FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
24th Annual Report
For Fiscal Year 1958
With report summary and notations
of later important developments
UNITEO STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE - WASHINGTON
For sale by the Superintendent of boevmenll, U.S. Government Printing Office
W.lIbinsiOD 25, D. C. • Pl'iee SO _at. (paper)
COMMISSIONERS
Members of the Federal Communications Commission
(As of June 30,1958)
JOHN C. DOERFER, Chairman
("(l'nll (.'.\:pir('!f .ltrt!1! 30, HlGl)
ROSEL H. HYDE
(Term expires June 30, 1959)
ROBERT T. BARTLEY
(Term expires June 30, 1965)
ROBERT E. LEE
(Term. expires June 30, 11:160)
T. A. M. CRAVEN
(Term expires June 3Q, Ul(3)
FREDERICK W. FORD
(Term expires June 30, 1964)
JOHN S. CROSS
(Term expires June 30, 1962)
A liet of present and past Commissioners appears in the appendix to this report.
n
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION,
Wtl8Mnrlton 25, D. O.
To the Oongress of the United States:
The Federal Communications Commission herewith transmits its
24th annual report for the fiscal year 1958. Subsequent important
developments are noted for more current reference.
The report contains information and data specified by the Congress
in section 4 (k) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
Further required biographies of employees joining the Commission
during the fiscal year, also a list of those leaving during that period,
are being reported in a nonprinted supplement.
Respectfully,
JOHN C. DOERFER, Ohairman
III
[ Page IV in the original document is intentionally blank ]
Table of Contents
REPORT SUMMARy..........................•......................
General. . . . .. . . . . .
Common carrier .
Telephone , ' .
Telegraph....................•...............................
International. ........................................•...••...
Safety and special .
Broadcast _ .
TV........................................................•.
FM......................................................•...
AM .
Tall towers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
Field engineering and monitoring. . . . .
Rerearch and laboratory , .
Frequency allocation .
National defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commission .
GENERAL. .
Organization chart , " .
Commission .
Commissioners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .
Staff organization... .. . . . . .. . . . .
Personnel .
Appropriations and expenditures .
Dockets , .
Litigation .
Important cases~.
Comparative TV decisiomtl standards .
Allocation rnlemaking cases , .
Standing to protest under section 309 (c) .
Power of the Commission to subpena records .
Economic {actors in broadcast grants .
Suspension of operators'liceo8e8 .
Effect of change in TV alloeations .
I.egislation ' .
Commission proposals .
Authorizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Applications .
Correspondence .
Releases and publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign technical assistance .
General problems .
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VI TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
NATIONAL DEFENSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
War emergency powers of President. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Conelrad in war and peace , . . . 21
National defense purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Peacetime use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Othec defense activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
National defense executive reserve unit... _........................... 23
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNiCATION............................ 25
Today....................................................... 25
Tomorrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
FREQUENCY ALLOCATION AND USE............................... 29
General. . . 29
National frequency allocations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
International frequency allocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
International frequency usage data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
International frequency assignment coordination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
International conferences and meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
International interference and infractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
National frequency records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
International frequency records and registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
National frequeney assignment coordination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
COMMON CARRIER SERVICES. . . .. .... .. . . . . . . .. . .. . ... .. . . . . . .. . ... 38
Domestic telephone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
General. . . ... . ... . ... ... . . .. ... . . . . . . . ... ... . .. .. .. .... 38
Services and faeilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Construction of interstate facilities..... . .. . . .. . . . 38
Discontinuance of service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Speed of serviee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Acquisitions and consolidatioD.8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Interlocking directorates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Common carrier microwave radio frequency problems. . . . . . . . • . 40
Microwave facilities for closed circuit TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Domestic public land mobile radio service. . . •. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rural radiotelephone service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Public radiotelephone service to vessels.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Developmental domestic public aeronautical service... .. . 43
Rates and tariffs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Private line service rates..... . . . . 44
Bell System lease-maintenance service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Off-the-air pickup TV transmission channels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Tariff filings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Other regulatory matlers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Depreciation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . 45
Separation procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Western Electric earnings and prices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Pensions and relief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Original cost accounting. . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Continuing property records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Field studies and reviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Uniform systems of accounts... ..... ... ... . ... .... . ... . ..•.. 47
Preservation of records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
TABLE OF CONTENTS VII
COMMON CARRIER SERVI<ES-<ontinued Pa..
Domestic telegraph. . . . . . . . . . . . • . • • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
General. .................•.................... '" .. 48
Services and facilities. . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Moderaization expenditures.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reperforatol' switching. • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Radio beam. . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Carrier equipment. . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Private we systems.. .. . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . .. . .. . . .. . 51
Facsimile and teleprinter UeHnes. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Electronic data processing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
TEI.EX service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Supplementa.tion and extension of wire facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Curtailment of service..... .•.•.. . . . . . .. . .. . . .. . ... .. ... . .. . 53
Speed of service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Rates and tariffs '" . .....•... ........•.. 54
Domestic telegraph rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S4
Leased facilities services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Tariff schedules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
International telegraph and telephone.. . _. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
General '" " . . . . . .. . .. 56
Intemational conferences. . .. . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . . . .. . . .. . . 57
International services. . . . . . . . 57
Telegraph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Telephone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Docket ca.ses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Puerto Rico applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Western Union divestment '" '" .. S9
Far East traffic....... . .. . . '" . . . .. . . ......• 59
Delays in handling international press traffic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Mackay offer of free TELEX equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S9
International telegraph rates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Radiotelephone service to Hawaii.............. . ... . . 60
Western Union practices under internatbnal formula.... . 60
Circuits to Turkey and Israel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Western Union-Globe and Tropical oontracts..... ... . ... . .. . .. 60
Canadian traffic transiting United States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Participation under international formula. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Tariff schedules. contracts, and miscellaneous reports , .. . . . . 61
Rate level and structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Other regulatory matters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Relief and pensiolls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Depreciation. . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Continuing property records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Accounting compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
General. . 62
Telephone carriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ,.................... 62
Telephones by States.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Domestic telegraph carrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
International telegraph carriers... . .. . .. . . .. . . .. ... . .. . . .. . .. . ... 65
International telegraph and telephone traffic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Common carrier applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
vm TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES.
General .
Private microwave systems.
Marine radio services..
Safety at sea .
Safety convention.
Intergovenrnental Maritime COllsultative Organization.
Communications Act.
Great Lakes agreement.
VHF radiotelephony for navigational communication.
Exemption {['Oill compulsory radio requirement...
Distress studies...
Radar.
Technical developments and studies.
Ty!lc-acceptance program ..
Tests of vertical antennas..
Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services.
Marine radio communication 8Y8tems ..
Coast stations.....
Marine fixed stations...
Operation in 152-162-megacycle band.
Ship-shore radiotelephone.
Developmental authorizations..
Alaskan public fixed and maritime stations.
Radio communication in Alaska .. , .
Proposed use of single sideband in Alaska.
Study of duplicate facilities in Alaska ...
Aviation services. . . . . , .
General. . . . . . . .. . . . .
Aviation organizations and conferences .
Air Coordinating Committee. . .
Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics.
International Civil Aviation Organization..
Rule amendments..
Air carrier aircraft stations..
Private aircraft stations ...
Aeronautical public service stations.
Aeronautical en route and aeronautical fixed stations.
Operational fixed stations....
Aeronautical advisory stations...
Aeronautical utility mohile stations ..
Airdrome control stations..
Flight test stations..
Flying school stations.
Radionavigation stations ..
Civil air patrol stations .
Public safety radio servict!'s .
General .
Rule changes .
Police Radio Service .
Fire Radio Service .
Forestry.Conservation Radio Service....
Highway Maintenance Radio Service.. , .............•...
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TABLE OF COI\TEN'fS
SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES-Continued
Public safety radio services-Continued
Special Emergency Radio Service..
Local Government Radio Service.
State Guard Radio Service....
Disaster Communications Service..
Land transportation radio services.
General. . .
Motor Carrier Radio Service.
Railroad Radio Service .
Taxicab Radio Service .
Automobile Emergency Radio Service..
Citizens Radio Service.
Industrial radio services..
General ....
Major problems and accomplishments..
Other developments.
Amateur radio service.
General ... " .
Rule changes..
Other mat[crs..
Enforcement.
Legal and regulatory problems.
Statistics.
Stations in Safety and Special Radio Services.
Transmitters in Safety aud Special Radio Services .
Applications in Safety and Special Radio Services .
BROADCAST SERVICES.
Television (TV) Broadcast Service..
TV expanflion.
TV problems.
Long-ntllge program.
Television Allocations Study Organization.
In1erim program.
Deintermixture..
Mileage separations ..
Satellite statioD8 ....
Translator stations.
Booster operation..
"Repeater" stations..
Community antenna TV systems.
Impact of satellite, translator, booster. and CATV operations.. , .
NoncoIIlmercial educational TV. . .
Subscription TV. . .
TV table of assignments...
TV test signal...
TV frequency and modulation monitors.....
TV agreements with Canada and Mexico.
Standard (AM) Broadcast Service.
AM marches on.
Clear channel reallocations.
Daytime skywave ...
Extended hQurs for daytime stations..
IX
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x TABLE OF CONTENTS
BROADCAST SERVICES-Contin••d
Standard (AM) Broadcast Service--Continued Page
Daytime power increase of class IV stations. . . . . 113
"Unique" progcam service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 114
Frequency Modulation (FM) Broadcast Service , . . . . . . . . . . . US
Commercial FM continues upswing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . US
Suhsidist'Y operations , . . . . . . . .. . . 116
Class B FM allocation plan abandoned ,. . .. . . .. . ... ...•. 117
Vertical polarization for FM stations........................ 117
Educational FM still climbs , . . .. . . . 117
International broadcast stations , . 118
Auxiliary broadcast services ,. .. .. . .. . . . . . .. . . 118
Experimental hroadcast services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Il9
General hToadca'i>t matters , , . . . . . 119
Network study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Il9
Violations of chain broadcasting rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Broadcast station sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Rules and policies concerning programing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Revision of programing portion of application form. . . . . . . . . . 122
Political broadcasts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Advert~ingon broadcast stations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
"Stereophonic" broadcasting.. , , . .. . . . . .. . . . 124
"Subliminal perception" _ : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • 125
Remote control operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Hearing procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Proposed curb on "payoffs" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
"Cutoff" date change. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Problems. . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cunent broadcast authorizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Status of broadcast autborizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Broadcast authorizations by States. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Broadcast authorizations by cities. . .... .. .. ... . ..... . . . ... .... .. 130
Broadcasting since 1949. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Broadcast applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Broadcast industry financial data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
CLOSED.ClRCUIT TELEVISION. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . .. .. . . .. .. . 136
Wired TV booms , , . . . . . . 136
Medical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Education , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
BUBiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Industry , , . . . . . . 137
Transporta"bion , .. . .. . . .. . . . . . .. . 137
Municipal , . . . . . . 137
Political. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
How CC-TV work,. . . . . . . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . . .. . . .. . . 138
FIELD ENGINEERING AND MONITORING , 140
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Field facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Field offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Monitoring st.at.ions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Mobile installations ' , , , 141
TABLE OF CONTENTS XI
FIELD ENGINEERING AND MONITORING-Conlinued p ••_
Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Sbip. . 141
Broadcast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Other radio services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Enforcement actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Operator examination aDd licensing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Commercial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Amateur operator examinations. .. 144-
Interim ship station licenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Citizens station licenselil '.' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Investigations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Interference to radio reception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Unlicensed operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Monitoring and direction finding................................ 147
Interference complaints. . . . 147
Surveys.................................................. 148
Search and rescue activities '" . . . . 148
Assistance to Department of Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Monitoring training program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Engineering surveys and measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Improvements in field technical facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Industry self-help coordination : : . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Television interference committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Cooperative interference committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Induction and Dielectric Heating Subcommittee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Electronic Industries Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
National Electrical Manufacturers Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Society of the Plastics Industry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Statistics '" '" . . . .. . . . .. . .. . . 153
Investigative statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Monitoring statistics " , . . .. . . .. 153
Monitoring interference complaints , , .. , . 154
Field inspection activity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Commercial radio operator licenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
ANTENNAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
!.'robl""". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Antenna marking and lighting.•............................... , . . . . 157
Antenna application processing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Statistics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Tall TV towers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Directional antennas '" . . .. . . . .. . 160
RADIO STATION CALLS............................................ 162
Their purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Their assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Broadcast calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Amateur calls , . . 1M
Experimental calls ,. . 164
Other calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Geographic pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . 165
Distress calls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
XII TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pa..
RESEARCH AND LABORATORy................................... 167
Technical research ,. 167
General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
VHF and UHF propagation research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
AM broadcast propagation research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Government-industry cooperation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Equipment type acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Technical standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Sy~tem8'Otudicl'>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Single sideband. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Experimental radio services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Industrial, scientific, and medical devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Incidental and restricted radiation devices , ,. . . 174
Laboratory , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Type approval of equipment. . . . . . . . . . . .. 175
Radio propagation measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Development and calibration of field equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Study of new systems and devices , . . . . . 176
Standards activities , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
APPENDiX...................... . . . . . 177
Field offices•••••••••• , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Publications. • • •• • •••• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Past and present Commissioners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Report Summary
GENERAL
Increasing leadership by the United States in all fields of electrical
communication is reflected by the unabated upswing in licensing and
other regulatory activities of the Federal Communications Commis 
sion. In no other country are radio and wire facilities utilized for
public service, private business, and personal convenience to the extent
achieved in the United States. At the same time, it is reassuring to
know that our extensive communication systems form an integral
part of the national defense program.
The Commission closed its 24th year with more than 2.1 million
radio authorizations on its books. This is the largest figure in the
Nation's history.
Of these, 1.5 million were commercial radio operator permits of
different grades required to man this country's spreading forest of
transmitters.
Authorizations for radio stations of all kinds exceeded 450,000. For
the first time, broadcast station authorizations rose above 9,000. But
ther~are nearly 50 times that many stations in the nonbroadcast
servICes.
However, the number of radio stations is not a true indication of
the number of related transmitters. One authorization in a non 
broadcast service does not usually mean a single transmitter. For
example, an authorization for a police radio system covers many
mobile transmitters. A grant for forestry conservation permits the
use of numerous portable transmitters. In consequence, radio station
authorizations collectively represent nearly 1.5 million transmitters.
The increasing demand for communication facilities is evinced in
the fact that during the year the Commission received more applica 
tions than ever before. Rapid changes in electronic techniques and
utilization add greatly to the Commission's task of accommodating
new services, administering to expanding services, adjudicating high 
ly competitive proceedings, obtaining more economical USe of radio
frequencies in great demand but short supply, and dealing with
mounting interference and other "growing pains."
Though broadcasting matters--particularly those relating to tele 
1
2 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
vision-<lontinued to draw the lion's share of popular interest, the
year's developments in the nonbroadcast field, though less spectacular
cand less headlined, were even more important and significant. The
latter have greater pnblic impact because they concern the protection
·of life and property; aid land, water, and air transportation; con 
tribute to the efficiency of industrial and other business operations;
"'nd affect telephone and telegraph services to the public.
COMMON CARRIER
Time and distance have been pulverized by application of automa 
tion and electronic developments to telephone and telegraph opera 
tions. This is particularly true in long-distance communication.
Telephone
The domestic telephone industry (Bell and independents) has
become a $22 billion investment. Its gross revenues exceed $7 billion.
Telephones in use are nearing 64 million. They handle nearly 240
million calls daily.
Dial operation is possible on 92 percent of the Bell and 75 percent
of the independent telephones. Some 5 million Bell subscribers can
dial toll calls to 30 million other telephones.
The long lines telephone system has expanded to 32 billion circuit
miles of which about 11 million are radio and a similar amount is
coaxial cable.
Common carrier service is furnished by over 700 2-way land mobile
systems and is being tested for passengers on aircraft in flight.
More than 100 I-way signaling systems are used for "paging"
purposes.
Telegraph
Western Union, with a landline investment of some $351 million,
grossed over $245.5 million. This was $7 million more than the pre 
vious high in 1956 although messages declined from 151.6 to 143.9
million.
Western Union's microwave system was linked with Cincinnati and
Chicago, and is being extended to Kansas City via St. Louis and to
Detroit and Cleveland from Chicago.
Facsimile service is provided by 33,700 "deskfax" machines to
customers in 155 cities, by 1,700 "intrnfax" units, and by installations
of a newer "ticketfax".
A domestic telegraph rate increase is expected to provide Western
Union $10 million additional revenue a year to offset a comparable
wage Increase.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 3
International
Communication with the rest of the world is provided by 4 cable
and 6 radiotelegraph carriers and 1 radiotelephone carrier. There is
direct telegraph service by radio to 84 foreign countries and ocean 
cable telegraph service to various European aud Latin American
countries. Sixty foreign points are reached by direct radiotelephone
circuits and several such points are also served by submarine cable.
Volume of intel1lational telegraph traffic increased for the fourth
consecutive year, attaining a new high of 607.5 million words and
grossing nearly $77 million in revenue.
Intel1lational telephone traffic also reached a new high of 2.2 mil 
lion calls and $21.5 million revenue.
The transatlantic telephone cable marked its initial year of opera 
tion, and another one is planned. Also, for the first time, telephone
cables serve Hawaii and Alaska.
The Commission ordered 1Vestel1l Union to present a plan for
divestment of its ocean cables to comply with requirements of the
law which permitted its merger with Postal Telegraph in 1943. An
appeal has been taken to the court.
SAFETY AND SPECIAL
Nearly 438,000 licensees in the safety and special radio services
were employing about 1.4 million transmitters to provide a variety
of public, business, and other services. By chief categories they were:
Class Lil"('I1s!.'('S Trans-
mitters
Cbss
LlccnSf'es I Trans 
mitters
:lO4, 400
j 176,660
7, !;l(!6
Marjne~~__
A\'iation. . . _
T,and trfUlSPJrtation
1
IndustriaL~.. .. _
72,426
62,684
48,801
39, !l78
78,619
81,;J3fi
341,753 I
416,591
Public safety __
Amateur _
~iiscdhmcous
I -
26, ,';12
1
'
179.314
8.04:-1 I
1 Represents stll.t1ons smce no transmitter count isaY~llhbk.
These services, collectively, have nearly doubled in the past 5 years.
Radio is employed for safety and navigational purposes by ships
,and aircraft. It is used to expedite the movement of trains, ,buses,
trucks, and taxicabs, and to provide automobile emergency service.
In industry it aids delivery of petroleum, power, and other products.
