Sec. 73.315  FM transmitter location.

    (a) The transmitter location shall be chosen so that, on the basis 
of the effective radiated power and antenna height above average terrain 
employed, a minimum field strength of 70 dB above one uV/m (dBu), or 
3.16 mV/m, will be provided over the entire principal community to be 
served.

    Note: The requirements of paragraph (a) of this section do not apply 
to noncommercial educational FM broadcast stations operating on reserved 
channels. (Channels 200 through 220)

    (b) The transmitter location should be chosen to maximize coverage 
to the city of license while minimizing interference. This is normally 
accomplished by locating in the least populated area available while 
maintaining the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section. In general, 
the transmitting antenna of a station should be located in the most 
sparsely populated area available at the highest elevation available. 
The location of the antenna should be so chosen that line-of-sight can 
be obtained from the antenna over the principle city or cities to be 
served; in no event should there be a major obstruction in this path.
    (c) The transmitting location should be selected so that the 1 mV/m 
contour encompasses the urban population within the area to be served. 
It is recognized that topography, shape of the desired service area, and 
population distribution may make the choice of a transmitter location 
difficult. In such cases consideration may be given to the use of a 
directional antenna system, although it is generally preferable to 
choose a site where a nondirectional antenna may be employed.
    (d) In cases of questionable antenna locations it is desirable to 
conduct propagation tests to indicate the field strength expected in the 
principal city or cities to be served and in other areas, particularly 
where severe shadow problems may be expected. In considering 
applications proposing the use of such locations, the Commission may 
require site tests to be made. Such tests should include measurements 
made in accordance with the measurement procedures described in 
Sec. 73.314, and full data thereon shall be supplied to the Commission. 
The test transmitter should employ an antenna having a height as close 
as possible to the proposed antenna height, using a balloon or other 
support if necessary and feasible. Information concerning the 
authorization of site tests may be obtained from the Commission upon 
request.
    (e) Cognizance must of course be taken regarding the possible hazard 
of the proposed antenna structure to aviation and the proximity of the 
proposed site to airports and airways. Procedures and standards with 
respect to the Commission's consideration of proposed antenna structures 
which will serve as a guide to persons intending to apply for radio 
station licenses are contained in Part 17 of this chapter (Construction, 
Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures).

[ 28 FR 13623 , Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at  41 FR 22943 , June 8, 1976;  49 FR 38131 , Sept. 27, 1984;  49 FR 45146 , Nov. 15, 1984;  51 FR 9965 , Mar. 
24, 1986;  52 FR 10570 , Apr. 2, 1987]

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