[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 103 (Tuesday, May 30, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28079-28080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-13115]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 80, 90, and 95
[WT Docket No. 95-56, FCC 95-174]
Low Power Radio and Automated Maritime Telecommunications Systems
Operations in the 216-217 MHz Band
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
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SUMMARY: The Commission had adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making
which seeks to permit the shared use of the 216-217 MHz band, on a
secondary, non-interference basis, for a new Low Power Radio Service to
include law enforcement tracking systems, auditory assistance devices
for the hearing-impaired, and health care assistance devices for
disabled and ill persons. Further, the Commission seeks to permit
Automated Maritime Telecommunications Systems (AMTS) coast stations to
also share this band on a secondary, non-interference basis for point-
to-point network control communications. This action stems from the
Commission's Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Notice of Inquiry in PR
Docket 92-257 which sought to compile a record of viable, alternative
uses for this one megahertz of maritime mobile spectrum. Thus, the
proposed rules should aid law enforcement efforts in the recovery of
stolen goods, further the goals of the Americans With Disabilities Act
of 1990 (ADA), increase access to educational and health care
opportunities for persons with disabilities and illnesses, increase the
number of channels available to the AMTS for operational control
communications, and promote the efficient use of maritime spectrum.
DATES: Comments must be filed on or before July 18, 1995, and reply
comments must be filed on or before August 17, 1995.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20554.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Roger Noel of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau at (202) 418-0680.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice
of Proposed Rule Making, WT Docket No. 95-56, FCC 95-174, adopted April
25, 1995, and released, May 16, 1995. The [[Page 28080]] full text of
this Notice of Proposed Rule Making is available for inspection and
copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room
239) 1919 M Street, NW. Washington, DC. The complete text may be
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, International
Transcription Services, 2100 M Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037,
telephone (202) 857-3800.
Summary of Notice of Proposed Rule Making
1. The Commission initiated the instant proceeding to explore
alternative uses of the 216-217 MHz band. Presently, this one megahertz
of spectrum is allocated on a primary basis to the AMTS. In 1992,
however, the Commission reallocated one megahertz of radio spectrum
from the AMTS to the Interactive Video and Data Service (IVDS),
effectively ``orphaning'' the 216-217 MHz band. Thus, in PR Docket 92-
257, the Commission sought alternative uses for the spectrum that would
not cause harmful interference to adjacent Television Channel 13
operations 9210-216 MHz).
2. The Commission proposes to permit a new Low Power Radio Service
and AMTS coast station to share this one megahertz of spectrum on a
secondary basis. Low Power Radio Services would include law enforcement
tracking system, auditory assistance devices for the hearing impaired,
and health care assistance devices for disabled and ill persons. A law
enforcement tracking system includes extremely small radio transmitters
attached to money and goods that are likely to be stolen. When
activated, the small transmitters emit a low power signal that can be
tracked by direction finding equipment, allowing authorities to quickly
recover the stolen money or goods. An auditory assistance system
consists of a short range transmitter and special receivers that allow
persons with hearing disabilities to enjoy educational or entertaining
audio presentations. Similarly, low power health care aids could be
used for short range, one-way medical telemetry. Finally, AMTS coast
stations could utilize highly directional antennas to transmit network
control communications, thereby increasing system efficiencies.
3. There are forty, 25 kHz channels available in the 216-217 MHz
band. The Commission proposes to allocate thirty channels (216.0125-
216.7375 MHz) to the Low Power Radio Service and ten channels
(216.7625-216.9875 MHz) for AMTS point-to-point communications. The
twenty channels closest to TV Channel 13 would be limited to 100
milliwatts transmitter output power, and the other twenty channels
would be limited to 1 watt. The Low Power Radio Service (excluding two
channels set aside exclusively for law enforcement tracking systems)
would be administered under Part 95 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR
part 95. The exclusive tracking system channels would be administered
under the Police Radio Service in Part 90. Further, the AMTS channels
would be administered under the maritime service rules in Part 80.
4. Under the proposed rules, authorizations in the Low Power Radio
Service would be granted based on Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
and Rural Statistical Areas (RSAs). The Commission did not propose to
place a limit on the number of licensees per MSA and RSA or the total
number of licenses a single entity could obtain. AMTS coast stations
would simply add the new channels to their current station
authorization. The Commission seeks specific comments concerning the
proposed rule amendments.
5. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Reason for Action
The Commission proposes to allow low power devices to share
Automated Maritime Traffic System frequencies in the 216-217 MHz band.
Objectives
We seek to make better use of currently unused portions of the
spectrum while taking advantage of alternative low power technologies.
Legal Basis
The proposed action is authorized under Sections 4(i) and 303(r) of
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i) and
303(r).
Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance Requirements
Our proposed addition of 47 CFR 95.1031 would require the low power
transmitters to be type accepted by the Commission.
Federal Rules Which Overlap, Duplicate or Conflict with These Rules
None.
Description, Potential Impact, and Small Entities Involved
Allowing low power devices to be licensed in the 216-217 MHz band
would use the radio spectrum more efficiently, assist law enforcement
organizations, and facilitate implementation of the provisions of the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Any Significant Alternatives Minimizing the Impact on Small Entities
Consistent With the Stated Objectives
None.
Lists of Subjects
47 CFR Part 80
Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
47 CFR Part 90
Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
47 CFR Part 95
Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-13115 Filed 5-26-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M
