 and Part 24,
entirely lacked provisions for protecting
AM stations from possible effects of
nearby tower construction. In the Third
Report and Order the Commission
adopted a uniform set of rules
applicable to all services, thus
establishing a single protection scheme
regarding tower construction near AM
tower arrays. The Third Report and
Order also designates ‘‘moment
method’’ computer modeling as the
principal means of determining whether
a nearby tower affects an AM radiation
pattern. This serves to replace timeconsuming direct measurement
procedures with a more efficient
computer modeling methodology that is
reflective of current industry practice.
Information Collection Requirements
Contained in this Collection: 47 CFR
1.30002(a) requires a proponent of
construction or modification of a tower
within a specified distance of a
nondirectional AM station, and also
exceeding a specified height, to notify
the AM station at least 30 days in
advance of the commencement of
construction. If the tower construction
or modification would distort the AM
pattern, the proponent shall be
responsible for the installation and
maintenance of detuning equipment.
47 CFR 1.30002(b) requires a
proponent of construction or
modification of a tower within a
specified distance of a directional AM
station, and also exceeding a specified
height, to notify the AM station at least
30 days in advance of the
commencement of construction. If the
tower construction or modification
would distort the AM pattern, the
proponent shall be responsible for the
installation and maintenance of
detuning equipment.
47 CFR 1.30002(c) states that
proponents of tower construction or
alteration near an AM station shall use
moment method modeling, described in
§ 73.151(c), to determine the effect of
the construction or alteration on an AM
radiation pattern.
PO 00000
Frm 00039
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
71727
47 CFR 1.30002(f) states that, with
respect to an AM station that was
authorized pursuant to a directional
proof of performance based on field
strength measurements, the proponent
of the tower construction or
modification may, in lieu of the study
described in § 1.30002 (c), demonstrate
through measurements taken before and
after construction that field strength
values at the monitoring points do not
exceed the licensed values. In the event
that the pre-construction monitoring
point values exceed the licensed values,
the proponent may demonstrate that
post-construction monitoring point
values do not exceed the preconstruction values. Alternatively, the
AM station may file for authority to
increase the relevant monitoring point
value after performing a partial proof of
performance in accordance with
§ 73.154 to establish that the licensed
radiation limit on the applicable radial
is not exceeded.
47 CFR 1.30002(g) states that tower
construction or modification that falls
outside the criteria described in
paragraphs § 1.30002(a) and (b) is
presumed to have no significant effect
on an AM station. In some instances,
however, an AM station may be affected
by tower construction notwithstanding
the criteria set forth in paragraphs
§ 1.30002(a) and (b). In such cases, an
AM station may submit a showing that
its operation has been affected by tower
construction or alteration. Such
showing shall consist of either a
moment method analysis or field
strength measurements. The showing
shall be provided to (i) the tower
proponent if the showing relates to a
tower that has not yet been constructed
or modified and otherwise to the current
tower owner, and (ii) to the
Commission, within two years after the
date of completion of the tower
construction or modification. If
necessary, the Commission shall direct
the tower proponent to install and
maintain any detuning apparatus
necessary to restore proper operation of
the AM antenna.
47 CFR 1.30002(h) states that an AM
station may submit a showing that its
operation has been affected by tower
construction or modification
commenced or completed prior to or on
the effective date of the rules adopted in
this Part pursuant to MM Docket No.
93–177. Such a showing shall consist of
either a moment method analysis or of
field strength measurements. The
showing shall be provided to the current
owner and the Commission within one
year of the effective date of the rules
adopted in this Part. If necessary, the
Commission shall direct the tower
E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM
18OCN1
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71728
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 201 / Tuesday, October 18, 2016 / Notices
owner, if the tower owner holds a
Commission authorization, to install
and maintain any detuning apparatus
necessary to restore proper operation of
the AM antenna.
47 CFR 1.30002(i) states that a
Commission applicant may not propose,
and a Commission licensee or permittee
may not locate, an antenna on any tower
or support structure, whether
constructed before or after the effective
date of these rules, that is causing a
disturbance to the radiation pattern of
the AM station, as defined in paragraphs
§ 1.30002(a) and (b), unless the
applicant, licensee, or tower owner
completes the new study and
notification process and takes
appropriate ameliorative action to
correct any disturbance, such as
detuning the tower, either prior to
construction or at any other time prior
to the proposal or antenna location.
47 CFR 1.30003(a) states that when
antennas are installed on a
nondirectional AM tower the AM
station shall determine operating power
by the indirect method (see § 73.51).
Upon the completion of the installation,
antenna impedance measurements on
the AM antenna shall be made. If the
resistance of the AM antenna changes,
an application on FCC Form 302–AM
(including a tower sketch of the
installation) shall be filed with the
Commission for the AM station to return
to direct power measurement. The Form
302–AM shall be filed before or
simultaneously with any license
application associated with the
installation.