Public agencies depend upon radio for police and fire protection,
highway maintenance, and forestry conservation. Radio also plays
an important role in defense, disaster, and other emergency programs.
In addition, it is put to special uses by amateurs and other individuals.
The "housing shortage" in popular parts of the radio spectrum
makes it difficult to satisfy the growing demand for room-especially
exclusive occupancy--on the teeming airwaves. However, channel
4REPOR~'OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
splitting and more efficient use of available spectrum space through
channel sharing and other means have provided some additional fre 
quencies for new or expanding services.
During the year, four additional services were established; one for
manufacturers, another for business in general, a third for local
government, and the fourth for telephone maintenance.
BROADCAST
Broadcast authorizations collectively passed the 9,000 mark. Of
this number, 874 were TV stations, 791 FM, and 3,353 AM; auxili 
aries, etc., made up the remainder.
TV
Of 665 commercial TV stations authorized, 556 held operating
permits. In addition, 92 of 156 authorized TV translator stations
were on the air.
Proposals for "booster" and "repeater" stations to further extend
TV service to isolated places were under consideration.
Over 90 percent of the population is within range of at least 1
present TV station and 75 percent are within range of 2 or more
stations. Over 83 percent of all homes have 1 or more TV receivers
and over 46 milliou sets are in use. Also, the Uuited States is said to
be the only nation receiving regular TV color programs.
The possibility of moving all or a major portion of TV broadcast 
ing to the UHF portion of the spectrum continued to receive study;
a TV industry group was cooperating in obtaining comparative UHF
and VHF technical data; and, meanwhile, present disparity between
UHF and VHF operation was relieved to some extent by deintermix 
ture iu various localities and other interim actions.
The Commission held that its regulatory jurisdiction does not ex 
tend to community antenna TV (CATV) systems, since they do not
transmit over the air, but is studying the effect of satellite, translator,
booster, and CATV operations on the growth of regular TV service.
Closed circuit (wired) TV, which does not require FCC licensing,
is being harnessed to an increasing number of business and other
nonentertainment purposes.
The matter of subscription TV has been under consideration in
Congress, so the Commission is deferring any grants for trial of pay
TV until after the 1st session of the 86th Congress. Meanwhile, it
will accept and process any applications which may be submitted. As
of the close of the fiscal year, it had received but one application, and
that did not meet prescribed trial requirements.
Hearings were concluded on a special staff report on TV network
broadcasting. Meanwhile, violations of the existing chain broad-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 5
casting rules revealed by this study were being called to the attention
of the networks and stations involved with reprimands.
Of 53 authorized educational TV stations, 32 held operating per 
mits.
The number of TV channels reserved for education grew to 257, or
15 more than first allocated in 1952.
Though some educational reservations have been removed or chang 
ed, the Commission has denied requests for commercialization where
educators have shown an active intent to use them.
FM
For the second consecutive year, commercial FM stations gained in
number. Of 634 authorized stations, 548 were on the air.
Pending applications increased from 24 to 57. Increasing competi 
tion was reflected in the fact that 23 of the latter were in hearing.
Renewed interest in FM is due primarily to the ability of commer 
cial stations to augment their income through subsidiary programs
and Commission consideration of the possibility of permitting addi 
tional supplemental services through multiplex operation.
Noncommercial educational FM stations continued their slow but
steady growth. The 157 such authorizations were 9 more than the
year previous, and the 147 on the air was a gain of 12.
AM
AM authorizations rose to 3,353, of which 3,253 had operating
permits.
The Commission proposed to eliminate the exclusive nighttime use
of 12 clear channels by stations in 7 large cities to permit additional
stations in 12 western cities to take care of less served areas.
TALL TOWERS
The mounting height of antenna towers is giving air navigation
increasing concern. More than 60 TV transmitting shafts rising
1,000 to 1,610 feet above ground are now in operation. A proposed
tower would reach 1,859 feet. Possible solutions involve grouping
,on antenna "farms," extending painting and lighting requirements
to antennas used for reception only, and requiring marking of aban.
doned towers.
FIELD ENGINEERING AND MONITORING
The Commission's engineering field force functioned through 24
district offices, 5 suboffices, 2 marine offices, and 18 monitoring sta 
tions assisted by 47 mobile units, 2 of which are designed for TV
enforcement work.
484159--5R----2
6 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Besides patroling the radio spectrum, monitoring stations furnished
more than 2,000 bearings for ships and planes in distress.
The field staff uncovered 142 unlicensed radio operations, or 42
more than in 1957. Of the 1958 total, 88 were unauthorized TV
boosters.
Inspection was made of more than 1,100 broadcast stations, 5,600
other land radio stations, and 6,600 ship radio stations.
Effort continued to induce small-boat operators to obtain radio
licenses, required by a new law, curb superfluous radio communica 
tion to the inclusion of indecent and profane language, and protect
the frequencies used for emergency purposes.
Nearly 23,000 complaints of interference were received, of which
18,700 concerned TV. This was a decrease from the previous year due,
in large part, to local remedying assistance by 32 cooperative inter 
ference committees and 520 TV interference committees.
RESEARCH AND LABORATORY
Engineering problems facing the Commission involve all radio
services and require engineering study in promoting additional uses
of the radio spectrum and utilization of new techniques. These con 
siderations involve radio wave propagation, technical standards, and
control of interference. They necessitate close cooperation between
Government and industry.
In order to guard against potential interference, types of trans 
mitters used in different radio services are approved by the Commis 
sion before they are manufactured.
Besides examining transmitters for type approval, the Commis 
sion's laboratory at Laurel, Md., also tests devices which, though- not
used for communication, can cause interference. Type approval is
given to those which meet these tests. Twenty-four such items were
certified during the year.
The experimental radio services provide opportunity to test new
radio methods and devices. Though licensees in this service fluctuate
because of the generally short duration of their experiments, more
than 800 were active at the close of the year.
FREQUENCY ALLOCATION
In order to minimize interference and standardize frequency usage
throughout the world, allocations of bands of frequencies for specific
purposes are agreed to internationally. Participating nations make
their own suballocations accordingly.
International frequency usage will be reviewed at a Geneva con 
ference in 1959. It will be the fWst comprehensive review since 1947.
During the year, the Commission helped to prepare for 13 other
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 7
international conferences, dealing with telecommunications matters,
and 36 additional sessions are in prospect.
Meanwhile, the Commission was inquiring into domestic frequency
use and requirements throughout practically the entire radio spec 
trum in connection with long-range planning on the national level.
The Commission participates in an international system of fre 
quency and station assignment notification. It is also the medium
for resolving interference and other infractions involving domestic
and foreign radio stations.
Call signals of radio stations are keyed to letters of the alphabet
apportioned to the nations for identification purposes.
NATIONAL DEFENSE
The Commission is responsible for making it' possible, in time of
war, for electrical radiations to be used by an nemy to direct bomb 
ers or gnided missiles. In that connection it administers what is
known as the "CONELRAD" program to the JIIation in event of
an attack and to enable certain AM stations to continue operation for
emergency communication on shifted frequencies to confuse the
enemy.
In late 1957, the Commission, with the cooperation of the Air
Force and "Veather Bureau, put the CONELRAD system to peacetime
use for warning communities and areas about impending hurricanes,
floods, and other threats by nature to public life and property.
The Commission also works with military, civil defense, and other
Government agencies in planning the role that wire and radio facili 
ties would play in event of hostile attack. These activities range from
providing alternate communication circuits to furnishing special
monitoring and other technical assistance.
COMMISSION
During fiscal 1958, the Commission operated with 1,238 employees
and appropriations of $8,734,355, most of which was for personnel
services. More than one-third of this force was engaged in field
engineering work.
Itreceived more than 537,000 applications and nearly 940,000 pieces
of mail during the year.
Technical assistance was given 57 engineers and technicians of
friendly foreign governments who visited this country under Govern 
ment-sponsored programs.
During the year, the President appointed Commissioner John C.
Doerfel' as Chairman, named Frederick W. Ford and John S. Cross
to fill vacancies on the Commission, and reappointed Robert T. Bart 
ley for another term.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Organization Chart as of June 30, 1958
I THE COMMISSION
I
I
I
CHAIRMAN
I
OfFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
I I I----
Budget andFi~calDivision
OFFICE OFOrganization and Methods DiYhdoll OFFICE OF OFFICE OF
Personnel Division OPINIONS AND REPORTS AND HEARING
AdmInistrative Servicel; Division REVIEW INfORMATION EXAMINERS
I i I
OFfiCE OF OFFICE OF
OFfiCE OF GENERAL COUNSEL THE SECRETARY
CHIEF ENGINEER ---- ----
----
Liti~ationDi"iKloIl Dockets Division
FrclJuenC;r Allocation llnd Lf'g'islatioll, 'n'catles nnu :\Iinute Division
Trcut~·Division Rules Division 'l'e<:llnieal Assistance Division
Technical HeKenreh lllternll tional Tcle('olllmunications
Divi\-\ion Spttlement:< Di\'ision
Laborator~'Division Libran Division
COllelrad ;-'Iail lind Files Division
• • • •
FIelD ENGINEERING COMMON CARRIER SAFETY AND SPECIAL BROADCAST BUREAU
AND MONITORING BUREAU RADIO SERVICES
----
BUREAU
----
BUREAU.Broa{kll~tFacilitlel:!
----
International Divlsiull
----
Division
Flelt! 0lll'l'ating DiYlsion Telegraph Division Avilltion Division lh'ncwal and Transfer Division
Engineering VIvIsloo Tt'leEhone Vidsioll lndufltrial Division Economics Division
Inspection and Domellt e Radio Facilities Land 'l'ralll'lportatiun Division Hules and Standards
Nxumillfttioll Division DIYision Marine Diyision DivIsion
:Uonltoring Division Officc of Accounting SrsteIDs
~~~\~u~a~~[;'"iS~~I~
Hearing DiviRion
Lic"nse Branch License Division
Office of Field Coordinator Law. Enforcelllcnt aDd Offiee of Network StUd)"
Procedures Office
General
COMMISSION
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent Fed 
·eral agency. It was established by Congress in 1934. Its authority is
derived from the Communications Act of that year. Its basic statu 
tory purposes are:
* '" '" regulating interstate and foreign commerce -in communication
by ·wire and radio 80 as to make avaUable, 80 far as possible, to all
the people of the Uttited: States a rapid,. efficient, llatiomvide, mHL'world~
wide wire and Tu,dio communication service tdtk adequate !a,cilities at
reasonable charges '" • '" the national defense '" '" '" promoting safety
of life and property through the usc of wire and radio communication,
and '" '" * sccuring a more ettvctive execution at thi,'I policy by central 
iz'ing authority heretOfore granted by lmn to scvmy(l agencies and by
granting ad(IUional authority tvith respect to interstate and forc'io'll
commerce in tvire and rad·io communication •• ,.,
The act applies "to all interstate and foreign communication by
wire or radio and all interstate and foreign transmission of energy
by radio, which originates and/or is received within the United
States, and to all persons engaged within the United States in such
communication or such transmission of energy by radio, and to the
licensing and regulating of all radio stations * * *."
In general, the Commission's regulation covers common carrier
(telephone and telegraph) services, safety and special radio services,
and broadcast services. The act declares that broadcast stations are
not common carriers. Consequently, Congress provided different
standards for regulating common carriers and broadcasters.
Major activities of the Commission include allocating bands of
frequencies to the different radio services, assigning frequencies and
call signals to individual radio stations, licensing radio stations and
"perators of radio transmitters, regnlating common carriers engaged
in interstate and international communication, promoting safety of
life and property through the use of radio on the land, on the water,
.and in the air, encouraging more effective and wider application of
radio, and helping harness wire and radio facilities to the national
nefense program.
9
10 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS
The Commission is composed of seven Commissioners. They are
Itppointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The President designates one of their number as Chairman (without
Senate confirmation) to serve at his pleasure. The Chairman is the
chief executive officer of the Commission.
Not more than four Commissioners can be members of the same
political party. The normal term of a Commissioner is 7 years,
except in filling out an unexpired term. The law forbids a Commis 
sioner (or any employee of the Commission) from having financial
interest in any business which he helps to regulate. Nor can Commis 
sioners engage in private business while in office.
The Commissioners function as a body in supervising the Commis 
sion's activities and in making its policy determinations En banc
meetings are normally held weekly. Commissioners also sit in some
hearing and other cases, and hear oral argnment.
Certain responsibilities are delegated to individual Commissioners
or committees of Commissioners. The Commission has designated
one of its members as Defense Commissioner; others serve on the
FCC telephone and telegraph committees, and on the Telecommunica 
tions Coordinating Committee, Telecommunications Planning Com 
mittee, Telecommunications Advisory Board, Air Coordinating Com 
mittee, Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services, Radio
Technical Commission for Aeronautics, and as liaison with the Office
of Defense Mobilization. Individual Commissioners serve in rotation
to act on motions.
A list of Commissioners as of June 30, 1957, appears on the back
of the title page of this report. Past and present Commissioners and
their periods of service are listed in the appendix.
On July 1, 1957, Commissioner John C. Doerfer succeeded George
C. McConnaughey as Chairman, by designation of President Eisen 
hower.
The following day the President appointed Frederick W. Ford for
a 7-year term to succeed Mr. McConnaughey as a Commissioner. The
latter's term expired June 30, 1957. Commissioner Ford was con 
firmed by the Senate on Augnst 5, and took office on August 29.
Commissioner Richard A. Mack resigned March 3, 1958.
On March 10 thereafter, President Eisenhower nominated John S.
Cross to fill out Commissioner Mack's term, which expires June 30,
1962. Confirmed by the Senate on May 15, 1958,Co~issionerCross
took office on May 23.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 11
On April 29, Commissioner Robert T. Bartley was reappointed by
President Eisenhower for another 7-year term, from June 30, 1958.
He was confirmed on May 15 and resworn June 4.
STAFF ORGANIZATION
Organization of the Commission staff remained virtually unchang 
ed during the year.
As indicated by the organization chart appearing with this chapter,
there are 4 operating bureaus-Field Engineering and Monitoring,
Common Carrier, Safety and Special, and Broadcast; and 7 offices 
Administration, Chief Engineer, General Counsel, Secretary, Opin 
ions and Review, Hearing Examiners, and Reports and Information.
On September 25, 1957, the Commission established an Office of
Network Study in the Broadcast Bureau and, on April 9, 1958, re 
established a Hearing Division in the same bureau.
PERSONNEL
The Commission closed the year with a personnel total of 1,238,
or 41 more than in 1957. About one-third of this force was engaged
in field engineering work. Distribution by units was as follows:
Washington Fjeld Total
Commissioners' offices • .____ 47 0 47
Office of Opinions and Review______________________________________ 29 0 29
Office of Hearing Examiners________________________________________ 26 0 26
Office of Reports and InCormatioll_________________________ 4 0 4
Office of Admlnlstlatioll.___________________________________________ 84 0 84
Offioe of Secretary._~. ._____ 62 0 62
Office of GenC'ral CounseL .__________ 37 0 37
Office of Chief Engineer "~_____________6fi 49 115
Common Carrier Bureau~_____91 27 118
Safety and Special Radio Services Bureau~.____ 133 0 133
Broadcast Bureau 0_____________ 189 4 193
Field Englneerlng and Monitoring Bureau • __ • 1__--,.,-",+__32_'+ ''''_
Totals.~•••__ • __ ••••••_. •• •••• 833 405 1,238
A 19i12 amendment to the Communications Act requires biog 
raphies of employees added during the year, as well as the names of
those leaving during that period, to be reported to Congress. This is
being done separately.
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES
Appropriations totaling $8,734,355 were received by the Commis 
sion for fiscal 1958. This was an increase of $906,355 over the previ 
ous year. Personnel services accounted for about 85 percent of the
1958 budget. A breakdown follows:
12 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Personnel services~___________ _ _
Travel~-, _
Transportation of things _
Communications services _
Rents and utilities~~,_
Printing and reproduction _
Other contractual services__ _ _
Supplies and materials _
Equipment ,- _
Land and structures _
Contribution to Civil Service Retirement Fund 1 .~_
Awards and indemnities _
Taxes and assessments _
$7,423,440
88,873
12,541
193,305
63,920
45,558
144,813
132,554
112,887
34, 953
446, 716
I, 790
3,342
Total obligations _
Savings, unobligated balance _
8, 704, 692
2ll,663
Total _
8,734,355
I Required for first time in 1958 by amcndment to Retirement Act.
The sources of these funds and the authority for expenditures
thereunder were Public Laws 69, 352, and 472, 85th Congress.
DOCKETS
Broadcast continued to account for the majority of hearing cases.
Docket statistics for fiscal 1958 are shown in the following table:
Pending DesignatedDispoSt~dof Disposed of Pen-ling
June 30, for hparing without following June 30,
1957 hearing hcarlng Hl58
175
93
18
1.
465
72
31
1
o
124
55
22
fi
o
213<4.
158
88
25
10
~---I---I---
1<4
.58
o
10
368
212 281 89 104 300
c=-,,·.--~.--:-.----.--,--·--.---~I-c---
:::::::::::::-.1~1--·--~fI---if------f!I--~
-_._--.-----,--------------
105 107 71 19 122
1~~~~_~';;15~=--~~=' 1 = 43
AM broadcasL _
TV broadcasL _
FM broadeasL _
OtherbroadeusL .. _
Total broadeasL_
Sarety and speciaL_
Common earrIcL. __
Joint and gencraL_
TotalnonbroadcasL_. _
Pctltlons. rules, ctc _
LITIGATION
Section 401 of the Communications Act confers upon the United
States district courts jurisdiction to enforce the Communications Act
and the orders-of the Commission. Judicial review of Commission
actions is provided for in section 402 of the act. Section 402 (a) gives
jurisdiction to the several courts of appeals over suits to enforce,
enjoin, set aside, annul, or susMnd, any Commission order with the
exception of those granting or refusing applications for radio licenses.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 13
Section 402 (b) provides for direct appeal from such orders to tho
United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Most of the cases involving review of Commission action are insti 
tuted in the latter court under section 402 (b).
During the fiscal year there were 106 Federal court cases in which
the Commission was a party. Sixty-nine of these were instituted
during that period-68 in the courts of appeal, and 1 in the Supreme
Court. The other 37 cases were pending at the beginning of the year.
Four cases involving violations of the act were referred to the
Department of Justice for possible criminal prosecution. Conviction
was obtained in one, prosecution waS deferred in another with an
appropriate warning to the defendant, no action was taken in a third,
and action is pending in the fourth.
