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FM IBOC Power Increase Has Taken Effect

Some 40 stations approved so far

Those FMs that want to increase IBOC power by 6 dB can now do so and simply notify the FCC by letter within 10 days.

That’s because the notice procedures for implementing the power increase went into effect on Monday, May 10. Prior to that you needed special temporary authority.

I hear there’s a new electronic form on the way for e-filing digital notifications in the FCC’s CDBS system. However that needs approval from the federal Office of Management and Budget. The new, simpler, form eventually would replace the formal notification letter in which you give the commission details like the date you raised power as well as your analog and digital ERP.

You still must file for an STA if you want to increase by the full 10 dB or if you are a super-powered FM. Those will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

A search of the commission’s CDBS filing system reveals that some 40 stations had been granted an STA as of May 12. Another 10 were dismissed because they didn’t provide enough information. Of the 40 that were okayed, most were for the 6 dB increase (to 14 dB below carrier) or less.

Examples of large-market approvals are KSCF, San Diego; KJAQ, Seattle and WRKS, New York. Increases in smaller markets include those at WQNY, Ithaca, N.Y., WGTD, Kenosha, Wis., and KUWC, Casper, Wyo.

Note the FCC released the power increase order in late January. Nearly half of the applications were filed in February, the rest divided between March and April filings. One, KDUR, Durango, Colo., was filed on May 4 and approved the next day.

If you have hiked power or plan to, write to me at [email protected].

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