47 CFR 1.30003(b) requires that,
before antennas are installed on a tower
in a directional AM array, the proponent
shall notify the AM station so that, if
necessary, the AM station may
determine operating power by the
indirect method (see § 73.51) and
request special temporary authority
pursuant to § 73.1635 to operate with
parameters at variance. For AM stations
licensed via field strength
measurements (see § 73.151(a)), a partial
proof of performance (as defined by
§ 73.154) shall be conducted both before
and after construction to establish that
the AM array will not be and has not
been adversely affected. For AM stations
licensed via a moment method proof
(see § 73.151(c)), the proof procedures
set forth in § 73.151(c) shall be repeated.
The results of either the partial proof of
performance or the moment method
proof shall be filed with the
Commission on Form 302–AM before or
simultaneously with any license
application associated with the
installation.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:19 Oct 17, 2016
Jkt 241001
47 CFR 1.30004(a) requires
proponents of proposed tower
construction or modification to an
existing tower near an AM station that
are subject to the notification
requirement in §§ 1.30002–1.30003 to
provide notice of the proposed tower
construction or modification to the AM
station at least 30 days prior to
commencement of the planned tower
construction or modification.
Notification to an AM station and any
responses may be oral or written. If such
notification and/or response is oral, the
party providing such notification or
response must supply written
documentation of the communication
and written documentation of the date
of communication upon request of the
other party to the communication or the
Commission. Notification must include
the relevant technical details of the
proposed tower construction or
modification, and, at a minimum, also
include the following: proponent’s
name and address; coordinates of the
tower to be constructed or modified;
physical description of the planned
structure; and results of the analysis
showing the predicted effect on the AM
pattern, if performed.
47 CFR 1.30004(b) requires that a
response to a notification indicating a
potential disturbance of the AM
radiation pattern must specify the
technical details and must be provided
to the proponent within 30 days.
47 CFR 1.30004(d) states that if an
expedited notification period (less than
30 days) is requested by the proponent,
the notification shall be identified as
‘‘expedited,’’ and the requested
response date shall be clearly indicated.
47 CFR 1.30004(e) states that in the
event of an emergency situation, if the
proponent erects a temporary new tower
or makes a temporary significant
modification to an existing tower
without prior notice, the proponent
must provide written notice to
potentially affected AM stations within
five days of the construction or
modification of the tower and cooperate
with such AM stations to remedy any
pattern distortions that arise as a
consequence of such construction.
47 CFR 73.875(c) requires an LPFM
applicant to submit an exhibit
demonstrating compliance with
§ 1.30003 or § 1.30002, as applicable,
with any modification of license
application filed solely pursuant to
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this
section, where the installation is on or
near an AM tower, as defined in
§ 1.30002.
47 CFR 73.1675(c)(1) states that where
an FM, TV, or Class A TV licensee or
permittee proposes to mount an
PO 00000
Frm 00040
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
auxiliary facility on an AM tower, it
must also demonstrate compliance with
§ 1.30003 in the license application.
47 CFR 73.1690(c) requires FM, TV, or
Class A TV station applicants to submit
an exhibit demonstrating compliance
with § 1.30003 or § 1.30002, as
applicable, with a modification of
license application, except for
applications solely filed pursuant to
paragraphs (c)(6) or (c)(9) of this section,
where the installation is located on or
near an AM tower, as defined in
§ 1.30002.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016–25066 Filed 10–17–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
[OMB 3060–0853]
Information Collection Being
Submitted for Review and Approval to
the Office of Management and Budget
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
AGENCY:
As part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork burdens, and as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501–
3520), the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC or Commission)
invites the general public and other
Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on the
following information collections.
Comments are requested concerning:
Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Commission, including whether the
information shall have practical utility;
the accuracy of the Commission’s
burden estimate; ways to enhance the
quality, utility, and clarity of the
information collected; ways to minimize
the burden of the collection of
information on the respondents,
including the use of automated
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology; and ways to
further reduce the information
collection burden on small business
concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a
collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control
number. No person shall be subject to
any penalty for failing to comply with
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\18OCN1.SGM
18OCN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 201 (Tuesday, October 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 71726-71728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25066]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
[OMB 3060-1121]
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal
Communications Commission
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens,
and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C.
3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission)
invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this
opportunity to comment on the following information collections.
Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected;
ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the
respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the
information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer
than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control
[[Page 71727]]
number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply
with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not
display a valid OMB control number.
DATES: Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before December
19, 2016. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but
find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this
notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.
ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email
PRA@fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the
information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Control No.: 3060-1121.