The only petition for writ of certiorari filed in the Supreme Court
by a party other than the Commission was denied. In the court of
appeals, the Commission was affirmed in 20 cases and reversed, with
a remand, in 12 others. Twenty-six cases were dismissed by agree 
ment of the parties. The district court granted judgment for the
Commission in one case, and another case was dismissed by agreement.
As of June 30, 1958, there were 45 cases pending in the court of
appeals. Of these, nine were heard and are awaiting decision.
A tabulation of the litigation situation for the fiscal year follows:
Court of
Supr('rne Court of Court of l'IPf!cals District
Court apPf'<lls <lPPCll!S (neither courts 'rotul
4G2 (b) 40'2 (a) 402 (a) nor
402 (b»)
86 16 100
Cases allirming Commission
Oases reversing Commission _
Cases dismissed by agreement of the
parties ._._____ __ . .__
Action denying certiorari petition by
party other than CommisslOn _
Cast's pending JUllf' 30, 1958
16
,
21
10 2 12
22
,
22
38
1
1
6
"
Important Cases
During the year the court of appeals released decisions in impor 
tant areas of Commission action:
Comparative TV decisional stan<lunls.-Grants made by the Commission
in resolving some of its many postfreeze comparative hearings constituted a
major source of litigation. The losing applicant or applicants in several such
cases sought review of the Commission's decision, alleging error in the findings,
the comparative criteria employed, or the judgments reached. In one case
dealing with the merits of the comparative decision (WORZ, Inc. v. Federal
Communications Commission, No. 13996 C. A. D. C.), the court affirmed the
Commission. Tn two others (The Radio Station KFH 00. v. Federal Oommuni,..
cations Commi8sion, 247 F. 2d 570; WIRO, Inc. v. Federal Communications
14 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL 90MMl)NICATIONS COMMISSION
Oommi8sion, No. 14035 C. A. D. C.), the.court remanded the decision for further
consideration because of procedural errors.
, Allocation rulmnaking cascs.-The Commission's rulemaking activities in the
TV field were also the' subject of litigation. In all six cases decided on the
merits the Commissionw~saffirmed. In two of these cases (Sangamon l'alley
Television Corp. v. United States and Federal Communications Oommission,
No. 13992 C. A. D. C.; WIRL Television 00. v. United States and Federal Com 
munications Oom1lJi8sion, 253 F. 2d 863). the Commission had moved channels
in order to deintermix areas. In the other four cases (Springfield TV Broad 
casting Corp. v. Federal Communi'catiotUf Commission, Ko. 14050 C. A. D. C.;
Winnebago Television Corp. v. United States and Federal Oommunications
Oommission, No. 14086 C. .A. D.' C.. ; Gcrico Investment Co. v. Federal Oom 
munications Commission, No. 141-79, C. A. D. C.; Mackey v. United States and
Federal Oommunications Gornmisswn, No. 14239 C. A. D. C.), the Commission
had refused to make changes In allocations desired by petitioners. The court
noted "the widely varying circumstances in individual markets and the numer 
ous factors which bear on'the choice ineach area," and disclaimed authority "to
reappraise the merits of" conclusions reached by the Commission after evaluat 
ing the factors in each case.
Standing to protest under section 309 (c).-In two cases the court liberal 
ized the _protest provision (sec. 809(c)) of the act by broadening the class ot
those having standing to protest. In Philco Oorp. v. Federal Oommunications
Oommission, No. 14166 C. A. D. C., Pbilco protested renewal of licenses of Na 
tional Broadcasting Co. stations in Philadelphia, claiming standing because
Philco competes in the manufacture and sale of electrical appliances with Radio
Corporation of America, NBC's parent corporation, and because NBC's Phila 
delphia stations allegedly provided RCA with free advertising and publicity not
available on the same basis to other appliance manufacturers. The court,
reversing the Commission, found that Philco has standing to protest because
it was adversely affected by the "preferential economic advantage over the
protestant" which RCA was deriving from the stations. In Robert Hecksher v.
Federal Oommunications Oommission, 253 F. 2d 872, the licensee of a station
protested a new grant nearby which he said would cause objectionable inter 
ference to his station. The Commission rejected his protest because it found
his field intensity measurements, on which he based his claim of interference,
to be in clear violation of the Commission's regulations for takingmeasure~
ments. But the court, bolding that difficult conditions of terrain made literal
compliance impossible and that it was not clear that his measurements were
insutllcient under the circumstances, ordered a hearing.
Power of the Oommission to subpenarecords.~lnFederal Oommunications
Oommission v. Oohn, 154 F. Supp. 899, the court for the southern district of
New York enforced subpenas issued by the Commission requiriqg, independent
TV program producers to show their books and records in connection with the
Commission's general investigation of network operations. Although the
Commission has no direct jurisdiction over such producers because they are
not broadcasters, the court allowed general inquiry into their operations by
the CommIssion because of their relations with networks and stations.
Economio factors in broadcast grants.-The Commission's power and duty
to consider the effect of compf'tition on broadcast service was asserted by the
court in Oarroll Broadcasting 00. v. Federal Oommunications Oommission,
No. 14104 C. A. D. C., decided July 10, 1958. Carroll, which operates an exist 
ing station, had protested grant of a new station in a nearby town, alleging
that the area could not support two stations. The court found that the Com-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 15
mission could not make the new grant without first considering upon timely
demand whether the competition wbich would exist.between the two stations·
might adversely affect the public interest.
Suspension of operators'liccn8c8.~Undersection 303 (Ill) (1) (c) of the act
the Commission can suspend an operator's license if he willfully damages radio
apparatus. In Didrik.'wn v. Federal Oommunications OornmiRsion, 254 F. 2d
354, the Commission had suspended an operator's license for misplacing,con~
eealing, and manipulating equipment at a radio station in such a way that
operation was impossible. He had done this in connection with a strike. The
court upheld the Commission, finding "damage" from his actions.
Effect of oh-ange in TV allocations.-Under Commission rules a TV channel
may be assigned to two nearby cities jointly; this makes it available·for- use in
~ithercity. Channel 45 was assigned to New Castle, Pa., and \VKST had a
permit therefor but had ceased operation for financial reasons. At WKST's
request the assignment was changed to New Castle, Pa.MYoungstown, Ohio.
WKST subsequently sought to modify its permit to move its antenna to a site
near Youngstown while continuing as a Kew Castle station. Competing appli
M
cations for channel 45 at Youngstown were filed by others, who claimed that
the allocation change voided WKST's permit and left the channel unoccupied.
The court in Oommunity Telecasting Oompany v. Federal Oommunications
Oommission, No. 13872 C. A. D. C., upheld the Commission's dismissal of these
applications on the ground that WKST still had a valid permit for the channel,
and .Ashbacker Radio Oorp. v. Federal Communications Oommission, 326 U. S.
327, thus did not apply.
Before and since the close of the fiscal year, both the Commission and the
courts have taken action in teleVision cases whicb have been connected with
alleged ex parte representation to the Comrnission by testimony at hearings
before tlle House Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight.
Tbe first case, involving the grant of Channel 10 at Miami, Fla., was, at the
COmmission's request, remanded to it by the Court of Appeals on April 17, 1958
for evidentiary hearing. On June 18 the Commission announced that it bad
designated Judge Horace Stern to hear theil~sues.On July 31 the same court
remanded the proceeding concerning Channel 5 at Boston, Mass., to the Com·
mission for a similar hearing because of other testimony before the House sub
M
committee. On Ortober~,the Commission announced its own inquiry into the
Orlando, Fla., Channel 9 grant. On December 1 Judge Stern issued his initial
decision in the Miami Channel 10 case and, on December 4, was designated to
hear the Boston Channel 5pro~diil,l{.
In addition to these adjudicatory matters, the Supreme Court, on October 20.
remanded to the lower court tworul~makingcases--one involving removal of
Channel 2 foom Springfield, IlL, to St. Louis, Mo., and the other the shift of
Channel 8 from Peoria, 111., to the Rock Island-Moline-Davenport area-for
further consideration in the light of allegation of ex parte representation in tes 
timony before the House subcommittee relating to the St. LouisMSpringfield
proceeding.
LEGISLATION
A significant portion of the Commission's legislative activity dur 
ing fiscal 1958 was devoted to furnishing information and assistance
to congressional committees and attending congressional hearings.
Both the Senate and the House Interstate and Foreign Commerce
Committees and their subcommittees held extensive hearings directly
16 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
concerning the Commission and, in addition, conducted other hear 
ings relating to legislation and problems in areas related to the Com 
mission's re!,'1llatory functions which required testimony and docu 
mentary information from the Commission.
Commission Proposals
A number of legislative proposals were offered to the Congress by
the Commission. They included:
An amendment of sections 503 and 504 of the Communications Act
(47 U. S. C. 503 and 504) to authorize the Commission to impose
smalI fines for violation of its rules and regulations by alI radio sta 
tions other than those in the broadcast services. This amendment was
introduced in the Senate as S. 1978 and in the House as H. R. 6748.
The Commission also proposed that it be authorized in described
cirmumstances to require the painting and/or illumination of aban 
doned transmitting towers as an air safety meaSure. To enact such
legislation, S. 1874 was introduced in the Senate and H. R. 6746 in
the House.
The Commission proposed that section 307 (d) of the act be
amended to authorize it to grant broadcast station licenses fcir a
period not to exceed 5 years instead of the present 3-year period.
S. 1759 was introduced in the Senate and four bills to achieve this
amendment were introduced in the House (H. R. 3514, 5935, 6216,
and 6430).
The Commission submitted legislative proposals to amend section
409 (c) of the act to remove some of the restrictions on the Commis 
sion working with its own engineering and legal staff in adjudica 
tory proceedings.
The Commission has also either submitted or is preparing legisla 
tive proposals relative to its authority over incidentalan~restricted
radiation; the marking and lighting of receiving towers which may
be a hazard to air navigation; amendment of section 319 (a) of the 
act regarding premature construction; enlargement of the jurisdic 
tional language of section 202 (b) of the act on charges for services
in connection with certain types of radio communication; extension
from 3 to 6 months of the suspension period of section 204 of the act
pending a decision or hearing; an amendment of the act so as to place
the burden of proof upon a common carrier in a change of a charge,
classification, regulation, or practice; amendment or repeal of the
protest provision of section :J09 (c) ; amendment of section 409 (b) to
prohibit any person making ex parte representation to the Commis 
sion, and deletion of section 4 (b) provision regarding honorariums
to the Commissioners.
During the 1st session of thll 85th Congress, one measure (Public
I.aw 133) was enacted which had a direct effect on the activities of
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 17
the Commission. This legislation created the Airways Modernization
Board and provides for the development and modernization of a
national system of air navigation and air traffic control facilities. The
Commission is concerned since some of these devices will use portions
of the radio spectrum.
On August 28, 1958, the President signed a bill amending sections
303. (1) and 310 (a) of the Communications Act to permit the Coin 
mission to issue, in certain casps, licenses to noncitizens for radio
stations on aircraft and for the operation thereof. The Commission
supported this legislation because of the increased air safety consid 
,eration.
A number of bills affecting the Commission and its activities were
introduced in the 85th Congress. At the request of congressional
committees, the Commission made a study of these proposals as they
relate to its functions and submitted comments with reference to 80
bills and resolutions.
AUTHORIZATIONS
As of June 30, 1958, the Commission had over 2.1 million radio
authorizations outstanding. This was an increase of 270,000 for the
year. A comparison of the 1957 and 1958 fignres follows:
01...
Bafety and special wrvl.ces. _. __
Broadcast services " . . __
Common carrier servlces__ ._.
Experimental services _
'Commercial radio operators. ._._._. ..
,Amateur radio operators. "_
Totals._.__ • _
Juneao, 1957 Jl,lne 30, 1958
In""""
asl, \50 437, '&11 5&,701
8,034 8,037 1,003
2,790 3,271 481
788 834 ..
1,304,3()O 1,500,854 196,554
166,195 IBO,738 Hi,543
1,862,257 2,132,5&5 270,328
Smcea single grant in some services can cover,the use of a number
·of tral)SlIlitters, station authorizations for all radio services collec 
tively represent the use of nearly 1.5 million fixed and mobile trans'
mitters.
APPLICATIONS
Applications received by the Commission during the year exceeded
.537,000. This was an increase of over 32,000 compared with the year
previous. Figures for 1957 and 1958 were:
1957 1958 Increase or
(decrease)
BaflltyaQd.specialsorVioos__________________ 186,025 212.581 26,656
)ll'Q3deast sl'rvlees (nonheBrlD.l!')____ ____ _____ _ . _. ______ ___ 9, 704 10,347 643
Common carrier servloos ._. ._______ 0,262 4,566 (1,696)
ExperimentaL .. ._______ 2,3% 3,051 W2
CommerciBlrBdiooperators ._.__________ __. " 3.10,681
1
306,698, 6,017
Totals_. _--- --- ----+._. - -- _-_. 1--50,5,0671~·53-7,-24-.-'i---8-,,-18-'
18 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
These figures do not list amateur radio operations as a separate
category because their applications embrace stations as well as oper·
ating authorizations and are included in the safety and special serv 
ices total. Nor do they cover thousands of petitions and other filings
in hearing and rulemaking proceedings, tariffs submitted by common
carriers, and reports by various licensees.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mail received or dispatched by the Commission's Washington offioo
(not including that handled by the Field Engineering and Monitor 
ing Bureau) amounted to 1,378,412 pieces, which was about 35,000
more than the previous year. Of the 1958 total, 939,512 were incom 
ing and 438,900 were outgoing. The Commission paid the Post Office
Department $29,700 for the use of its penalty mail.
RELEASES AND PUBLICATIONS
Commission actionsar~reported in public notices released at its
. Washington headquarters. It likewise announces the filing of certain
applications, petitions for rulemaking, hearing calendars, etc. There
are no public mailing lists for this mimeographed issue. Mimeo 
graphed copies of Commission orders and other documents, besides
. being served on the parties involved, are available on individual
request as long as the limited supply lasts.
All hearing orders andrulemaking proposals and finalizations are
given official promulgation in the Federal Register. Since January 1,
1957, the Govermnent Printing Office has printed and sold the texts
of the Commission's major decisions in weekly pamphlet form. This
series is also availltble in6-month bound volume compilations. That
Federal agency also seUs the Commission's rules and regulations,
annual andspe~iltlreports, etc. The Commission does not supply
copies of its printed publications which are on public sale, They '!re
listed in the appendix to this report.
Commission mimeographing required more than 50,000 stencils, 9.3
million sheets of paper, and nearly 13.4 million impressions during
the year.
FOREIGN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Commission plans, arranges, and supervises programs of study
. an.d observation of the domestic telecommunications industry for
engineers and technicians of friendly foreign governments. This is in
connection with technical assistance programs of the Department of
State, the International Cooperation Administration, and the Dnited
Nations.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMuNICATIONS COMMISSION 19
Since 1952, the Commission has arranged itineraries for representa 
tives of more than 50 countries.Ove~230 participants have spent
over 1,115 man-months of study. Fiscal 1958 accounted for 57 of
these participants and 325 man-months. These figures do not include
casual foreign visitors.
GENERAL PROBLEMS
In addition to specific problems affecting the respective communi 
cation services mentioned throughout this report, the Commission has
overall problems which complicate and delay its processes in general.
To those who think that the FCC is slow in reaching deci 
sions, the answer is simple-its governing law reqnires repetitious
paperwork and other routine that is impeding its functioning. Indeed,
the Commission is fettered with more extraneous and time-consuming
redtapethan probably any other Federal agency. Since 1952, in
particular, certain amendments to ,the Communications Act have
lengthened Commission proceedings and thwarted expeditious deter 
minations.
Chief among the Commission's handicaps is the 1952 "separation
of functions" amendment which bars the Commissioners from con 
sulting FCC stall' experts on questions in adjudicatory proceedings.
Under this provision, the General Counsel and Chief Engineer cannot
advise on important legal, technical, and other considerations.
Another 1952 statutory obstacle pertaining only to the Commission
is the requirement that, before applicants can be designated for
hearing, they must be advised by letter as to the reason or reasons,
and given 30 days in which to reply. If, in an already contested
case, another application is filed, the new party, too, must be notified
and supplemental letters sent to the other parties concerned, which
means another month's delay. Sometimes a series of 3 and 4 Commis 
sion letters are necessary, which further delays the actual hearing.
Also, there is a 1952 amendment which requires the Commission to
give priority- consideration to "protests" to grants made without
hearing. Further, court interpretation of this provision recoguizes
nonapplicants as protestants, even though they may not be in the
communications business. This priority is an invitation to a widening
field of protests which hamper the administrative process and delays
the furnishing of new or augmented services to the public.
Delay in finalizing decisions in hearing matters is, in many cases,
due to applicants changing their organizational complexions and
application proposals during the course of the proceedings. This
invites further filings by competitors and necessitates additional
study by the Commission.
20 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Sometimes cases in the process of hearing before examiners have
to be recessed because parties make a practice of appealing procedural
rulings of the examiners to the Commission. The hearings cannot
resume until the Commission has considered and ruled on the ques 
tions raised.
Denial of petitions for'reconsideration of Commission actions often
brings petitions for reconsideration of the denial, and so on ad
infinitum. Though rarely introducing new argument, each petition
requires Commission study and formal disposition.
As a step toward eliminating some of these obstacles to expeditious
functioning, the Commission is seeking remedial action by Congress
with respect to the "separation of functions" and "protest" provisions
of the 1952 amendments, and is tightening its own rules and regula 
tions insofar as it is possible to do so under controlling law.
Despite these and other problems resulting from its multiplied
workload, the Commission ,had to function with about 150 less per 
sonnel than it had a decade ago.
National Defense
WAR EMERGENCY POWERS OF PRESIDENT
Section 606 of the Communications Act delegates to the President
certain emergency powers over electrical communication in time of
war or other national emergency. Among other things, the Chief
Executive may-
Direct that particular communications be given prioritv;
Suspend or amenr! the rules and regulations applicable to radio sta 
tions or devWes capable 01 emitting electromagnetic radiations;
Suspend or amernl the rules and regulations a-pplicable to wire com 
munication, close any wire communication facility and employ it tor
Government use, with just compensation to the owners;
Employ the Armed Forces to prevent obstruction or retarllation of
communication.
Fines of from $1,000 to $20,000 and imprisonment of from 1 year
to 20 years, or both, are provided for convicted violators.
In 1951 this Presidential authority was extended to include radia 
tion from noncommunication devices which might serve as "beams"
to guide enemy aircraft, electronic missiles and other weapons of sky
attack. Later that same year the President directed the Federal Com 
munications Commission to draft and enforce regulations in this
connection.
