Auction 99: AM Revitalization / FM Translators

General information and associated licensing parameters are provided below. Public notices provide specific information regarding this auction. This fact sheet includes:

• Key Dates
• Construction Permits Offered
• Permissible Operations
• License Period
• Licensing Rules
   

Key Dates

Construction Permits Offered

Auction 99 will offer 12 new cross-service FM translator constructions permits. These construction permits are the subject of pending, mutually exclusive short-form applications (FCC Form 175) and participation in this auction is limited to those applicants listed in Attachment A of the Auction 99 Procedures Public Notice.  A complete listing of the construction permits for Auction 99 is provided in Attachment A of the Auction 99 Procedures Public Notice, DA 18-260, released March 23, 2018.

Permissible Operations

FM Broadcast - A station employing frequency modulation in the FM broadcast band and licensed primarily for the transmission of radio communications intended to be received by the general public.

Cross-Service FM Translator – A station in the broadcasting service operated for the purpose of retransmitting the signals of an AM broadcast station without significantly altering any characteristics of the incoming signal other than its frequency and amplitude, in order to provide radio broadcast service to the general public.

License Period

A winning bidder will be awarded a construction permit, rather than a “license.” Winning bidders will then be required, within a specified time period, to construct their facilities and file an application for a “license to cover construction permit” to obtain a license for the constructed facilities (see 47 CFR § 73.3598). Licenses will be issued for an eight-year term.

Licensing Rules

47 CFR Parts 73, 74