Total posts : 45366
Hello all,
I oppose an increase in allowable power for community AM broadcasting above part 15 rules as we now know them, and as I ponder the question there is a recurring negative thought which leads me to this conclusion.
Suppose that AM is allowed at 1 watt. This should enable a microcaster to cover a few miles radius with a reliable signal. 10 watts, based on TIS experience, would allow a radius of 5 to 20 miles.
OK… Bob goes on the air and through good efforts achieves a loyal audience. Jack goes on the air and interferes with Bob. Bill goes on the air and interferes with Bob and Jack who are now interfering with him. Jim tries to find a clear frequency but there are none.
Presently, part 15 AM is limited to the point where mutual interference is unlikely and folks such as I can find a quiet frequency, operate, and not bother anyone. But in a higher power scenairo one must ask how do we deal with the “rights” to a frequency in an area?
I would present that a rational approach is that someone or some elected or appointed body would be created to mediate interference by assigning operating frequencies in each area. What form would this take? Voluntary? Not without authority, most likely from the FCC directly or indirectly. It appears that such a low power AM service would need licensing and we would be right back where we are with competition for available channels. The “little people” will be left out once again.
I have experience with amateur radio repeater coordination (which is voluntary but is backed by FCC authority) and have been told more than once when I and others wanted to establish a repeater that “no frequencies are available”. Why would I not expect the same to happen concerning microbroadcasting on AM?
There is limited spectrum available and who is going to decide the allocations and based on what?
Neil
