The Dood found this in reference to the group covered in this radio world article. https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/news-makers/common-frequency-is-a-fierce-radio-activist
This is their reply to the FCCs Delete, Delete, Delete GN Docket No. 25-133
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/10429808002397/1
The most interesting part of their submission is on page 31, here's a copy:
D. Develop a Part 15 “Unlicensed AM” category for community broadcast use.
The Federal Government spends millions of dollars hunting down radio pirates even in this day and age. The public should have orderly, unlicensed access to the airwaves as part of their First Amendment right. An alternative to pirate broadcast would drastically
cut down time, money, and staff from the government in dealing with radio pirates.
The FCC should allow up to a 1 watt broadcast on the AM band without a license, given an organized regime: (A) The FCC should have an online search engine that shows the available frequencies / broadcast power at any location. (B) A person wanting to broadcast would need to disclose to the FCC their pursuit of a channel by filling out an online form yearly.
(C) A person broadcasting can only run one station. (D) The broadcaster must use a FCC approved transmitter.
(E) The broadcast must follow on-air
FCC rules consistent with non-commercial, educational FM.
deja vue
This makes sense. There should be on the AM band, where there are more open frequencies. This could cut down on pirate hunts and could save millions on enforcement of pirates. And what's the percentage of the fines they collect from those caught? What makes sense sometimes falls deaf with the government. I have doubts it would ever happen.
You're right, this proposal is deja vu all over again.
While I would certainly not be adverse to slightly increasing power for Part 15 AM stations (and as well, relaxing antenna restrictions), I just don't see it happening. The U.S. is not New Zealand, with its minimal population spread out over a large area. I can see immediate congestion and interference, particularly in cities. It would be similar for Canada, particularly in metropolitan areas.
And I don't see it solving the pirate problem. Why would a true pirate, openly flouting the existing laws (deliberately running excessive power without a license and likely generating interference), be willing to reduce their RF footprint and adhere to these rules?
I can see harmonizing Part 15 FM and BETS-1 rules, as BETS-1 coverage, while better, still is pretty minimal. I can see potentially relaxing the ground lead rule on AM, recognizing that potentially long ground leads on elevated installs are required for lightning protection.
I can even see coming up with some form of licensed, compromise community radio service on the little used AM band, somewhere in between the excessive requirements of current licensed services and Part 15 so that not just any Tom Dick or Harry can get one, i.e., having to prove that you have some skin in the game, know what you're doing and keeping somewhat track of what you're doing. Perhaps akin to amateur radio licensing.
But just letting virtually anyone plunk down their annual fee, and get a one watt transmitter is just asking for chaos on the broadcast band. Look at what's happened to the CB service.
.And I don't see it solving the pirate problem. Why would a true pirate, openly flouting the existing laws (deliberately running excessive power without a license and likely generating interference), be willing to reduce their RF footprint and adhere to these rules?
That made me chuckle, it should be so obvious.
Myself, I think it would be fantastic if it ever came to pass - however what's hes proposing wouldnt be part 15 anymore - it would be an entirely different regulated form of broadcast service that extended from part 15 AM (as TIS did).
With Part 15 (on any frequency) theres no regulating of content, times of broadcast, areas of service or anything else along those lines in involved.
@artisan-radio I don't see it solving the pirate problem. It could reduced it. There's always going to be pirates.