The Federal Communications Commission may be getting closer to opening an application window for new low-power FM stations.
Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel previewed the commission’s June meeting and said certain LPFM matters will be on the agenda.
“Last year, the commission modified the low-power FM engineering rules to improve LPFM reception and options for station relocation while maintaining core LPFM goals of simplicity, diversity and localism,” she wrote.
“This June, we will address two petitions seeking reconsideration of those rule changes, which will provide clarity and finality to these rules, bringing us one step closer to opening an application window for new LPFM stations.”
Rosenworcel also said the agenda will include a vote on several rule changes we’ve been telling you about in recent months.
These would expand FEMA’s ability to send Wireless Emergency Alerts during national emergencies, improve emergency communications organization at the state level, and enable new reporting for false alerts.
And she said the FCC will vote on rules to expand opportunities to “import, market and conditionally sell radiofrequency equipment, including mobile devices, prior to the equipment completing the equipment authorization process.”
She said this change would allow manufacturers to assess consumer interest for products and take advantage of new mechanisms for marketing devices like crowdfunding, “while still ensuring that the important goals of the equipment authorization system and security are not undermined.”
