AM-Only Translator Window a Request for 'Free Spectrum,' Wheeler Says
Proposals to include an AM-only window for FM translator applications in the AM revitalization draft order amount to a request for free spectrum, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said during a news conference Thursday. “It’s not the general policy of this…
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agency to give away free spectrum.” Wheeler said the other proposals in the draft order are modifications to allow AM to function better that “make a lot of sense” and should be considered separately from the translator window issue. During a subsequent news conference, Commissioner Ajit Pai disagreed. “An AM only translator window is not a giveaway,” Pai said, saying the proposal has wide support among broadcasters and in Congress. Pai said his office is discussing the proposal with other offices and he is hopeful the commission will approve an order that includes the window. Many AM broadcasters are pushing for such a window to allow them to take advantage of the lower interference and larger audience of the FM band (see 1509160036).