CONELRAD IN WAR AND PEACE
The so-called OONELRAD program was initiated by the FCC in
1950 at the request of the Department of Defense to govern radio
operation ih event of an enemy attack. The word is a convenient
abbreviation for the formal term "control of electromagnetic
radiation."
National Defense Purpose
The basic purpose of CONELRAD is to provide a radio system to
quickly alert the nation in the event of an imminent or actual air
attack. Certa;n classes of radio stations would be enabled to continue
essential operation under controlled conditions.
As far as broadcasting is concerned, a CONELRAD radio alert
would cause all FNI and TV stations to leave the air until an all clear
signal is received, but designated. Al\f stations would broadcast official
484159-58--3
21
22 REPORT OF THE FE,DERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
bulletins, civil defense instructions, and other pertinent information.
This would be done on 2 particular frequencies-640 and 1240 kilo 
cycles. They are so indicated on the tuning dials of most AM receiv 
ing sets.
The operation would be conducted in such a way as to confuse the
enemy about the location of the transmitters in use. Consequently,
for air navigation deception purposes, AM stations, operating in
gTOUpS, would use one or the other of the designated frequencies, in
rotation, for disseminating emergency information in connection with
an attack.
Radio silence would be maintained by nonbroadcast stations ex 
cept for transmission of communications of extreme urgency affecting
the safety of life and property under the particular situation.
Generally speaking, broadcast stations are alerted by the Air Force
Defense Command; other radio stations receive the alert by moni 
toring key broadcast stations in the air defense divisions in which
they are located.
Of the 3,353 AM stations authorized at the end of the fiscal year,
1,224 were voluntarily participating in conelrad.
As to future systems for the broadcasting of vital information in
..mergencies, there is one under consideration which, by utilizing 95
channels cleared for the purpose, 98 percent of the population of the
United States would receive such service under total effectiveness.
Peacetime Use
With the cooperation of the United States Air Force, the United
States Weather Bureau and the Federal Communications Commis 
sion, the CONELRAD alerting system has, since late 1957, been put to
an important peacetime use for alerting communities and areas to
threats of weather conditions endangering the public.
The new weather warning system works like this:
By noting or receiving word of an impending severe storm, abnor 
mal rising water, or other threat by the elements to life and property,
the local Weather Bureau representative alerts a cooperating AM,
FM, or TV station in the vicinity, whereupon the latter broadcasts a
timely warning. This warning is picked up by receivers'in other
broadcast stations in the areas which, in turn, help spread the word.
These warning transmissions are not confined to the two CONEL 
RAD frequencies; they are sent out by the broadcast stations on their
regularly assigned frequencies or ch,mnels. Hence, these bulletins can
be received on ordinary home sets. For the listener or viewer, it sim 
ply means keeping tuned to any broadcast station participating in the
plan.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 23
However, some establishments want to be elerted to these weather
bulletins without having to continually listen in for them. In that
category are broadcast stations, public safety and emergency agencies,
governmental entities, schools, industrial plants, transportation and
other business concerns, farms, ranches, recreation areas, etc. For
that purpose, interested manufacturers are producing an inexpensive
receiver which, when tuned to the frequency of a broadcast station
providing weather warnings, remains mute until activated by the
signal which precedes the weather bulletin. But, for that matter, any
ordinary AM or FM receiver can be adapted for the same purpose
at a nominal cost for the extra material and installation.
With hundreds of broadcast stations now cooperating in the imme·
diate disseIl).ination of weather warnings, a valuable peacetime public
service is made possible by a system intended primarily for national
defense purposes.
OTHER DEFENSE ACTIVITIES
The Commission cooperates with military, civil defense, and other
Government elements in planning for and otherwise harnessing wire
and radio facilities to the emergency program. These activities range
from providing for alternate communication circuits to meet possible
contingencies, to rendering monitoring and other special technical
assistance in research and development work. Special projects under 
,taken at the request of other Federal agencies cannot be reported
here because of the security classification given them by their origi 
nating authority.
The Commission has its own Defense Steering Committee, headed
by a Defense Commissioner. It has also established a line of succes 
sion for its key officials to act under extreme emergency.
Meanwhile, its existing safety and special radio services continue to
safegnard life and property, furnish assistance in time of disaster,
and contribute to civil defense and other public-protection programs.
In addition, the FCC's monitoring network patrols the airways
around the cl6ck and, among other things, furnishes bearings to
planes and ships in distress.
NATIONAL DEFENSE EXECUTIVE RESERVE UNIT
A National Defense Executive Reserve was authorized by Congress
in 1955 and activated by an Executive order in 1956. Under its pro 
visions, the Office of Defense Mobilization established an Interagency
Executive Reserve Committee composed of representatives of various
Federal agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission.
24 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
The Commission has completed appointments to the initial comple 
ment of its unit.
The purpose of these units is to provide qualified persons, repre 
sentative of segments of industry and the professions, to train for
participating in an executive capacity in essential mobilization func 
tions in their respective areas in event of a national emergency.
Electronics and Communication
TODAY
Electronics has gone modern. It has become one of the most useful
wonders of the age. It is revolutionizing technical means and meth 
ods that affect everybody. In so doing, it has become man's foremost
helper and time-saver. In the field of communication, particularly,
it knits distances and people to an extent never known before. As a
result, the world is in a new era of scientific transition.
As far as the United States is concerned, electronic developments
enable electrical communication to be utilized by more people to serve
more needs than in any other country. No other nation has made
such progress in telecommunications. Whether it is broadcast, other
radio, or wire operation, service in this country far surpasses that
anywhere else on the globe.
Today our utilization of radio actually extends "from the cradle
:to the grave"-from speeding medical service for imminent mothers
to controlling funeral processions in large cemeteries. And, through 
out life's span, radio plays a prominent role in day-by-day business
and industrial activities, besides contributing to the safety, conveni 
ence, and other welfare of individuals.
Radio advances further safeguard all forms of transportation,
besides expediting the movement of persons and goods. This applies
to air and water craft, and land vehicles to the inclusion of railroads,
streetcars,buses~trucks, and taxicabs.
Radio refinements additionally aid police and fire protection, be 
sides contributing highway and other emergency services, and pro 
moting forestry conservation.
Never before has radio figured so largely in national defense and
disaster relief programs.
Modern radio is harnessed to a myriad of tasks for business and
industry. These include intercommunication between offices and build 
ings, remote control of apparatus and processes, construction work,
logging operations, delivery of supplies, dispatching of repair crews,
surveying, and even exploring for new oil deposits.
American ingenuity and "know-how" has given the United States
more aural and television broadcast service than all the other coun 
25
26 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
tries combined. Moreover, ours is the only nation now enjoying
regular color TV programs.
The United States is also a leader in education by radio and TV.
Visual education is augmented by either transmissions over the air or
by "closed circuit" (cable) systems.
In addition to school use, wired TV facilities are serving many
business, industrial, entertainment, religious, professional, municipal,
and other interests.
The telephone and telegraph systems are adding to their radio
links. More than half of the national telephone network is now radio.
The United States has more than half of the world's telephones.
A pair of coaxial cables can carry nearly 1,900 different telephone
conversations at the same time.
The first telephone cables to Europe, Alaska, and Hawaii have been
placed in operation to meet today's demands.
Practically every place on the globe has been brought within quick
contact with the United States through international radio and cable
circuits.
Various mechanical communication devices using wire facilities
interconnect many business users, not only domestically but across the
ocean.
The latest use of telegraph facsimile is to transmit train tickets.
Pictures are flashed between continents in seconds.
The military is employing electronics to an unprecedented degree.
Bombs and guided missiles are fired and controlled by such means.
About one-third of the cost of a modern jet fighter plane is for
electronic gear. Naval surface and subsurface .craft depend increas 
ingly upon electronic aids.
At the same time, electronics is furthering the application of
nuclear energy to peacetime uses.
Radar and other systems are employed to facilitate navigation on
the water and in the air. Radar a.lso helps the police to patrol high 
ways for speeding cars.
Electronics has made possible quic1;:er weather predictions and '
)Varnings to the public.
Special radio services include paging doctors and other customers.
They carry vest-pocket receivers which alert them to telephone in for
further instructions.
Some restaurants use electronic radiation to cook food more speed 
ily. The food is heated from the inside out, which is the reverse of
the usual method.
In the early days of radio, with its limited usable spectrum, there'
was no room for personalized use of radio except for amateur opera. 
tion. Today citizens radio permits individual communication on
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 27
farms and ranches, reservation areas and remote places, and with
moving vehicles within limited range; and permits control of devices
such as garage doors, model airplanes, display signs, etc.
Electronics has spurred automation. Mechanical "brains" do more
and more computing and processing work. Practically all telegrams
are handled by automatic printers. Communication systems depend
upon mechanical switching, repeaters, etc. Most local telephones are
now dial operated, and long-distance dialing service is expanding.
Dial teleprinter exchange telegraph service has been inaugurated
between the United States and Canada. The midget transistor has
eliminated vacuum tubes in many devices and has made miniature
radio receivers possible. ·Wire circuits in receiving sets and otner
small equipment are now printed-that is to say, metallic lines im 
pressed on bases do away with old-fashioned wiring.
Since electronic developments have impact on telecommunication
users all over the world, this has necessitated better understanding
and cooperation among nations on mutual problems of use which can
only be resolved by international agreements.
TOMORROW
Electronics has become a lmge and dynamic industry. Unbounded
horizons are being opened by its developments. Radio communication
is no longer restricted by technical limitations on spectrum use and
by old concepts of radio transmitting and receiving apparatus.
Things are changing so rapidly that it is difficult to predict future
events other than to speculate that almost anything is possible.
Offset carrier, single sideband, split channel and other new tech 
niques promise more economical use of frequencies and more room for
new or expanded radio services.
Opening up the microwave portion of the spectrum for beaming
communication from one point to another is furnishing new voice
and telegraph channels. teletype, facsimile, relay, and remote-control
opportunities for common carriers, broadcasters, public agencies, in 
dustry, and other business.
Tropospheric and ionospheric scatter offer the prospect of interna 
tional communication, to the inclusion of television. This involves
using these upper layers of the atmosphere to reflect transmissions far
beyond the horizon.
Just as it has enabled use to be made of the ultra high frequencies,
so will equipment be developed to permit radio services to develop on
the super high, and even the extremely high, frequencies.
When that day comes it will be marked by the growth of small and
less costly TV stations.
Time will put TV stations on a more equitable engineering basis.
28 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Still bigger TV screens are in prospect, with their ultimate inclu 
sion in the walls of new housing.
FM broadcast bids for better recognition of its superior aural capa 
bilities when operated with equipment to do them full justice.
Because of mounting interest in the subject, aural and video edu 
cational programming will increase, whether done by .educational or
commercial stations or closed circuit, or a combination of the three.
Widening use of radio by private business and individuals is in 
evitable. It will become increasingly important to every citizen,
whether at·work, at home, or at play.
Three new industrial radio services have just been established 
one for business in general, another for manufacturers, and the third
for telephone maintenance activities. The future will see others con 
sistent with their comparative needs and the availability of spectrum
space.
More and more radio interference "bugs" will be eliminated
throngh better curbs on radiation, improvement of equipment, and
the cooperation of manufacturers and others concerned.
Ways will be found to reduce the aircraft-menacing height of high
transmitting and receiving antennas without sacrificing service or
quality.
Experiments with visual telephony indicate that some day persons
engaged in telephone conversation will be able to see as well as hear
each other.
Bouncing radio signals off the moon and receiving emissions from
man-launched satellites circling the globe heightens speculation of
radio communication with futnre space platforms and outer-earth
travel.
All of which indicates that, as far as the progress of electronics
and radio as a team are concerned, the sky is not the limit.
Frequency Allocation and Use
GENERAL
In the early days of wireless there was little need for national or
international regulation. Few stations were on the air and, although
the spectrum which could then be used covered only a few hundred
kilocycles (it now extends to tens of thousands of megacycles), there
seemed to be plenty of space for anyone to utilize radio, as we now
call it, to meet his communication requirements.
However, it was soon found that ships, for example, if they were
to communicate with one another or with shore for safety purposes,
needed certain recognized standard wavelengths (frequencies). This
was perhaps the first frequency allocation problem and it resulted in
designating exclusive frequencies to meet a particular communication
need.
It became apparent that radio could be put to all sorts of other
useful purposes and demands for spectrum space increased by leaps
and bounds. Since radio signals pay no attention to geographical
boundaries, the countries of the world found it desirable to plan the
use of the spectrum so that many radio services could operate without
mutual interference. So came about the designation of particular fre 
quencies or bands of frequencies for use by different services. This
is known as frequency allocation.
The rapid development of radio services continued to result in
shortages of frequencies. Fortunately, engineers were able to continu 
ously develop equiplll.ent that required less and less spectrum space.
For example, in thtl early days of radio it was not unusual for a
radiotelephone conversation to require several dozen kilocycles of
spectrum space. Today the same conversation may require as little
as three kilocycles. This and similar decreases in band width for
other types of communication may be called spectrum economy or
increased efficiency of spectrum utilization.
Not only did the spectrum space requirements for particular types
of transmission become reduced, thereby permitting more stations,
but technical improvements enabled frequencies higher and higher
in the spectrum to be harnessed to meet the ever-increasing communi 
cations needs of the world.
29
30 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Congestion on the radio highways has historically led to regula 
tions designed to conserve the spectrum and to limit its use to those
services which, in the public interest, have the greater need.
Frequency allocations are made both at the national and interna 
tional levels. For services which operate in portions of the spectrum
most suitable to long distance service, international allocations and
rules of assignment are required to minimize interference. National
frequency allocations are needed to promote the use of radio by those
domestic services whose functions are mainly in the public interest.
Within the framework of international and national allocations
and regulations, it is necessary to coordinate with other countries so
that new frequency assignments will not interfere with existing
operations. Teamwork is also required, at the national level, between
radio-using agencies.
NATIONAL FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
The national frequency allocation picture has been influenced con 
siderably by the scheduled convening of an International Radio Con 
ference at Geneva, Switzerland, in August 1959. That is because ltD
international table of frequency allocations resulting from such &
session represents a composite of the proposals introduced there by
the various countries.~
Two broad allocation proceedings were instituted by the CO!J\lllis 
sion last year which, because of their wide scope and complexity, are
still matters of active consideration. The first of these was an inquiry
into the frequency and operational requirements of present or pro 
posed services in the bands above 890 megacycles. The submission of
evidence, testimony, and briefs in this proceeding was completed late
in calendar 1957. This material is being evaluated by the Commission
and will serve as the basis for future allocation proceedings designed
to meet the specific national needs made evident by the inquiry.
The second proceeding was a similar inquiry but was limited to
that portion of the spectrum between 25 and 890 megacycles. Al 
though written comments have been submitted, a date has not yet been
set for taking oral testimony.
Inquiries such as these are a necessary part of any long-range
planning in the field of national frequency allocations. They serve
to point out which services are outgrowing their previous allocations,
which services are not growing and therefore do not require all of
the spectrum space previously allocated to them, and indicate space
needs for radio services that were not in existence at the time of
earlier distributions of the spectrum. .
Tbe completion of several of tbe earlier instituted ''split channel"
proceedings continued to play an important role in the national fre·
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 31
quency allocation picture insofar as many domestic land mobile and
maritime mobile services operating between 25 and 470 megacycles
were concerned. These proceedings were the outgrowth of technical
advances that made it possible to halve or even further reduce the
spacing between assignable channels. They have the effect of at least
doubling the amount of usable space that had been available to the
mobile services.
During the past year the cold war precipitated three separate
actions wherein, in the interest of the national defense, national fre 
quency allocations were changed by order rather than through rule 
making. In the first instance, certain relatively narrow non-Govern 
ment bands allocated to the land mobile service between 40 and 50
megacycles were reallocated to accommodate Government point-to 
point circuits employing the relatively new technique known as
"forward propagation by ionospheric scatter" (FPIS). This resulted
in the displacement of certain non-Government land mobile services.
However, in return for the space lost, the Government band between
150.8 and 152.0 megacycles was reallocated for use by the non-Govern 
ment land mobile services. FPIS is not technically feasible in this
band.
In the second instance, all amateur bands above 220 megacycles
were reallocated,to provide for Government radiopositioning opera 
tions on a primary basis with the amateur service continuing to use
these same bands eonditioned to not interfering with the Govern 
ment operations. The same order reallocated the non-Government
point-to-point band 890-942 megacycles to Government. It also re 
allocated to the Government, on an exclusive or shared basis, various
other bands above 2000 megacycles that had previously been available
to non-Government mobile or radionavigational services. The Com 
mission proposed rulemaking looking toward further reallocation
which, among other things, would accommodate to the extent prac 
ticable the stations and services adversely affected.
In the third instance, non-Government fixed and mobile allocations
in the 90-110 kilocycle band were deleted and the FCC allocation now
is for radionavigation only.
Efforts to provide a national frequency allocation to satisfy, in
part, the requirements of radio astronomy (astronomical radio obser 
vations) continued. This is a unique problem in that it would
mean an allocation of frequencies on which all transmissions would
be prohibited, and such a band would be dictated by nature rather
than man insofar as the primary interest to radio astronomers is con 
cerned. The "hydrogen line frequency" (1420 megacycles) is the one
frequency selected by all parties as requiring such protection. Cur 
rent Commission proposal would allocate the band 1400-1427 mega-
32 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
cycles to radio astronomy on a national basis. Additionally, it is af 
fording the maximum feasible amount of protection from interference
on all frequencies within about 50 miles of Government observatories
at Green Bank and Sugar Grove, IV. Va. The latter action involves
the screening and coordination of proposed new assignments within
that area so that problems relative to harmonics and close proximities
of transmitters may be minimized.
The Commission was petitioned for permission to operate single 
channel maritime mobile equipment for bridge-to-bridge communi 
cation between ships for navigation and related purposes. mile
offering encouragement to the type of communication contemplated,
the Commission reaffirmed its policy of requiring that any VHF
maritime mobile communication equipment have a minimum of three
channels so that the using vessel is capable of functioning in the
safety system associated with the marine service. In this regard, the
Commission is inquiring into the radio safety aspect of 'all ship
stations.~
The Commission has continued to study the frequency requirements
for radiopositiornng in which radio techniques are used for such pur 
poses as surveying in oil exploration procedures. It proposed to use
the frequencies below 200 kilocycles and is considering the replies.
The fluidity of the Commission's rules in keeping abreast of current
domestic allocation needs is evinced in the 24 separate orders adopted
affecting part 2 during the past year. Final action was completed on
all but four of the related rulemaking proposals.