Title: Sections 1.30002, 1.30003, 1.30004, 73.875, 73.1657 and
73.1690, Disturbance of AM Broadcast Station Antenna Patterns.
Form No.: Not applicable.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities and Not-for-
profit Institutions.
Number of Respondents and Responses: 1,195 respondents and 1,195
responses.
Estimated Time per Response: 1-2 hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement and third
party disclosure requirement.
Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits.
Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in
Section 154(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
Total Annual Burden: 1,960 hours.
Total Annual Cost: $1,078,200.
Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for
confidentiality with this collection of information.
Needs and Uses: On August 14, 2013, the Commission adopted the
Third Report and Order and Second Order on Reconsideration in the
matter of An Inquiry Into the Commission's Policies and Rules Regarding
AM Radio Service Directional Antenna Performance Verification, MM
Docket No. 93-177, FCC 13-115. In the Third Report and Order in this
proceeding, the Commission harmonized and streamlined the Commission's
rules regarding tower construction near AM stations.
In AM radio, the tower itself functions as the antenna.
Consequently, a nearby tower may become an unintended part of the AM
antenna system, reradiating the AM signal and distorting the authorized
AM radiation pattern. Our old rules contained several sections
concerning tower construction near AM antennas that were intended to
protect AM stations from the effects of such tower construction,
specifically, Sections 73.1692, 22.371, and 27.63. These old rule
sections imposed differing requirements on the broadcast and wireless
entities, although the issue is the same regardless of the types of
antennas mounted on a tower. Other rule parts, such as Part 90 and Part
24, entirely lacked provisions for protecting AM stations from possible
effects of nearby tower construction. In the Third Report and Order the
Commission adopted a uniform set of rules applicable to all services,
thus establishing a single protection scheme regarding tower
construction near AM tower arrays. The Third Report and Order also
designates ``moment method'' computer modeling as the principal means
of determining whether a nearby tower affects an AM radiation pattern.
This serves to replace time-consuming direct measurement procedures
with a more efficient computer modeling methodology that is reflective
of current industry practice.
Information Collection Requirements Contained in this Collection:
47 CFR 1.30002(a) requires a proponent of construction or modification
of a tower within a specified distance of a nondirectional AM station,
and also exceeding a specified height, to notify the AM station at
least 30 days in advance of the commencement of construction. If the
tower construction or modification would distort the AM pattern, the
proponent shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of
detuning equipment.
47 CFR 1.30002(b) requires a proponent of construction or
modification of a tower within a specified distance of a directional AM
station, and also exceeding a specified height, to notify the AM
station at least 30 days in advance of the commencement of
construction. If the tower construction or modification would distort
the AM pattern, the proponent shall be responsible for the installation
and maintenance of detuning equipment.
47 CFR 1.30002(c) states that proponents of tower construction or
alteration near an AM station shall use moment method modeling,
described in Sec. 73.151(c), to determine the effect of the
construction or alteration on an AM radiation pattern.
47 CFR 1.30002(f) states that, with respect to an AM station that
was authorized pursuant to a directional proof of performance based on
field strength measurements, the proponent of the tower construction or
modification may, in lieu of the study described in Sec. 1.30002 (c),
demonstrate through measurements taken before and after construction
that field strength values at the monitoring points do not exceed the
licensed values. In the event that the pre-construction monitoring
point values exceed the licensed values, the proponent may demonstrate
that post-construction monitoring point values do not exceed the pre-
construction values. Alternatively, the AM station may file for
authority to increase the relevant monitoring point value after
performing a partial proof of performance in accordance with Sec.
73.154 to establish that the licensed radiation limit on the applicable
radial is not exceeded.
47 CFR 1.30002(g) states that tower construction or modification
that falls outside the criteria described in paragraphs Sec.
1.30002(a) and (b) is presumed to have no significant effect on an AM
station. In some instances, however, an AM station may be affected by
tower construction notwithstanding the criteria set forth in paragraphs
Sec. 1.30002(a) and (b). In such cases, an AM station may submit a
showing that its operation has been affected by tower construction or
alteration. Such showing shall consist of either a moment method
analysis or field strength measurements. The showing shall be provided
to (i) the tower proponent if the showing relates to a tower that has
not yet been constructed or modified and otherwise to the current tower
owner, and (ii) to the Commission, within two years after the date of
completion of the tower construction or modification. If necessary, the
Commission shall direct the tower proponent to install and maintain any
detuning apparatus necessary to restore proper operation of the AM
antenna.
47 CFR 1.30002(h) states that an AM station may submit a showing
that its operation has been affected by tower construction or
modification commenced or completed prior to or on the effective date
of the rules adopted in this Part pursuant to MM Docket No. 93-177.
