What is FCC Part 73

FCC Part 73 concerns itself with AM, FM, and TV broadcast stations concerning standardizing procedures and test methods. Wireless radio manufacturers must meet the regulations outlined in Part 73 before their products are allowed into the American market. Meeting the FCC wireless testing specifications can be quite challenging. Fortunately, Compliance Testing’s highly experienced radio testing engineers can help guide you through the process. We will streamline the process and assist you in achieving the compliance you require for your product to reach the market quickly.

The scope of FCC part 73 testing and certifications

The following is the summary of the AM, FM, and television broadcasting systems that must undergo FCC part 73 testing and certifications:

AM broadcast stations

The AM broadcast band frequencies start from 535 to 1705 kHz. The FCC certification and licensing protect the stations from objectionable interference within their main service area. The following are the classes of radio stations covered within this category:

• Class A station: class A station refers to the unlimited time station operating on a clear channel. Such a station provides primary and secondary service over a given area from its transmitter
• Class B station: these are stations operating with minimum power of 0.25 kW and a maximum power of 50 kW.
• Class C station: class C stations are designed to operate over a primary service area that is reduced due to interference.
• Class D station: This station operates either during the daytime, limited time, or unlimited time. Class D station has nighttime power of less than 0.25 kW and an RMS antenna field of not greater than 107.5 mV/m at 1 kilometer.

FM broadcast stations

FM broadcast stations typically have a radio frequency spectrum of between 88 MHz and 108 MHz. The broadcast band consists of 100 channels of 200 kHz each. The US has three FM broadcast zones:

• Zone 1: This zone covers Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, and other North-Eastern states.
• Zone 1-A: consists of parts of California, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
• Zone 2: covers Alaska, Hawaii, and any other area not covered in the zones discussed above.

TV broadcast stations

The sub part of the FCC part 73 provides rules and regulations governing TV broadcast stations. The rules cover the engineering standards for non-commercial education stations and other stations. It also covers low-power TV and TV translator stations in the United States. The TV broadcast standard is divided into the following zones:

• Zone 1: covers the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia, and other North-Eastern states. 
• Zone 2: covers portions of the US not included in Zone 1 or Zone 3. These include Puerto Rico, Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Virgin Islands.
• Zone 3: covers the southern parts of the US in the Albers Equal Area Projection Map. The zone starts off on the east coast of Georgia and ends at the US-Mexico border.

How are FCC part 73 licenses issued?

Generally, the FCC requires licensees to write a statement of fact to determine whether an application should be granted or denied. The license is issued for a period specified per state. The radio and TV broadcasting stations are both renewed for eight years.

Get expert part 73 broadcast systems wireless testing today

Compliance testing boasts of a top-notch lab and highly trained team to provide short lead times on testing and certifications. We are committed to helping you get your product to the market as soon as possible. Contact us today to learn more.