INTERNATIONAL FREQUENCY ALLOCATION
Since international conferences are 'usually several years apart it is
important that the United States proposals to the 1959 Geneva session
be based on well-thought-out planning to cover our current and
anticipated national and international frequency requirements.
Moreover, to be representative of the total United States require 
ment, the proposals must reflect the thinking of both Government and
non-Government radio users. With this in mind, preparatory com 
mittees and subcommittees were established under Department of
State auspices to formulate a revised table of frequncy allocation,S
and revised operating rules that, to the extent.practicable, would best
fit the Nation's requirements. On those committees and subcommittees
WAre representatives of industry, the Commission and other Federal
agencies. The task required many months of exhaustive study, co 
ordination, cooperation, and compromise, but a proposed interna 
tional table of frequency;allocations was constructed, ranging from
10 kilocycles to 40,000 megacycles.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 33
The United States proposal is, in effect, an extension on a world 
wide basis of our domestic table. The advantages of such an arrange 
ment are manifold. It makes possible global standardization in a
great number of bands, particularly those used for aeronautical mo 
bile, maritime mobile, and radionavigation. Another advantage is
that there is a foreign market for commercial equipment developed
and in use in this country on standardized frequencies.
These same proposals were brought to the attention of the general
public in notices of inquiry released by the Commission soliciting
public comment. Meanwhile, domestic frequency requirements may
change and new advances may be made in the state of the art. Conse 
quently, although present United States proposals are firm insofar
as current thinking is concerned, certain changes may be made before
the conference convenes.
INTERNATIONAL FREQUENCY USAGE DATA
In eontinuing to cooperate in furnishing monitoring information
to the International Telecommunication Union for publication in the
Summary of Monitoring Information received by the I.F.R.B., the
Commission submitted a total of 143,969 monitoring observations
obtained by its own monitoring stations and 10 private monitoring
stations. They represent more than 25 percent of the observations
published in the summary which, it is understood, will soon be dis 
tributed monthly rather than quarterly. This information is of help
to radio users in bringing their operations into eonformity with the
international allocations.
INTERNATIONAL FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENT COORDINATION
The extensive and ever-increasing use of frequencies in all coun 
tries has made it highly inIportant to work with other nations in
bringing into use new assignments and in changing existing assign 
ments in order to prevent diffieult interference probleIllS and their
costly economic consequenees.
The traditional cooperation between the United States and Canad..
is exemplified by extensive frequency coordination between the Com 
mission and the Canadian Department of Transport. The notifica 
tion procedure between the two ageneies for non-Government assign 
ments and exchange of engineering data in portions of the VHF and
UHF bands continued. It was expanded during the year to include
certain border assignments of the two countries in the Alaskan area.
More than 1,200 letters and telegrams were exchanged on this activity.
A nominal amount of frequency coordination with Mexico and
other neighboring countries continues. Also, there is a continuing
34 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
exchange of comments as requested between the United States and
other countries.
In regard to worldwide efforts in frequency coordination, the im 
plementation program begun by the ITU Extraordinary Administra 
tive Radio Conference, Geneva, 1951, has progressed to the extent
that the final adjustment period has been completed by the cooperat 
ing countries. The results of this tremendous effort will be useful to
all countries in preparing for and reaching agreement at the 1959
conference.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS
Since November 1956, the Commission has been heavily involved
in preparatory work for the 1959 Geneva Conference, since this is the
first contemplated revision of the International Radio Regulations
since the 194'1' Atlantic City conferences. Because 100 governments
have become ITU members or associate members, vital interests in
the field of telecommunications are at stake. .
During the year the Commission helped toprepar~for 13 other
international conferences sponsored by the Department of State, fur 
nishing 2 delegation chairmen and 16 other representatives. FCC
Chairman Doerfer headed the United States delegation to the ITU
telephone and telegraph conference at Geneva in the falI of 1958.
Work is also underway or in prospect for 36 anticipated sessions.
Some of these relate to the Geneva 1959 Conference and others con-
, cern the United States defense effort or other important phases of the
international telecommunication situation.
INTERNATIONAL INTERFERENCE AND INFRACTIONS
The resolution of international radio interference problems be 
tween countries continues. Each year several hundred such cases
must be resolved in a manner mutually satisfactory to the domestic
and foreign stations involved.
The Commission engages in a companion program which helps to
prevent the development of international interference cases. This is
the reporting of improper technical and operating characteristics by
foreign stations. The Commission's monitoring stations prepare
about 3,000 such reports each year for evaluation and transmission
to other nations.
NATIONAL FREQUENCY RECORDS
During fiscal 1958, the FCC Master Frequency List was published
twice, once in the same format as in previous years by frequency, and
later by services. This changeover was made necessary by the in-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 35
-creased number of licenses issued by the Commission. The new
,..ystem has effected a saving in time and money and there are indica 
tions that it will be more usable both to Government and non-Govern 
ment users. The latest publication, in 14 different volumes, consists
of 4,339 pages as compared with 3,429 pages previously. Arrange 
ments have been made with industry users for reprinting this list on
a nonprofit basis so as to make it available to more people who are
,interested. During the year a total of 45,304 authorizations were pro 
cessed to keep the various editions of the service lists current. This is
4,304 more than processed in 1951.
INTERNATIONAL FREQUENCY RECORDS AND REGISTRATION
In order that all nations utilize the radi" frequency spectrum as
efficiently as is possible and to permit new station assignments with 
out interfering with operations already on the air, there is in exist 
ence an international system of frequency registration and notifica 
tion. Under this arrangement, the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) in Geneva publishes lists of assignments by frequency,
and special lists of stations in particular services. These lists assist
administrations in making frequency assignments and aid interna 
tional communication services. For example, without published lists,
a United States ship in foreign waters would not know what fre 
quency to use for communicating with a particular foreign coast
station. Also, without such lists, the United States might make an
important assignment on a frequency which would be interfered with
by some existing foreign operation.
The Federal Communications Commission is responsible for fur 
nishing the ITU with notification and registration information con 
cerning all United States assignments, Government and non-Govern 
ment alike.
Since 1950 the United States has been unable to fulfill its treaty
obligations in the matter of submitting ship license data to the ITU.
However, beginning November 1, 1951, the Commission commenced
forwarding individual code slips for each ship license new or modi 
fied. To date, 12,252 ship notifications have been processed. It is an 
ticipated that it will take approximately 4 years to report all our
radio-equipped ships.
The United States frequency notifications processed through the
Commission for the International Frequency Registration Board
continued at a heavy rate with 46,945 forwarded to Geneva during
fiscal 1958. Unfavorable findings by the IFRB amounted to 442
which were returned to the various agencies involved, including the
military. Each one is then checked and rechecked and, if at all
possible, returned to the board with sufficient evidence to invite inter-
36 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
national recognition. Late in fiscal 1958 the IFRB began reviewing
all previous unfavorable assignments and has sent lengthy question 
naires to the countries concerned.
NATIONAL FREQUENCY ASSIGNMENT COORDINATION
It is equally important that frequency assignments in the United
States be made so as to avoid interference domestically. Accordingly,
the Commission coordinates with Federal agencies all those FCC
assignments which may cause or receive interference from Govern 
ment operations. Likewise, the Government works with the Com 
mission on Govermnent assignments which may conflict with stations
licensed by the Commission. This is accomplished through a joint
body known as the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee
(IRAC). It is made up of the major Government users of radio. The
Commission is not a member but is represented at joint meetings in a
liaison capacity.
The Commission conducted 3,000 informal engineering studies and
processed 6,400 formal proposals submitted to the IRAC Frequency
Assignment Subcommittee during the year. This reflects an approxi 
mate drop of 10 percent in frequency proposals in both engineering
studies and total items appearing on the subcommittee agenda.
Experimental proposals, on the other hand, continue to increase. A
total of 1,127 was processed, involving the use of frequencies for
research and development of electronic equipment for civil use as
well as military-sponsored operations.
The Commission handled 216 cases of interference between Govern 
ment and non-Government stations. Most of these cases resulted
from abnormal propagation conditions.. There were also scattered
instances of interference resulting from equipment failures such as
off-frequency operation, spurious signals, and harmonics. When dis 
covered, these are rectified so far as possible.
A new coordination problem is receiving the attention of the Com 
mission and other Federal agencies. It is known as the site problem
or the proximity problem. In most cases it has little to do with the
actual operating frequency of a station; instead, it is caused by two
or more stations operating essentially at the same location. With the
rapid increase in the use of radio, it is not uncommon to find a dozen
or more stations grouped On a mountain top. The signals of stations
in close proximity sometimes combine so as to produce beats resulting
in interference. This problem can become particularly severe where
relatively high powers are employed. Harmonics, well within current
tolerances, can add to the confusion. It is sometimes possible to pre 
dict mathematically that these interfering signals may occur, but
more often the problem is discovered only after a station goes on the
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 37
air. Although technical remedies can usually be taken, they are often
very difficult and expensive. The Commission is seeking to determine
whether site coordination as well as frequency coordination may be
necessary in domestic spectrum management. However, there are
some services which now permit close proximity of antennas. Accord 
ingly, in view of the mounting problems with aviation, the grouping
of these antennas suggests operation without compromising radio
service.
Common Carrier Services
DOMESTIC TELEPHONE
General
The telephone industry continued its rapid expansion during
calendar 1957. About 3.43 million telephones were added to bring the
nationwide total to 63.6 million, an increase of 5.7 percent over 1956.
The total gross industry investment increased about 13.8 percent to
exceed $22 billion. Annual gross revenues exceeded $7 billion, or 8.9
percent over 1956. Average daily local and toll calls increased about
5.3 and 7.5 percent, respectively. Private line telephone and telegraph
revenues increased about 17.5 percent, while TWX (teletypewriter
exchange service) rose about 6.8 percent.
About 75 percent of all independently owned telephones and 92
percent of Bell System telephones are now dial operated. Bell ex 
panded its direct distance dialing service, and today some 5 million
subscribers can dial their own toll calls to about 30 million other
telephones, while another 10 million can dial nearby toll calls.
Consolidated net income applicable to American Telephone & Tel....
graph capital stock totaled $829,779,296 in 1957, an increase of 9.8
percent over 1956. Earnings per share decreased from $13.16 to
$13.00, with the average number of shares outstanding increasing
about 6.4 million. The expansion of the Bell System is illustrated by
the following table (figures as of December 31) :
1950~_•••• • _
1955 _
195tL. . _
1957 _
Telephones
35,343,440
46,218,000
49,438,000
52,252,494
Plant book cost
$10, 101, 521, 562
15,340,459,000
17, 074, 206, 000
19,116,977,000
Revenues
$3,261,528,032
5,297,043,000
5, 825, 2980, 000
6,313,833,000
Employees
523,251
615.895
638,103
640,868
Services and Facilities
Oonstruotion of interstate faoilities.-The Bell System, which pro 
vides the bulk of the Nation's interstate toll facilities, continued its
accelerated toll construction program. Substantial circuit additions
were required by the steady increases in toll telephone calls, the rapid
increases in private line services, particularly for the "SAGE" system
and other important Government services, and the rearrangement and
38
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 39
growth in circuitry to handle operator and customer dialed toll calls.
The program of constructing new radio relay express routes to avoid
major metropolitan areas, military targets, and new bypass routes
contiguous to target areas, was continued. Additional channels were
constructed on existing radio relay systems, while a number of cables
were provided to integrate various radio, cable, or open wire routes.
During fiscal 1958 the Commission authorized Bell construction
projects totaling about $188.5 million. Included was about $75.5
million for new radio relay systems or the addition of channels on
existing systems totaling about 50,289 radio relay channel miles. The
new major radio relay systems totaled about $23 million, and included
new systems between Memphis and St. Louis, between Atlanta and
Cincinnati, between Salt Lake City and Pocatello, between Fargo and
Billings, between Helena and Spokane, between Fargo and the Cana 
dian border on a new route to Winnepeg, between Kansas City and
Omaha, between Jackson and Baton Rouge, between Montgomery and
Birmingham, and between Houston and Bulverde, near San Antonio.
Construction of bypass radio routes around St. Louis, Kansas City
and Minneapolis, to cost about $7 million, was also approved.
Toward the close of the fiscal year Bell applied for authority to
construct a new type TH radio relay system between Denver and
Salt Lake City. This system has 8 radio channels in each direction,
of which 6 may be assigued to handle traffic and 2 for protection.
Each radio channel has a capacity of 1,860 telephone circuits and a
complete TH system will handle 13,320 telephone circuits.
New cable and open wire construction, and the installation of car 
rier equipment for use in conjunction with cable, open wire, and
radio relay routes, totaling about $113 million, accounted for the
remainder of the authorized Bell projects. Included was conversion
of 6,156 tube-miles of coaxial cables from type L1 to L3 to triple its
capacity, and construction of 1,914 sheath miles of new cables.
During fiscal 1958, independent telephone companies also expanded
the use of microwaves to provide additional toll telephone circuits.
The Commission granted authorizations for 25 new independent com 
pany systems estimated to cost $2.5 million.
By the close of the fiscal year, Bell had over 187,000 channel miles
of radio relay in service, of which about 64,400 miles were being used
for the nationwide TV program network. An additional 18,000 TV
program-miles were being provided by coaxial cable. These facilities
interconnected directly some 366 television stations. An additional
15 TV stations were connected to the network by means of Bell off 
air pickup and microwave relay, while 170 other stations received
network programs by picking up the signals of the connected stations.
The Long Lines Department of A. T. & T., which provides the
40 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
bulk of the interstate toll facilities, had over 32 million circuit-miles
in service at the close of the fiscal year, of which about 11 milHon
were derived from radio relay and a similar quantity from coaxial
cable.
New automatic toll dialing offices were placed in service during
1951 at Tulsa, Wayne (Pa.), Des Moines, Birmingham, Louisville,
San Bernardino, Wichita, and Miami to bring the Bell total to 52.
Di8continuance of servwe.-The Commission granted seven appli 
cations to discontinue service during fiscal 1958, each of which in 
volved the continuance of service by another company.
Speed of service.-The Bell System reported further strides in
expediting toll calls. The average speed of completion during 1951
was reduced to 72 seconds.
Acquisitions and consolidation8.-The Commission received 19 ap 
plications during fiscal 1958 to acquire the property of another tele 
phone company. Fifteen of these, together with two held over from
1957, were granted without public hearing. Of the 4 pending at the
close of the year, 1 involved an application by Wisconsin Telephone
Co. to acquire the Menomonee Falls Telephone Co. and the Lisbon
Telephone Corp. Pursuant to request by the United States Indepen,d 
.ent Telephone Association, a public hearing was held on that appH 
cation.
Interlocking directorate8.-The Commission granted 11 applica 
tions for individuals to act as interlocking directors and 1 application
for a finding that a company owns more than 50 percent of the out 
standing stock of another company.
Oommon carrier microwave radio frequency problems.-To satisfy
vital national defense frequency requirements, a frequency realloca 
tion effected by Commission order on April 16, 1958, precluded fur 
ther common carrier radio assignments in the frequency bands 890 
940 and 3500-3700 megacycles and provided certain restrictions on
prior authorized operating facilities in these bands. The Commission
is attempting to determine what action, if any, can be taken to alle 
viate the resulting hardships created for common carriers in relation
to their message telephone, data transmission, and other operations.
Microwave facilities for closed-circuit TV.-The demand for TV
service in economic fringe areas has spurred the public and industry ,
to find solutions. Responses to the problem have taken various forms.
In some cases a community antenna TV system (CATV) has erected
a receiving antenna at some favorable reception point-usually a
hilltop or mountain top-to amplify the signal and retransmit it over
a closed circuit coaxial cable system to the homes of individual sub 
scribers. Some CATV systems have contracted for microwave trans-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 41
mission of programs by common carriers from a distant point at
which the signals can be received off-the-air to a point where the
signals are fed into the local cable distribution system.
In addition to the problem relating to the competitive economic
impact of CATV systems on regular TV stations, community antenna
TV operations involve consideration of certain jurisdictional and
policy questions. In a Memorandum Opinion and Order of April 2,
1958 (in the Matter of Frontier Broadcasting 00. v. Laramie Oom 
munity TV 00.), the Commission concluded thatitdoes not possess li 
censing or regulatory jurisdiction over CATVsystems. A petition for
reconsideration was pending at the close of the year.
A Commission inquiry (docket 12443), initiated May 22, 1958,
requested comments on 14 issues relating to the impact of CATV,
translators, repeaters, and satellites on the orderly development of
TV broadcasting.
Pending disposition of its inquiry, the Commission deferred final
action on 39 pending applications for additional common carrier
facilities of this sort, 6 of which were filed by Bell companies. These
would provide new TV service to 21 communities, some of which are
alleged to be without any TV service. They involve proposed ex 
penditure for microwave facilities in excess of $1.2 million.
Previously, the Commission had authorized a total of 77 point-to 
point microwave stations to bring TV service (via CATV systems)
to 79 communities. Of these, 15 are held by 3 Bell companies to
provide service to 4 communities and the remaining 62 by 28 spe 
cialized common carriers to serve 75 communities. These microwave
facilities represent an investment of over $2.5 million.
Domestic public land mobile radio 8ervice.-The growth of the
Domestic Public Land Mobile Radio Service in the populous areas
has been considerably impeded during the past few years by a short 
age of available frequencies. This situation was slightly alleviated
when the Commission, effective December 13, 1957 (docket 11995),
established a new radio channel under the zone allocation plan for
use by telephone company highway mobile systems and allocated 2
additional frequencies for I-way signaling service. These frequencies
were made available as a consequence of 'Western Union's abandon 
ment of its telecar (mobile) facsimile radio service.. On February 12,
1958, the Commission, by further action in the same docket, split the
radio channels above 150 megacycles which previously were available
for 2-way communication systems in the land mobile service. This
action will not immediately alleviate the aforementioned frequency
Shortage, since the new channels derived by channel splitting will not
become generally available until November 1, 1963. Still pending was
a proposal in the same docket to reallocate 1 megacycle of frequency
42 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
space from broadcast remote pickup and 1 megacycle of space :from
Citizens Radio Service for common carrier land mobile radio use.
A consolidated hearing (dockets 12155-12159) was held involving
5 applicants in the Los Angeles area to establish new 2-way facilities
in the Domestic Public Land Mobile Radio Service. Four of the
applicants received grants after the fifth withdrew.
Grants made without hearing to applicants at Louisville (docket
11878), Ridgewood, N. J. (docket 11932), and Bakersfield, Calif.
(docket 11596), were protested by existing stations in those areas.
