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LPFM acquisition

finallyescaped

finallyescaped

Can LPFM licenses only be acquired through FCC auctions, or can an organization submit an application if they have a location in mind? Maybe someone has links or sources they'd recommend I read from?

Thanks for your input.
 
Your timing may be perfect. LPFMs are only available during "application windows" which don't happen very often. The FCC is currently gearing up to "freshen" the rules per instructions from Congress and there is likely to be an application window some time this year. If the Red Tape gets too thick I guess it could slide into next year.

It is not an AUCTION. Google can be your friend. Check out PrlmetheusRadio.or and RecNet.org

The FCC just added a frequency search tool to their website. Use it to see if there is an available frequency in your community. www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/low-power-fm-lpfm-channel-finder

The way you worded your post would indicate you probably have a lot to learn... very, very quickly! The application must actually be made by a NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION. (You can apply as an individudal). If other NFPs also file in your community for the same frequency, if your NFP has been operation some kind of community activities for at least two years, that may give you a place at the head of the line in front of those who still have wet ink on their NFP incorporation papers.

You are probably going to need to hire a Consulting Engineer to fine-tune your application and paper work.

Check your Private Message IN-BOX
 
Goat Rodeo Cowboy said:
The application must actually be made by a NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION. (You can apply as an individudal).
Click to expand...

I think you meant you can not apply as an individual.
 
w9wi said:
Goat Rodeo Cowboy said:
The application must actually be made by a NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION. (You can apply as an individudal).
Click to expand...

I think you meant you can not apply as an individual.
Click to expand...

I need a keyboard that knows what I meant to type... not what I actually punched.

You are correct. Applications by individuals not acceptable!
 
There also are requirements that the board members of the non-profit organization mostly live within 10 miles of the transmitter site.

Does not apply to established educational organizations such as colleges, or school systems.

Engineering: is not that complicated; for the most part is based on a minimum distance separation table. Let's take an example (based on a modification I just did):

A church and school, they want to put the antenna on-top of the sanctuary, which is 55' above ground. Topozone found the coordinates for me. Since this was a minor change, I did not have to find an open channel; but let's assume this is a new application. Next step would be to use both the FCC's LPFM finder tool --

http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/low...n=a99742107a-TRI_04-13-2012&utm_medium=email;

and REC networks tool: http://cdbs.recnet.net:8080/lpfm.php

to get a list of possible channels to study. Notice REC network's tool has several options, which may indicate possible channels the FCC tool ignores. One thing to check is if there are any channels that may be precluded because of pending translator applications.

Then pull up section 73.807 which has a table of "minimum separations." (you can get to the rules by going to FCC.GOV, then to the "transition.FCC.Gov" which takes you to the old home page, the link to FCC rules is about two-thirds of the way down the list on the far left.).
Make life easier by printing out the tables.

Now go to FM preliminary study: http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/FMprelimSTUDY.html
and enter in the coordinates you found in the first step and the frequency of a possible channel. This will produce a fairly accurate (and current) list of stations you must consider. By cross-checking between the 73.807 table and this list you can quickly see if there are any stations or translators that will be too close to your site, thereby precluding that frequency at that site.

Having done all this, now you can sit back and wait for the FCC to announce an open window.
THEN you can go back and check again to make sure the frequency is still open. Since the Commission also proposes to dispose of a number of translator applications before then, a second check (using the two channel finding tools mentioned above) may reveal additional frequencies that would otherwise be blocked by translator applications.
 
TomT said:
There also are requirements that the board members of the non-profit organization mostly live within 10 miles of the transmitter site.

Does not apply to established educational organizations such as colleges, or school systems.

Engineering: is not that complicated; for the most part is based on a minimum distance separation table. Let's take an example (based on a modification I just did):

A church and school, they want to put the antenna on-top of the sanctuary, which is 55' above ground. Topozone found the coordinates for me. Since this was a minor change, I did not have to find an open channel; but let's assume this is a new application. Next step would be to use both the FCC's LPFM finder tool --

http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/low...n=a99742107a-TRI_04-13-2012&utm_medium=email;

and REC networks tool: http://cdbs.recnet.net:8080/lpfm.php

to get a list of possible channels to study. Notice REC network's tool has several options, which may indicate possible channels the FCC tool ignores. One thing to check is if there are any channels that may be precluded because of pending translator applications.

Then pull up section 73.807 which has a table of "minimum separations." (you can get to the rules by going to FCC.GOV, then to the "transition.FCC.Gov" which takes you to the old home page, the link to FCC rules is about two-thirds of the way down the list on the far left.).
Make life easier by printing out the tables.

Now go to FM preliminary study: http://transition.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/FMprelimSTUDY.html
and enter in the coordinates you found in the first step and the frequency of a possible channel. This will produce a fairly accurate (and current) list of stations you must consider. By cross-checking between the 73.807 table and this list you can quickly see if there are any stations or translators that will be too close to your site, thereby precluding that frequency at that site.

Having done all this, now you can sit back and wait for the FCC to announce an open window.
THEN you can go back and check again to make sure the frequency is still open. Since the Commission also proposes to dispose of a number of translator applications before then, a second check (using the two channel finding tools mentioned above) may reveal additional frequencies that would otherwise be blocked by translator applications.
Click to expand...

Yes and then battle it out with the other applicants for the same frequency and hope you have more "points" than the other guy. Do you have between 10 and 20 grand to spend on a 100 watt radio station just to get it off the ground and operate it?
 
I wish this software was like FB & you could BLOCK people's comments.
 
I have come across some threads that left me wondering if they were worth reading, but I thought this one was going pretty smoothly. What OR WHO in this thread did you find offensive.

Because a Window is coming up later this year, or maybe early next year some are beginning to say, it seems to be a topic of interest for some people.
 
I assume the OP is aware of the difficulty of a new filing, as he asked about acquiring a LPFM.
Nowhere did he ask as if, he was waiting for "opportunity" to knock on his door and to be allowed to be the ONLY one filing in Poor-ville, USA, then for someone to ask him if he needed 10 and 20 grand for start-up.
You truly seem to have a bad taste in your mouth for LPFM.

 
Guy Betten said:
I assume the OP is aware of the difficulty of a new filing, as he asked about acquiring a LPFM.
Click to expand...

Have you done your homework to see if the OP was he or she?

The OP asked about acquiring an LPFM via the auction process... which indicated that she was looking for a grant from the FCC and would be interested in some help on how the granting process works... which we have tried to comment on.

And sometimes even in Poorville there will be three churches fighting it out for the one available channel.
 
Even then, my experience has been that a well-planned, well-prepared application would still win out. Once competition emerges, the other applicants fold.

Asking about the process now is wise--you can line up mama duck and her chicks now & they'll be marching in order by the time the window opens.
 
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