Such a showing shall consist of either a moment method analysis or of
field strength measurements. The showing shall be provided to the
current owner and the Commission within one year of the effective date
of the rules adopted in this Part. If necessary, the Commission shall
direct the tower
[[Page 71728]]
owner, if the tower owner holds a Commission authorization, to install
and maintain any detuning apparatus necessary to restore proper
operation of the AM antenna.
47 CFR 1.30002(i) states that a Commission applicant may not
propose, and a Commission licensee or permittee may not locate, an
antenna on any tower or support structure, whether constructed before
or after the effective date of these rules, that is causing a
disturbance to the radiation pattern of the AM station, as defined in
paragraphs Sec. 1.30002(a) and (b), unless the applicant, licensee, or
tower owner completes the new study and notification process and takes
appropriate ameliorative action to correct any disturbance, such as
detuning the tower, either prior to construction or at any other time
prior to the proposal or antenna location.
47 CFR 1.30003(a) states that when antennas are installed on a
nondirectional AM tower the AM station shall determine operating power
by the indirect method (see Sec. 73.51). Upon the completion of the
installation, antenna impedance measurements on the AM antenna shall be
made. If the resistance of the AM antenna changes, an application on
FCC Form 302-AM (including a tower sketch of the installation) shall be
filed with the Commission for the AM station to return to direct power
measurement. The Form 302-AM shall be filed before or simultaneously
with any license application associated with the installation.
47 CFR 1.30003(b) requires that, before antennas are installed on a
tower in a directional AM array, the proponent shall notify the AM
station so that, if necessary, the AM station may determine operating
power by the indirect method (see Sec. 73.51) and request special
temporary authority pursuant to Sec. 73.1635 to operate with
parameters at variance. For AM stations licensed via field strength
measurements (see Sec. 73.151(a)), a partial proof of performance (as
defined by Sec. 73.154) shall be conducted both before and after
construction to establish that the AM array will not be and has not
been adversely affected. For AM stations licensed via a moment method
proof (see Sec. 73.151(c)), the proof procedures set forth in Sec.
73.151(c) shall be repeated. The results of either the partial proof of
performance or the moment method proof shall be filed with the
Commission on Form 302-AM before or simultaneously with any license
application associated with the installation.
47 CFR 1.30004(a) requires proponents of proposed tower
construction or modification to an existing tower near an AM station
that are subject to the notification requirement in Sec. Sec. 1.30002-
1.30003 to provide notice of the proposed tower construction or
modification to the AM station at least 30 days prior to commencement
of the planned tower construction or modification. Notification to an
AM station and any responses may be oral or written. If such
notification and/or response is oral, the party providing such
notification or response must supply written documentation of the
communication and written documentation of the date of communication
upon request of the other party to the communication or the Commission.
Notification must include the relevant technical details of the
proposed tower construction or modification, and, at a minimum, also
include the following: proponent's name and address; coordinates of the
tower to be constructed or modified; physical description of the
planned structure; and results of the analysis showing the predicted
effect on the AM pattern, if performed.
47 CFR 1.30004(b) requires that a response to a notification
indicating a potential disturbance of the AM radiation pattern must
specify the technical details and must be provided to the proponent
within 30 days.
47 CFR 1.30004(d) states that if an expedited notification period
(less than 30 days) is requested by the proponent, the notification
shall be identified as ``expedited,'' and the requested response date
shall be clearly indicated.
47 CFR 1.30004(e) states that in the event of an emergency
situation, if the proponent erects a temporary new tower or makes a
temporary significant modification to an existing tower without prior
notice, the proponent must provide written notice to potentially
affected AM stations within five days of the construction or
modification of the tower and cooperate with such AM stations to remedy
any pattern distortions that arise as a consequence of such
construction.
47 CFR 73.875(c) requires an LPFM applicant to submit an exhibit
demonstrating compliance with Sec. 1.30003 or Sec. 1.30002, as
applicable, with any modification of license application filed solely
pursuant to paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, where the
installation is on or near an AM tower, as defined in Sec. 1.30002.
47 CFR 73.1675(c)(1) states that where an FM, TV, or Class A TV
licensee or permittee proposes to mount an auxiliary facility on an AM
tower, it must also demonstrate compliance with Sec. 1.30003 in the
license application.
47 CFR 73.1690(c) requires FM, TV, or Class A TV station applicants
to submit an exhibit demonstrating compliance with Sec. 1.30003 or
Sec. 1.30002, as applicable, with a modification of license
application, except for applications solely filed pursuant to
paragraphs (c)(6) or (c)(9) of this section, where the installation is
located on or near an AM tower, as defined in Sec. 1.30002.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-25066 Filed 10-17-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P