An initial decision of April 7, 1958, looked to denial of the Louisville
protest; the Commission on March 19, 1958, announced its intention
to affirm denial of the Ridgewood protest; and on February 12, 1958,
it denied the Bakersfield application. In addition, two protests in 
volving grants made without hearing to applicants at Brooklyn, N.
Y., and Hamden, Conn., respectively, were denied for failure to
comply with statutory requirements. Three other grants in Detroit,
Seattle, and Wichita were protested. However, the permittees decided
not to proceed and the protests were dismissed.
Commission policy in reviewing applications of miscellaneous com 
mon carriers in the Domestic Public Land Mobile Radio Service is
codified in section 21.511 of the rules and provides that, when a
station applies for a renewal of license, it shall show that, during the
preceding license period (3 years) at least an average of 50 percent
of the mobile units have been used by persons not directly or indi 
rectly controlled by the applicant. This rule was designed to insure
that a common carrier service was actnally rendered to the public
and was not subordinated to the private requirements of the licensee.
Licenses for miscellaneous common carrier stations providing 2-way
and I-way signaling service expired on April 1, 1957. A review of
their applications for renewal revealed that 34 were not rendering
public service. Eight applications were dismissed for failure to re 
spond to letters; 2 applicants voluntarily discontinued operations;
applications of 14 others were renewed upon demonstration that they
had achieved the required public use of their facilities. The remain 
ing 10 were designated for hearing (dockets 12183--12192). Eight of
these were renewed prior to hearing upon satisfactory showing, and
two were renewed after hearing.
Forty-two new miscellaneous common carrier land mobile radio
systems, for 2-way communication service were granted during the
year, in addition to 18 new radio systems for I-way signaling (radio 
paging) service. At the year's close, 316 2-way communications
systems held licenses, and permits for 25 new systems were outstand 
ing. At that time there were also 91 licensed I-way signaling stations
and 9 new stations under construction.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 43
Forty new land mobile radio systems were authorized for general
communications common carriers (telephone companies) for two-way
land mobile radio service. As of June 30, 1958, there were 359 such
systems licensed and 36 new systems under construction. During the
year, several independent telephone companies tried out fully dial 
operated land mobile radio systems which were developed by various
radio equipment manufacturers.
Rural radiotelephone service.-The Rural Radio Service is in 
tended to provide domestic public communication to points where it
is not practical to construct wire lines. Ninety-three new stations were
authorized during the year. At its close, there were 293 licensed sta 
tions and 14 new stations under construction. Of the total, 33 were
central office stations, 70 were interoffice stations and 204 were rural
subscriber stations. This represents a growth of 38 percent during
tbe last fiscal year. Additional frequencies, shared with other radio
services, were made available to this service in Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands.
Public radiotelephone service to vessels.-After extensive hearings
on applications of Wisconsin Telephone Co., Ohio Bell Telephone Co.
and Michigan Bell Telephone Co. for new VHF public class III-B
coast stations at Milwaukee, Green Bay, Cleveland, Toledo, Hancock,
Port Huron, Escanaba, East Tawas, and Marquette (dockets 11268 
11270 and 11375-11380), an initial decision of August 7, 1957, rec 
ommended their denial. They had been protested by Lorain County
Radio Corp. and Central Radio Telegraph Co. Decision was pending.
On July 6, 1956, the Commission acted (docket 11374) to delete
the frequencies 6240 and 6455 kilocycles for use on the Mississippi
River and connecting inland waters but, upon petitions by interested
parties, stayed its action. After hearings during fiscal 1958 to deter 
mine the justification for permiting the use of these frequencies in
derogation of the international radio regulations, a final decision of
April 24, 1958, cancelled that part of the 1956 action which would
have deleted the frequencies as of February I, 1957. This action was
taken on the basis of evidence that such operation was causing no
harmful interference to foreign or domestic stations and was essential
to an expanding industry serving the national economy.
Of the domestic public land mobile radio systems authorized to
render service to vessels in areas where VHF public coast service is
generally not available, 11 were licensed to miscellaneous common
carriers and 105 were authorized to telephone companies.
Developmentlil domestio publio aeronauticlil service.-In order to
develop engineering and operational data relative to providing public
radiotelephone service aboard private and commercial aircraft, which
is a prerequisite to the Commission's establishment of a domestic
44 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
public aeronautical radio service on a regular basis, licenses were
issued to the lllinois and Michigan Bell Telephone companies, on a
developmental basis, for radio facilities to operate in the 450--460
megacycle band in the vicinity of Chicago and Detroit, respectively.
Authorized to participate in those tests were 10 aircraft radio instal 
lations for the telephone companies and 27 installations aboard pri 
vate and commercial aircraft.
No frequencies have yet been specifically allocated for such a serv 
ice on a regular basis. However, reports indicate the tests were satis 
factory and that the public demand for such service on a regular
basis is substantial. As a consequence, A. T. & T. on behalf of the
Bell System has petitioned the Commission for further rulemaking
in docket 11995 to reallocate 2 megacycles of spectrum space to the
domestic public radio services for establishment of a domestic public
aeronautical service on a regular basis.
Rates and Tariffs
Private line service rates.-The general investigation which the
Commission instituted on March 7, 1956, with respect to the lawful 
ness of rates and regulations of A. T. & T. and Western Union for
private-line services and channels (dockets 11645 and 11646) con 
tinued during the fiscal year with hearings commencing February
18, 1958. On April 16, 1958, the Commission consolidated in these
proceedings Docket 12194, relating to the justness and reasonable 
ness of the charges of A. T. & T. for channels for data transmission.
On June 25, 1958, it ordered a 15 percent interim reduction in reve 
nues from private-line telephone grade service rates. On September
24, 1958, it suspended for 3 months proposed increased rates for pri 
vate-line teletypewriter service for A. T. & T. and lVestern Lnion.
Both companies subsequently filed further revised rates which were
permitted to become effective December 2.
Bell System lease-maintenance service.-The 1957 annual report
referred to the Commission's order of March 27, 1957~suspending
new tariff schedules filed by A. T. & T. providing rates and regula 
tions for the leasing and maintenance of equipment used by private
mobile communicatiou systems and ordering an investigation and
hearing. Hearings were held during fiscal 1958 on the issue as to
whether A. T. & T.'s contemplated service constitutes a common
carrier communication service subject to Commission jurisdiction.
On March 26, 1958, A. T. & T. asked for a determination of the issues
as to its service prior to inquiring into matters relating to the present
and proposed lease-maintenance operations of the other Bell com 
pauies. Further hearings were postponed pending Commission action
on this motion. See also "Safety and Special Radio Services".
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 45
Off-the-air piekup TV tJ'an8mi88ion ekannels.-Hearings in the
investigation instituted by the Commission on March 13, 1957, into
the lawfulness of revised tariff schedules filed by A. T. & T. pro 
viding new rates and regulations for off-the-air pickup TV trans 
mission channels (docket IlD56), were continued without date by tho
hearing examiner on July 19, 1957, pending Commission action on
an A. T. & T. petition to terminate the proceeding.
Tariff filings.-As of June 30, 1958, there were on file 802 telephone
tariffs of 485 telephone carriers. During the year, 15,594 new or
revised tariff schedules were received as well as 17 applications
requesting special tariff permission.
Other Regulatory Matters
Depredation.-During fiscal 1958, the Commission revised depre 
ciation rates previously prescribed for 7 Bell companies, including
2 multistate companies serving 7 States. The new rates reflect both
upward and downward adjustments in rates for the individual classes
of plant. Due to a relatively heavy impact of obsolescence upon
several categories of plant, however, the overall effect of the revised
rates was a net increase of approximately 5.7 percent in annual depre 
ciation charges by the companies involved.
The Commission also prescribed depreciation rates for telephone
instruments and other categories of station equipment of each of the
23 Bell companies. This was necessary in connection with new rules
of accounting for station equipment which the Commission adopted
during fiscal 1957.
Depreciation expense charges of telephone companies continued to
increase generally due to the increase in plant facilities. In the case
of the 23 Bell companies, these charges aggregated $814,742,000 dur 
ing calendar 1957. This amount represents a further increase over
1956 because it includes for the first time depreciation charges result 
ing from the changes in accounting for station equipment. The
additional amount, however, was largely offset by a reduction in
current maintenance expense of substantially the same magnitude
that would have prevailed under the old accounting rules for station
equipment.
Separation proeeaures.-A general revision of the Telephone Sepa 
rations Manual, which sets forth the procedures used by companies to
separate and apportion their investment and expenses between inter 
state and intrastate operations, was completed by the Commission in
October 1957 in cooperation with the National Association of Rail 
road and Utilities Commissioners. The revised manual incorporates
basic changes which have been made in the procedures since the
manual was first issued in 1947 and reflects technical revisions neces-
46 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
sitated by changes in the art of telephony and current regulatory
requirements.
Western Electric earnings and priccs.-The Commission, also in
cooperation with NARDC, continued its review of the prices, earn 
ings, and costs of Western Electric Co. Data developed are reported
quarterly and annually to the various telephone regulatory commis 
sions to assist them in their consideration of Western's prices insofar
as they affect the revenue requirements of the Bell companies affili 
ated with Western.
In connection with its investigation of Bell private-line rates and
regulations (docket 11645), the Commission had A. T. & T. present
evidence on the reasonableness of Western Electric prices and profits.
Pensions and reZief.-Pension plans of most Bell companies con 
tinued without change, except that certain companies have reduced
the minimum service requirements with respect to sickness death
benefits.
For the Bell System, including manufacturing and research activi·
ties, pension and other benefit costs (including Federal taxes for
social security benefits) amounted to $340 milliou in 1951' compared
to $312 million in 1956. The pension funds of these companies at
December 31, 1957, aggregated about $2.6 billion, a net increase of
$218 million. At the end of 1957 there were 22,783 men and 22,224
women receiving service pensions.
The earnings of the Bell companies' pension funds have been about
3 percent since 1954. The interest rate assumed for actuarial purposes
remained at 3 percent, except that one company increased the rate to
3:1)" percent. Certain of the Bell companies have amended their exist 
ing investment instructions to the trustee of the pension funds so as
to authorize investment in common stocks to the extent of 10 percent
of the fund. Previously, all Bell companies except one had restricted
investment of the funds to debt securities.
Group life insurance coverage has been further extended and now
includes most of the Bell errwloyees.
Original cost accounting.-Accounting for a number of current
acquisitions of plant was handled during the year, including the dis 
position of amounts in excess of original cost. It was determined that
original cost accounting is applicable to acquisitions of plant from
certain nontelephone public utility companies where the acquired
plant is integrated into the telephone system of the purchaser.
Oontinuing property records.-Limited reviews and studies were
made of the continuing_property records of 4 Bell companies. Con 
tinuing property records maintained for central office equipment and
the pricing of partial retirements of buildings, central office equip-
REPORT OF TlIE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47
ment, &nd l&rge priV&te br&nch exch&nges continued to receive &tt<lIl 
tion.
Field studies and reviews.-Studies were m&de of certain of the
accounts, records, and accounting procedures of 7 Bell companies.
Attention was given, among other matters, to accounting for addi 
tions to and retirements of telephone plant, the establishment and
m&intenance of continuing property records, &Ccounting for st&tion
apparatus &nd station connections, &eeounting for items included in
materials &nd supplies, and costs associated with priv&te line services.
See also "Private line service rates".
A study is currently in progress which wiII tr&ce the history &nd
development of the General Telephone System from the d&te of its
organization in 1935 to the present time..
Uniform systems of accounts.-A petition by Geneml Telephone
Corp., filed in 1956 on beh&lf of its opemting telephone subsidi&ries,
requested &n &mendment of the system of &ccouuts for l&rge telephone
comp&nies to provide th&t amounts recorded as income tax expense
should be unaffected by a taxpayer's decision to use one of the types
of libemlized depreciation permitted by section 167 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 for t&X purposes but not for accounting pur 
poses. Proposed rulemaking (docket 11913) of January 17, 1957,
requested comments as to appropriate amendments to all systems of
&ccounts prescribed by the Commission. Nurnerous replies were
received from State regulatory commissions, communic&tion carriers,
public accounting firms, aud a labor union, and final action W&S
pending. Only a few of the smaller telephone companies subject to
the Commission's accounting jurisdiction are usiug liberalized depre 
ciation. All these companies are "normalizing" income tax expense
for accounting purposes as contempl&ted by the General Telephone
Corp. petition pending resolution of the accounting questions pre 
sented in the rulemaking proceeding.
A. T. & T., on behalf of itself and the Bell companies, requested the
Commission to amend the system of accounts for l&rge telephone
companies with respect to the accounting for amounts ch&rged cus 
tomers at the termination of service when such amounts are designed
to cover the loss of investment in the particular case. The request is
that the particular category of termination charges' be made credit 
able to the depreciation reserve rather than to revenue accounts. It
W&S under consideration at the close of the year.
The systems of accounts for telegraph carriers were amended
(docket 12269) with respect to the &ccounting prescribed for costs
of installation, equipment changes, and similRr services, and ·the
charges to customers in that connection. The provision th&t these
cosis, when accompanied by &lump~sumcharge to customel'S in full
48 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
or partial reimbursement, should be charged to expense was changed
to provide for capitalization of them as a part of the cost of plant.
Other telegraph accounting problems receiving attention relate to
clearing accounts, improvements to leased premises, capitalization of
overhead expenses and the accrual of interest during construction.
Preservation of records.-Under consideration at the close of the
year was a request by RCA Communications, Inc., for waiver or
amendment of certain provisions of the rules governing preservation
of carrier records. The change requested is a relaxation of the rules
to permit, after 5 years, microfilming of journal and cash vouchers
together with supporting papers. The original records would be
destroyed as a space conservation meaSure.
DOMESTIC TELEGRAPH
General
The Western Union Telegraph Co., the Nation's domestic telegraph
system, serves the public through some 22,000 offices and a modern,
highly mechanized network over which messages speed to destination,
without manual retransmission, by electronic and pushbutton reper 
forator switching methods. The new system, which has greatly im 
proved the capacity and efficiency of telegraph service, is part of
Western Union's landline telegraph plant representing an investment
of some $351 million. These facilities are supplemented by teleprinter
and facsimile (deskfax) equipment for electromechanical terminal
handling of record communications for approximately 55,000 major
telegraph customers.
Western Uniou's pnblic message service accounts for 69 percent of
its total landlines revenue. Its private line telegraph services are
second with 15 percent. Though Western Union's leased private-line
service revenues of over $36 million in calendar 1957 continued to in 
crease in fiscal 1958, the Bell System still handles the major part of
the Nation's private-line telegraph busiuess and also operates a tele 
typewriter exchange service (TWX), both of which compete directly
with Western Union.
The telegraph company's private-line revenue increased approxi 
mately 14 percent in calendar 1957 over 1956, as compared with 19.7
percent in 1956. Bell's comparable percents of increase for its private 
line telegraph service were 17.6 and 19.2, respectively. Its aggregate
telegraph service revenues, including TWX, increased 13.2 percent in
1957, as compared with 14.1 percent in 1956. Bell's share of total
landline telegraph revenues increased from 32.9 percent in 1956 to
35.1 percent in 1957.
Western Union also provides telegraphic money ord"r ""rvice, com 
mercial news (stock ticker and commodity prices) ""rvice, and various
other nonmessage services.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 49
Western Union's gross landline operating revenues for calendar
1957 totaled $245,549,000 and exceeded the previous high in 1956 by
more than $7 million or approximately 3 percent. The increase re 
sulted chiefly from higher telegraph rates effective in the latter part
of 1956 and from continued growth in private-line service. Domestic
message volume declined by 5 percent, from 151,600,000 messages in
1956 to 143,947,000 in 1957. The company's systemwide net income,
including ocean-cable operations, was $14,194,000 in calendar 1957
after Federal income tax provision. Comparable 1956 systemwide net
income amounted to $14,208,000.
Western Union's quarterly dividend was raised from 25 to 30 cents
a share, effective July 15, 1957, the third increase since 1950. Divi 
dends paid during 1957 were the highest in more than 25 years.
On June 1, 1958, Western Union concluded new wage agreements
which will add, in the aggregate, approxinrately $10,838,000 to its
operating expenses on an annual basis. In consequence, Western
Union obtained increased rates for certain services which are dis 
cussed under "Domestic telegraph rates."
Western Union, in the latter part of 1957, negotiated an agreement
with The Chase Manhattan Bank of New York to assure availability
of funds for near-term capital reqnirements. It enables the company
to borrow up to $10 million on notes maturing December 1, 1959,
subject to extension at the company's option to December 1, 1960.
Western Union continued to follow a program of diversification to
keep abreast of developments in electronics and allied fields. By the
end of the fiscal year, it had acquired substantial interests in 5 com 
panies associated with its own expanding development and research
activities.
Services and Facilities
Modernization eropenditure8.-Western Union expended $6,352,000
on modernization and plant improvement in 1957. This compares
with $6,267,000 in 1956. Total expenditures through 1957 were
$75,624,000. Following are program expenditures for 1957 and prior
years, including projected expenditures on an estinrated basis:
Repcrforator switching _
RadIo bcllm , _
Carrier equipmcnL _
Miscellaneous . . . __
Total. __ . • _
Subsequent
Prior to 1957 During 1957 to 1957
Total
(estImated)
$36,140,000 $1,530,000 $6,400,000 $44,070,000
3,067,000 1,864,000 8, 000, (}()() 13,831,000
24,085,000 2 662 000 6,000,000 32,747,000
5,98Q,OOO ' 296;000 600,600
6,876,000
69,272,000 6,352,000 21,900,000 97,524,000
Reper/orator 8witahing.-Western Union continued to improve the
operating efficiency of its reperforator switching system which pro-
50 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
vides for high-speed automatic and semiautomatic transmission of
telegrams on a nationwide basis. More modern selective switching
replaced earlier type reperforator switching centers at a number of
larger tributary offices. A major step in the company's automation
and mechanization program was taken in March 1958 when a number
of Detroit telegraph customers were connected directly into the
national reperforator network through their printing telegraph ma 
chines. The customers' teleprinter circuits terminated formerly in
the central telegraph office where their messages were retransmitted
manually. The new system eliminates manual retransmission and
thereby provides faster and more efficient service.
A new program of installing page teleprinters on local receiving
positions was initiated at Western Union's 15 high-speed message
centers and it is estimated that, within a year, page reception will
have displaced practically all teleprinters used for this purpose. Re 
ception on page printers eliminates the gumming function inherent in
tape printer operation and results in higher productivity and faster
handling. Further improvements are being effected by special appli 
cation of pagll teleprinters. At larger messagll centllrs, groups of
trunk lines are being terminated in unattended page printers of a
new high-speed "burster" type developed by the company. As each
message arrives, the page machine automatically bursts (or tears)
it off, ejects it from the machine and deposits it on a moving belt
leading to a routing position. At smaller centers, another special
page teleprinter is being installed which receives messages in both
perforated tape and page form, thus permitting direct switehing to
customer's teleprinter, delivery by facsimile, or physical delivery as
indicated.
