CRTC: Canada is going the way of the USA allowing translators simulcasting on an FM frequency.
CRTC:
Previously, the maximum license term in Canada was seven years, regardless of the type of station. The CRTC said “the renewal process was a lengthy one, with licensees filing their renewal applications approximately one year before the expiry date of the license.”
The CRTC says this new framework will be phased in as renewals take place for existing stations.
The rule changes — approved last Friday — also give Canadian broadcasters permission to simulcast AM content on FM frequencies within the same market, albeit only for a one-year trial period.
After the one-year trial period, CRTC says, licensees will either have to revert to their original programming and cease simulcasting, or submit an application to revoke the AM license.
https://www.radioworld.com/global/canadian-radio-broadcast-licenses-will-no-longer-expire
So what does this mean for BETS-1 especially in Southern Ontario and other band congested areas like Artisan's location in the Vancouver area where the band is almost full already? Not from just local stations but the ones coming from everywhere else. BETS-1 can only be done on FM here.
It's been.. what? 7 years since the FCC granted AM stations FM repeaters. What's most striking to me is that there has not been a single Part 15 AM citations (NOUO) since. Yes I realize the semi-recent NAL and fines issued to the AM pirate but it's a different league.
Anyway, ...