Radio oeam.-Operational service was started April 1, 1958, on the
extension of the Western Union microwave system from Pittsburgh
to Cincinnati and Chicago. Of the initial 60 intercity voice bands
made available, 43 are now in multichannel teleprinter service. The
net leased facility savings in rentals will approximate $240,000 an 
nually. The extension of the radio beam to Chicago will provide
over 500,000 channel miles, about 90 percent of which will be available
for leasing to industry and Government.
Expansion is now underway to develop to full capacity the 32
voice bands on the New York-Philadelphia section of the Western
Union radio relay system. This project is expected to be completed
during 1958. Photogrammetric survey to determine tower heights.
for extensions of microwave facilities to Kansas City via St. Louis,
and from Chicago eastward to Detroit and Cleveland, was completed
in the spring of 1958. Relay sites for these extensions are now being
purchased.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 51
Oarrier equipment.-The company added 201,000 telegraph chan 
nel miles during the year, so that as of June 30, 1958, there were
4,327,000 such miles in operation. Sixty percent of this mileage was
derived on voice frequency facilities leased from the Bell System at
an annual rental of $3,600,000. Western Union carrier equipment is
used to derive the telegraph channels from the leased voice frequency
facilities. The voice frequency bands, in many instances, provide as
many as 20 telegraph channels.
Private wire systems.-Private wire and facsimile systems, leased
by Western Union to industry and Government, continued to grow.
During calendar 1957, resulting revenue increased by approximately
14 percent. Facilities used in this service totaled 2,533,251 miles, an
increase of 152,351.
The second of 5 new fully automatic message centers for the Air
Force was put into service at Sacramento in June. All five centers are
scheduled for completion by the end of 1958. Western Union has
also contracted for the construction and sale of similar electronic
automatic communications equipment for use at Air Force overseas
bases. This will permit the rapid and automatic exchange of mes"
sages among Air Force bases throughout the world.
An extensive private wire system designed for use in reporting
admissions of hospital patients was installed for the Blue Cross hos 
pital service. The high-speed, 18,000-mile network interconnects Blue
Cross offices in 86 cities coast-to-coast, including 5 in Canada. An 
other system, linking 83 cities in the United States, Canada, and
Mexico, was instalIed for United Press International for the distribu 
tion of sports news.
The number of companies using private wire systems for data
transmission pnrposes, as well as for the movement of ordinary com 
munications, continued to grow. Special systems were engineered for
companies in the aeronautics, metals, insurance, and construction
fields.
Western Union's various types of leased facsimile systems, known
~"intrafax," are now producing annual revenue of more than
$1 million. The service, only 4 years old, is growing at a steady pace
with more than 1,700 units using nearly 10,000 miles of circuite
now in operation. Special types of facsimile equipment have been
developed for leasing, such as "ticketfax." Ticketfax transmite a
ticket in seconds and has heen used by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
A modified form has heen under trial in stock brokerage service. The
growth of intrafax will be increased with the installation of a 12,000 
mile leased facsimile network for the Air Force for transmitting
weather maps. Itwill link 49 stations coast-to-coast.
Faosi1nile and teleprinter tielines.-At the end of fisca11958, there
were 33,700 "deskfax" tielines in service in 155 cities. The pro-
52 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
gram of extending this system of facsimile pickup and delivery of
telegrams looks to 3,950 additional installations in customers offices
during the next 12 months. Tieline service is also furnished with
teleprinter equipment to 20,900 telegraph patrons. A small percent 
age of deskfax tielines represents replacement of tape teleprinter tie 
line installations, usually due to the patron's preference for the fac 
simile equipment and mode of operation. Approximately 1,000 tele 
printers released from tieline service have been reassigned to meet
requirements for special service and events, for seasonal use, and to
provide supplemental spare equipment to facilitate the maintenance
of service.
The program of furnishing larger users of telegraph with direct
tieline connections into the Western Union reperforator system was
continued during 1958, and 92 such teleprinter links were added. This
brought the total number to approximately 350. Based upon field
surveys, equipment is being earmarked to provide direct connections
for 80 more heavy users of telegraph service.
In addition to the benefits of more convenient and speedier service,
customers having direct wire connections with telegraph offices receive
a discount of 20 cents on each prepaid domestic message in excess of
50 a month.
Electronic data proce88ing.-Western Union, in fiscal 1958, inaugn 
rated a nationwide electronic data processing system using its public
message network for the automatic, high-speed transmission, by
perforated tape, of the company's own multimillion-dollar payrolls,
equipment inventories, and other statistical information. The data
processing system uses 17,000 miles of public message network. The
need by business firms for transmission of large quantities of data by
telegraph is a subject of research and development by Western Union.
This research is dealing currently with the transmission of data at
higher speeds in private data processing systems and development of
reliable error-detecting equipment, a fundamental requirement in
most data transmission systems.
TELEX service.-The first customer-to-customer teleprinter ex 
change service between the United States and Canada was inaugn 
rated by Western Union in May 1958. The new service, called
"TELEX," permits users to dial correspondents throughout Canada
24 hours a day for instant, automatic, two-way telegraph communi 
cation at special time-distance rates. It is operated jointly by West 
ern Union and the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific tele 
graph companies. During the initial trial period, the service will
be available to 100 subscribers in New York City who will be able to
communicate directly with some 1,500 business firms in 21 major
Canadian cities. The experience gained from the New York City
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 53
installation should aid the company in determining the desirability
of extending TELEX to the other cities in this country. (For
TELEX charges see "Rates and tariffs.")
Supplementation and extension of wire facilitie8.-The Commis 
sion approved nine Western Union applications for the supplementa 
tion and extension of wire facilities. The requests involved the leasing
of 1,044,000 telegraph channel miles at an annual rental of $1,240,000
and the construction of 53,900 additional miles and associated equip 
ment at a cost of approximately $5,245,000. The company estimated
that approximately 90 percent of these facilities would be required to
meet the rapidly increasing needs of customers for private wire tele 
graph services and the remainder would be used for extension of
lines and improvement of message telegraph and other services.
Curtailment of se"Vice.-At the beginning of the fiscal year there
were pending before the Commission 78 applications by Western
Union for authority to discontinue, reduce, or impair service. During
the year, 1,015 applications were filed, all but 1 by Western Union,
as compared with 931 applications the previous year. Of the 1958
total, 965 were granted, 3 were granted in part, and 13 were with 
drawn. As of June 30, 1958, there were 112 such applications
pending.
Approximately two-thirds of the applications filed in fiscal 1958
requested authority to close agency offices generally handling negli 
gible amounts of traffic, such as telephone-operated agencies and
railroad-operated agencies closed as a result of action by the railroads
or renegotiation of the railroad contracts. The bulk of the remaining
applications sought to close or reduce hours of service at company 
operated main and branch offices. As a general rule, substitute service
was made available in all cases where offices were closed or hours
reduced.
Western Union's program of providing its customers with direct
wire connections, by deskfax and teleprinter, is diminishing the
need for public street offices, especially those whose primary function
is the delivery and pickup of relatively small volume of telegrams.
Savings effected by office closures and hour reductions from 1947
through 1957 are estimated by Western Union to be about $9 million
a year.
Speed of 8e"Vice.-Western Union is required by the Commission
to conduct daily studies of the speed of service accorded messages at
the 25 largest telegraph cities and to report monthly summaries. Its
reports show the average officerelay drag (time required for a mes 
sage to pass through a large message center) and the average origin 
to-destination speed (interval between the time a message is filed by
sender and the time it is delivered to addressee, or first attempt). A
484153-58---5
54 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIIl'N
comparison of the average speed of service in minutes reported by
Western Union for the past 8 fiscal years follows:
Fiscal year
195L. ._. . • _
1952_. .,
1953 ••• ._.• _
1954•• _
1955 _
UI56~• _
1957 _
1958 _
Message
OrtgJn to destination delivered. by-
center
Telephone Tlellne Messenger
8.7 41.2 37.9 45-4
8.5 41.6 37.5 45.1
8.'
"l."
31. g. ....
8.'
43.7 37.\) 47.2
7.3 39.6
34. ,
43.•
7.'
39.1 34, I
43."
7.5 39.5 34.3 43.'
7.'
39.7 33.9 43.5
On June 18, 1958, the Commission proposed to amend subpart B
of part 64 of the rules relating to domestic telegraph speed-of-service
studies. This is deemed desirable because of changes in operating
procedures resulting from technological developments. Among other
things, it would increase the number of cities from 25 to 75 at which
speed-of-service studies would be made.
The speed, quality, and adequacy of telegraph service are an
important part of the regulatory function and, to the extent that the
budget permits, studies and on-the-spot investigations are made to
determine service conditions. These studies and inspections have had
a salutary effect on the offices inspected and on service generally.
During the year, investigations of on-the-ground service conditions
were limited principally to inspections by Common Carrier Bureau
field offices in New York, St. Louis, and San Francisco of some 190
telegraph offices located in or near those cities. Commission field
engineering personnel assisted by making routine inspections of the
speed-of-service performance at 35 Western Union offices and agen 
cies. The bureau headquarters reviewed telegraph service conditions
in general at certain of the larger message centers and made a limited
number of inspections of service performance following the closure
of branch offices.
Rates and Tariffs
Domestic telegraph rates.-On July 1 and 14, 1958, Western Union
filed revised tariff schedules, effective August 1 and on subsequent
dates in 1958, increasing rates for interstate message telegraph, press,
money order, andmi~cellaneousservices. The revised rates are
expected to produce about $10 million additional revenue a year to
offset a $10,838,000 annual increase in operating expenses resulting
from wage contracts negotiated in June of 1958. The overall average
effect is an increase in the cost of these telegraph services to the public
approximating 7 percent.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 55
See "Private line service rates" in telephone section concerning the
proceeding in dockets 11645-6 and 12194 involving both Western
Union and A. T. & T.
Effective May 15, 1958, a new Western Union tariff established
rates and regulations for TELEX service between New York, N. Y.,
and certain points in Canada. It provides for a nonrecllrring charge
of $15 for installing the station equipment, a monthly service fee of
$35 per station, plus the transmission usage charges. The usage
charges are based on units called "pulses" recorded on automatic
metering devices. Each pulse is charged for at a fixed rate of 2%
cents. Twenty pulses are charged for each call, plus pulses based on
the duration of the connection and the distance between the cities
involved. The charge for a I-minute TELEX call, for example,
from New York City to Montreal, a distance of 300 miles, is 87%
cents. Similarly a I-minute TELEX call from New York City to
Victoria, B. C., 2,500 miles, the most distant point, costs $1.25. (For
further description of TELEX service see "Services and Facilities.")
'Western Union amended its tariff schedules, effective March 29,
1958, establishing rates and regulations applicable to new items of
Plan 55 Automatic Switching Equipment, which were desigued to
meet the requirements of the Air Force for use in 5 switching centers
in its domestic telegraph communications network.
It was reported last year that Western Union had requested
increased and revised divisions of charges for its domestic landline
handling of international telegraph message traffic, and that the
Commission instituted an investigation (docket 11953), among other
things, into the lawfulness of the charges for domestic telegraph
service and international traffic; of the classifications, practices, and
regulations affecting such charges; and the divisions of charges ap 
plicable to the landline handling of international traffic by Western
Union within the continental United States. Public hearings were
continued during the latter half of 1957 and the first part of 1958.
In July 1958, the Commission increased charges for international
message telegrams by about $4,200,000 a year, effective August 1, of
which Western Union will receive abont $2,260,000.
Leased facilitie8 serviees.-As reported during the past 2 years, the
Commission instituted an investigation (docket 11646) into the law 
fulness of the charges, classifications, regulations, and practices in
connection with the leased facilities services of Western Union, which
was consolidated with investigations of all private-line services of
the Ben System (except broadcast transmission). During the year,
hearings were continued in examining the voluminous cost material
and rate proposals submitted by the carriers. (For further details
see "Domestic Telephone.")
56 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Tariff 8chedule8.-During the year, carriers filed 802 pages of
domestic telegraph tariff material and 25 applications for permission
to file tariff schedules effective on less than 30 days notice.
INTERNATIONAL TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE
,General
Ten telegraph carriers and one telephone carrier provided a rapid,
efficient wire and radio communication service between the United
States and the rest of the world.
Telegraph service between the United States and overseas and
foreign points was offered by 4 cable and 6 radio carriers. Radio 
telephone and cable service was furnished by A. T. & T. to 122
points around the globe, service having been initiated during the year
to Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Martinique, St. Helena, and Netherlands
New Guinea. Radiotelegraph service to ships at sea was furnished
by a number of radiotelegraph carriers while A. T. & T. offered high
seas radiotelephone service to ships equipped for this service.
The volume of international message telegraph traffic increased
for the fourth consecutive year, attaining a new postwar high of
607,538,047 words for calendar 1957. This was 9,022,951 words (1.5
percent) more than the previous high year of 1956. Likewise, the
'volume of overseas telephone calls reached a new high of 2,166,938,
an increase of 18.9 percent over 1956. Revenues from such service
(including associated landline charges) climbed to $21,551,668, which
was 20.9 percent higher than the previous year. Calendar 1957 was
the first full year the transatlantic telephone cables were in service
and transatlantic calls increased 33 percent over the previous year.
The cable to Hawaii was placed in service in October 1957 and calls
to Hawaii rose 17.7 percent during that calendar year.
Gross operating revenues reported by 9 cable and radio carriers
(1 small cable carrier does not report) offering telegraph service
between the continental United States and overseas and foreign
points totaled $76,845,286 for calendar 1957. This was an increase
of $3,372,837 or 4.6 percent. Gross operating revenues from message
telegraph traffic increased $768,524 or 1.4 percent. In the same period,
gross revenues from such special services as international teletype 
writer exchange service (TELEX or TEX), leased channel service,
and other communication services increased 17.2 percent. Interna 
tional teletypewriter exchange service, in particular, continued its
phenomenal growth, the number of calls increasing 86.3 percent
during 1957 to a total of 263,728.
The increase in gross revenues of the international telegraph
carriers was more than offset by an 8.9 percent increase in expenses.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 57
As a result, net revenues in 1957 were $10,586,526, which represented
a decrease of $2,024,208 or 16.1 percent as compared with 1956 reve 
nues. The international carriers, as of December 31, 1957, had a
gross investment in communications plant and equipment of $149, 
439,860, an increase of $9,621,830 or about 6.9 percent over 1956, and
a net investment, after depreciation allowances, of $69,371,677.
International conferences.-The Commission was represented at
the meeting of study group 2/1 of the International Telegraph and
Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) in December 1957 in
Geneva, Switzerland (which prepared recommendations with respect
to international telegraph message classifications and rate structures,
word count, and operating regulations), and the meeting of study
group 8 of the CCITT in May 1958, in Poland (which studied the
requirements and possibilities of a new telegraph alphabet that could
be applied to telegraph printers to provide all the symbols and
functions of standard typewriters). The decisions reached by the
study groups were in general agreement with the positions of the
United States delegations.
The Conunission participated in the preparatory work and meet 
ing of the AdministrativeTele~aphand 'Felephone Conference
in Geneva in September 1958. The United States proposals for the
revision of the International Telegraph Regulations (Paris 1949)
have been sent to the International Telecommunications Union for
publication and distribution to all members of the ITU.
International Services
Telegraph.-At the close of fiscal 1958, direct telegraph service by
means of radio was being provided by 6 United States companies to
84 foreign countries and the territories of Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Direct telegraph service by means of submarine cables is provided
between the United States and European, Caribbean, and South
American countries by four companies. Practically every country in
the world is served by interconnection between these radio and cable
systems and systems in foreign countries. In the Pacific, the only
submarine cables now being operated by United States companies
are the telephone cables to Hawaii and Alaska which also handle
nonmessage telegraph services.
There is an increasing proportion of the customer-to-customer types
of services on which charges are levied on a time basis. These services
include international teletypewriter exchange services called TELEX
or TEX and the leased-line types of services. One submarine cable
company renders a similar service called IMCO, which is charged on
either a "per character" or on a time basis. The companies continue
58 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
to increase and improve their facilities for handling these customer
to customer services.
Western Union and Commercial Cable Co., which operate cables
between the United States and France, have offices in Havre and
Paris under long term concessions from the French Government. The
French Administration of Posts, Telegraphs and Telephones has
notified these companies that, effective September 1, 1958, their
(')peration in France must terminate. Western Union and Commercial
are presently negotiating for French operation of the companies'
facilities in that country and for divisions of tolls on the traffic
routed over the facilities.
The British Government recently granted cable landing licenses
for a period of 25 years to Western Union and Commercial for their
cable terminals in the United Kingdom.
Telephone.-In the international telephone field the repeatered
type of submarine cable is the most important development in recent
years. Twin cables of this type are now in operation between the
United States and Great Britain (via Canada), Cuba, Hawaii, and
Alaska. In addition, it is expected that similar cables will soon be
placed in service to France and to Puerto Rico.
Although a large volume of telephone traffic is being handled by
these cables, the need for standby radio facilities, the impracticality
of providing direct cable service to other than high volume points,
and the continuing increase in volume of telephone traffic require
that radiotelephone facilities be maintained and improved. At the
close of the fiscal year the telephone carrier was in process of adding
high power amplifiers at its New York radio station for improv 
ing service to Europe. Sixty foreign countries and the Territories of
Puerto Rico and Hawaii are now being served by direct radio 
telephone circuits.
During the fiscal year regular radiotelephone service was inaugn 
rated over "scatter" circuits between Florida and Cuba, and between
Pnerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Docket Cases
Puerto Rico applications.-Gral argnment was held April 7, 1958
on exceptions of RCA Communications, Inc. (RCAC), to a supple 
mental initial decision looking toward a grant of the applications of
Mackay Radio & Telegraph Co., Inc., and All America Cl1bles &
Radio, Inc., for modification of their fixed public service radiotele 
graph station licenses to permit operation of a circuit between the
United States l1nd Puerto Rico on a regular rather than an emergency
basis (docket 10056).
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 59
Western Union divestment.-On July 9, 1958, the Commission
adopted a final decision ordering Western Union to present by Decem 
ber 31, 1958, a plan for divestment of its international telegraph
operations under which divestment would be effected within 6 months
after approval of the plan by the Commission. This decision has been
appealed by 'Western Union to the United States Court of Appeals
for the Second Circuit. Divestment is required by section 222 of the
act as a condition to the merger of Western Union and Postal Tele 
graph. In 1943 when the Commission approved the merger (docket
6517) it ordered Western Union to divest its international telegraph
operations within 1 year. From 1943 to 1952 annual extensions of
time were granted upon petitions by Western Union alleging that
after the exercise of due diligence it was unable to divest within the
time specified. In 1952 the Commission instituted an investigation
(docket 10151) into all the matters relating to the divestment require 
ment and held extensive hearings thereon during 1952-1954. The
proceeding culminated in the final decision referred to above.
Far East traffic.-Hearings were concluded February 13, 1958, on
complaint ·of RCAC, alleging that Western Union was illegally
'handling traffic to various Far Eastern points over its cable system
"Via London, which traffic RCAC claims should be distributed only
to international telegraph carriers entitled to share in traffic destined
to area C under the terms of the international formula (dockets
11364 and 11663). The matter was awaiting an initial decision.
Delays in handling international press traffic.-On July 9, 1957, ..
'hearing was held on complaint of Press Wireless, Inc., alleging
-excessive delays in the transfer by Western Union to Press Wireless
·()f international press traffic specifically routed by the sender via
Press Wireless (docket 11871). An initial decision was issued Feb 
Tuary 25, 1958. Both parties filed exceptions and the matter is await 
ing Commission decision.
Maekay offer of free TELEX equipment.-On May 12, 1958,
Mackay petitioned to withdraw its exceptions to an initial decision
holding unlawful certain tariff revisions offering to furnish automatic
teleprinter equipment without charge to users of its TELEX service
in the gateway cities and Honolulu (docket 11900). On July 80,
1958, the Commission granted this petition and made the initial
decision final.
International telegraph rates.-As noted in the 1957 report, West 
ern Union, in November 1956, requested increased and revised divi 
sions of charges for its domestic land line handling of international
telegraph message traffic. On March 18, 1957, the Commission ordered
1n investigation into, among other things, the lawfulness of the divi-
60 REPORT OF THE FEDERALCO~lliNICATIONSCOMMISSION
sions of charges for the land line handling of international telegraph
traffic by Western Union inside the United States, and the lawfulness
of the charges for international telegraph traffic (docket 11953).
After hearing, an initial decision was issued July 23, 1958, which, on
motion of various parties, was made final on .July 30. It increased
charges for international message telegrams by about $4.2 million.
Radiotelephone 8ervice to Hawaii.-This proceeding involved mu 
tually exclusive applications of The American Telephone and Tele 
graph Co. (docket 11954) and of RCAC, (docket 11955) to commu 
nicate by radiotelephone with Hawaii from their respective trans 
mitting stations in the vicinity of San Francisco. Hearings were
concluded July 30, 1957. An initial decision of April 2, 1958, looked
toward granting the A. T. & T. applications and denying those of
RCAC except the latter's request for authority to provide nonmessage
radiotelephone services to Hawaii via its proposed Bolinas, Calif.,
radiotelephone station. Exceptions were filed by RCAC and the
matter is awaiting oral argument.
Western Union praotioes under international f01""ula.-Hearings
on requests of American Cable & Radio Corp. and RCAC that the
Commission rule upon the lawfulness under section 222 of the act
and the international formula of certain 'Western Union practices in
soliciting and routing outbound international telegraph message
traffic have been, by agreement of the parties, postponed indefinitely
to permit them to attempt to arrive at a stipulation as to the relevant
facts (dockets 9369 and 11298).
OirO'ldt8 to Turkey and Israel.-As reported previously, applica 
tions of Mackay and RCAC to communicate with Ankara, Turkey
(docket 10360), have been consolidated with application of Mackay
to communicate with Istanbul, Turkey (docket 10489). Similarly, a
hearing has been ordered on the application of RCAC to communi 
cate with Tel Aviv, Israel (docket 8990). However, at the request
of the parties, no date has been set for these hearings.
Western Union-Globe and Tropioal contraots.-On November 13,'
1957, the Commission approved an agreement concerning damages to
be paid to the Commercial Pacific Cable Co. (which is no longer in
business) arising out of certain contracts between lVestern Union and
Globe Wireless, Ltd., and Tropical Radio Telegraph Co., for the
exchange of international telegraph traffic filed with Western Union,
which contracts had previously been held illegal (docket 9292), and
terminated the proceeding (a damage settlement had already been
approved for the other complainants).
Oanadian traffio transiting United State8.-This proceeding in 
volved complaint that Western Union was in violation of both the
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 61
international and the Canadian formulas by failing to transfer to
RCAC certain traffic destined for transpacific points which Western
Union received from Canadian National Telegraphs (dockets 10984
and 11873). The parties reached an agreement and RCAC filed a
motion to dismiss. On November 13, 1957, the Commission dismissed
the complaint and terminated the proceeding.
Participation under international formula.-Mobile Marine Radio,
Mobile, Ala., is negotiating with other international telegraph car 
riers receiving outbound marine traffic from 'Vestern Union in an
effort to attain informally the objective sought in a petition it filed
in January 1957 for participation in the distribution of such traffic
under appendix 2 of the international formula. Mobile Marine Radio
has asked that no action be taken on its petition pending the outcome
of these negotiations.
Tariff Schedules, Contracts, and Miscellaneous Reports
During fiscal 1958, international telegraph carriers filed 1,049 tariff
schedules, 48 applications for permission to file tariff schedules effec 
tive on less than statutory notice, 217 division of tolls statements,
120 reports of negotiations with foreign administrations and carriers,
996 contracts and amendments to contracts in compliance with re 
quirements of the act and the rules and regulations.
Rate Level and Structure
With the exception of a few minor adjustments, the rates for tele 
graph messages from the United States and its possessions to foreign
and overseas points remained unchanged during fiscal 1958. As a
result of British Government action, the rates for messages from the
United Kingdom to the United States were increased, making the
rate level higher than in the reverse direction. On traffic from other
overseas or foreign points to the United States and its possessions,
there were a few increases resulting from so-called surcharges auth 
orized or imposed by some Latin American countries.
Other Regulatory Matters
Relief and pensions.-For purposes of determining the effect of
pension cost upon operating expenses, the Commission continued its
general studies of the pension and benefit plans of the international
telegraph carriers.
Depreciation.-Further progress was made, in cooperation with
the carriers, in developing data to be used as a basis for prescribing
depreciation rates for the remaining carriers, as required by section
220 (b) of the act, and in reviewing the previously prescribed depre-
62 REPORTO~THE~EDERALCOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
ciation rates, but no depreciation rates were prescribed in fiscal 1958.
The carriers' depreciation accounting practices, depreciation charges,.
and their booked depreciation reserves were reviewed to ascertain
their reasonableness for ratemaking purposes. There were no indica 
tions that revisions of the prescribed depreciation rates were
necessary.
Oontinuing property record8.-Except for limited adjustments
which are under review, substantial compliance with the Commis 
sion's rules which require the establishment of satisfactory property
records was effected in fiscal 1958 by all carriers except one. Con 
tinued reviews were made of the other carriers' property records to
ascertain the regulatory effectiveness, as well as the need for revisions,
of such records. They indicated that the records were being main 
tained satisfactorily.
Accounting compliance.-The Commission continued its general
studies and field reviews of the carriers' accounts and accounting
practices with the view of determining their compliance with the
Commission's rules. Substantial compliance was indicated.
STATISTICS
General
Annual reports were filed by 460 common carriers and 6 controlling
companies for the calendar year 1957. Considerable financial and
operating data taken principally from these reports are published
annually in a volume entitled "Statistics of the Communications
Industry in the United States" (see appendix list of Commission
publications sold by the Superintendent of Documents). The larger
telephone and telegraph carriers also file monthly reports of revenues
and expenses, and summaries of these data are published monthly by
the Commission.
Telephone Carriers
Annual reports by common carriers included those from 82 tele 
phone carriers and 369 miscellaneous (nontelephone company) land
mobile radiotelephone carriers. Of the 82 telephone carriers, 50
offered mobile radiotelephone service, including 21 carriers not other 
wise subject to the reporting requirements of the Commission. The
reports of the 369 miscellaneous carriers show that their operating
revenues for 1957 totaled $2.6 million. More than half of these
carriers reported operating losses for 1957.
Selected financial and operating data concerning telephone carriers
for 1957 as compared to 1956 are shown in the following table:
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 6"3
Telephone carriers 1
Percent of
1956 1957 increuse or
(decrease)
"
54
-----------.
$18, OBI, 317, 347 $20,316, 80S, HZ ]2.36
4,332,266,533 4, Ij07. 305, 839 6.35
13,749,050,814 15,709,502,003 14.26
3,554, urn, 627 3,852,221,038 8.39
2,276,537,652 2,469,212,216 8.46
6,122,272,522 6,641,626,045 8.48
4,547,931,559 4,914,791,480 8.07
733,974,937 792,742,538 8.01
840,366,026 934, 0l.l2, O:n 11.15
782,753,906 861,415, fi13 10.05
51\3,287,333 626, 288, 006 11.18
15,568,852 16,303,803 4.72
37,103,938 :ro, 536, 434 ....
81,437,603,661 87,851,859,049 (')
2,901, 3M, 425 3,137, aoo, 177 (.)
683,020 686, tl!i9 .,.
zeJ3,396 212,5/9 £,.
419,624 414,440 (1.24)
$2,954,336,788 $3, 121,679,315
'.66
Item
Company telephones;
Bus!n<:'ss.• _. _. .. .. . _
Resldence. . . . _.. _ . _. _
Number of calls originating during the year;
Local~_
Toll 2 . . .. _
Number or employees at end of October ._. _
lvlale , . _
Female_ __ __.I~~~~;;;;;;;;I~~~~;;;;;;;;I~~~,;;;
Total compl'.nsation for the yl'lll' • _
I Datashown relate to telephone carrIers whose annual operatIngrevenues exceed $250,000. Intercompany
dlJplJcatJOD3, except in minor instances, have been eliminated.
• Partly estimated by reporting carriers.
II The number of oalls shown are not comparable, as many calls were reclassified from "toll" to "local"
during 1957, due to enlargement of numerous local calling areas.
The Commission is empowered by the Communications Act to
require the filing of reports only by "fully subject" telephone com 
panies, These include most of the larger companies (accounting for
over 90 percent of the industry revenues) but exclude the great
majority of the 4,000 telephone companies in the United States.
There are also additional thousands of connecting rural or farmer
lines and systems. Telephone industry estimates are that its operating
revenues in 1957 totaled $7,2 billion with book cost of plant at
December 31, 1957, of $22.4 billion, and 759,000 employees.
Telephone by Slales
There were approximately 63,600,000 telephones in use in the
United States at the beginning of the calendar year 1958 (excluding
approximately 200,000 private line telephones). Of this number
52,300,000 were owned by American Telephone & Telegraph and its
principal telephone subsidiaries (Bell System), 1,630,000 by Bell
associated companies in the Connecticut and the Cincinnati, Ohio
areas, and 9,670,000 by independent telephone companies.
A tabulation follows:
64 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Distribution of telephones
lIy type of serviceBy ownership
'fotal num.!--------,-------- 
ber of
telephones I -,- ! .-__~
Bell System All other Business 1HcSide~
State
Alabama..• .__________ 708, 600 613 300 95,300 186,900 521,700
Arlzona_________ 321,500 311;000 10,500 115,300 206,200
Arkansas~• 356, fJOO 273, 600 83,000 105,900 250,700
Californi.a~_____6,451,600 5 U4 1\00 1,201,000 1,984,000 4,467,600
Colorado______________________%4,~1O'@5:400 1'<1,500 Zl.'lfJ,OOO 448,000
COimecticuL________ 1,140,900 24, tiOO 1,116,300 316 700 824,200
Delaware____ 100,001) HlO,IlOO 55;000 135,000
District of Oolumbia. _ _ 581,400 5711,300 2,100 278, 1O0 303,300
Florlda________ _ _ 1, 507,.500 1,027,400 480, 100 517,400 9IlO, 100
Oeorgla_______ 972,400 841,000 131,400 288,000 684,400
Idaho_______________________ 198,500 157,600 40,900 ii3, 900 144,000
nUnois____________________________________ 4, l2'.l, 400 3,484,200 638,200 1,241,700 2,814,100
Indl.amL __ 1,624, 700 1,033,400 591,300 407,200 1,217,500
Iowa~_________________1,025,100 652,700 373,000 218,600 807,100
KansM____________________________________ 793,900 634,200 159,700 191, fJ(J(J 602,300
Kentucky~____________________________684,000 467,700 216,300 175,200 508,800
Louisiana_______________________ 884,300 841,800 42,500 241,800 IM2,500
Malne___ :lBO,8oo 253, HlO 27,100 IB,300 2M,500
~:~~~~~set-ts-_~~~=~~====_=====~~~~===~=i:~~~:~i:~~~:~1~:I~~:~1,~I:~
Michigan_______ __ _ __ 2,989,100 2,690,900 298,200 768,700 2,2'20,400
Minnesots__________ _ 1,215,900 950,400 265,500 300,300 9I.';, GOO
~:~r~I==~:~~:~=:~=~~~~~~=~==~====~===~1,~~:~1,~~~:::2~~;[;gg4i~:b~I, itt:~
Montana~____________________________220,700 189,300 31,400 61,000 159,700
Nebra.'lka_________________________________ _ 513,800 263,200 250, GOO 127,000 386,800
Nevads_ __ 93,800 44,900 48,900 39, 100 54,700
New HampshiIB___________________________ 1IM,500 185,000 9,500 51,000 143,500
New Jersey __ 2,560, 100 2, 512, 400 47,700 676,800 1,883,300
New Mexico_______________ 229,900 191,000 38,900 87,800 142,100
New York_____ 7,896,900 7,336, 900 560,000 2, 523,700 5, 313, 200
North Oarolina______ 947,800 522,600 425,200 269,800 678,000
North Dakota._ Ill/i,700 110,000 ,';0,700 41,900 124,800
Ohio_ _____ _ 3,663, 100 2, 414,800 1,248, 30U 931, 100 2, 132, 000
Oklahoma .__________________ 777,900 f186, 500 9], 400 230,700 547,200
Oregon______ 629,700 504, 500 125,200 177, 200 452,500
Pennsylvania~____________4, 351",3,' 120000 3,819,400 713,800 1, 130, 800 3,402,400
Rhode Island_. __ 302, 600 9,500 8fi,3OO 226, ROO
South Carolina .___ 452,300 340,800 111,500 128, 10032J~200
South Dakota_ _ 194,000 148,800 46, 100 48, 200 145, 700
Tennes.'lee_ _ 953, 100 836, \lOO 116,200 250,400 7C'2,700
TexM~. 2,931,700 2,454,000 477,100 002,100 2,029,GOO
Utah ,____________ 3M, '200 'LB7, 800 IB, <ID{} 84, f.OO 219,700
VermonL_ 118,100 103,700 14,400 31,800 86,300
Vlr~lnla._._~____________1,114,100 900,400 213,700 323,500 790,600
Washlngton~____________1, 063, 300 841), 300 218, 000 302, 700 760, 600
West Virginia_ __ ____ 41S, 600 427,400 51,200 120,200 358,400
~~g~i~~:~:==:: ==-~==~=~~~~~:----------1_~~1,,~~,~201:~:,~;9IlO::l=-1~1~'~~02~5~:~:=+1~1-'33~54,68~g,~,~~OOooc:-I~1~8,~31~;60~~,,~m7~OO~1---:4~5,~9\460~7~~:,~ioo2OO00:c
United States~___________""" &2,252,500 ..
Domestic Telegraph Carrier
The following table sets forth financial and operating data relating
to the domestic land line operations of The Western Union Telegraph
Co. for the calendar year 1957 as compared to 1956, The data per 
taining to its cable operations are included in tables showing data of
international telegraph carriers.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 65
The Western Union Telegraph Co.!
Item 1956 1951
Percent of
increase or
(decrease)
Book cost of plant (as of Dec. 31) •~_
Depreciation and amortization reserves._~_
Net book cost of plant.~•~_
Message revenues . • • . . __
Total operating revenues . . __
Operating expenses, depreciation, and other operating rev-
enue deductions .~. _
Net operatlng revenues. . _
~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~-~~-~~~~==:_==::==================
Net iueome (land line and cable systems) _
Dividends (land line and cable systems) _
Number of revenue messaKes handled~_
Number of employees at end of Oetober _
Total elJmpensat/oll for the l"C8r _
$332,726,47l
141,489,7l8
un, 236, 753
192,473,810
238,361,660
219, 23J, 379
19,130,281
, 6,665,000
12,059,604
14,207,510
6,226,395
151, 599, 945
37,754
$153. 624, 446
$350,859,633
147,334,384
203, 525, 249
194,248,819
245, 548, 609
228,219,322
17,329,288
25,993,000
12, 9U, 1M
14,194,036
7, 16.'}, 272
143, 946, 655
36,467
$169,157,308
5.45
4.1.
6.43
...
3.02',
4. Ii}
(9. 41)'
(10. OS)
7.06
(.OY)
"OIl
('.0')
(3.41)
3.1l()
I Hcpresents data for land line operations. Figures covering cable operations are Included in ta.bles
below showing data of International telegraph carriers.
2 Reflects estimated reductions III Federnl inCOlre tall" liability of $1,248,000 and $1,768,000 in 1956 andI1J57~
respectively, arising from t.he utiliza.tion for income tax purposes, but not for aecounting purp08e5, of a
liberalized depreciation method reco::;nized by sec. HI? of the Internal Revenue Code of 11J54. Also reflects
estimated reductions in I"cderal income tax liabIlity of $477,000 and $J03/i1)O i.ll 29,)(1 aDd 19/i7, respectlv(lly,
arising [rom thc use or5-y~aramorti~[Jttonauthorized undrr sec. 168 of tne Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
31ncludes domestic transmission of transoceanic and marine messages (about 1J,604,000 in 1956, and about
9,724;000 in 1957).
International Telegraph Carriers
Financial and operating statistics relating to the United States
international telegraph carriers for the calendar year 1957 are here
shown as compared with similar figures for 1956. Statistics pertaining
to radiotelegraph and ocean cable carriers are shown separately.
International telephone carriers
Percent of
"56
1957 increase or
(decrea.<;e)
10 9
$139,818,030 $149,439,860
'.88
77, 52\}, 657 80,068,183
3.14
62,188.313 69,371,671
11.55
2,487,600 2,500,804
.53
4\1,855,926 50,300,799
1.09
1, 7l9, 825 1,931,272
12.29
73,472,449 76,84.5,286
U9
6O,861,7l5 66,258,760
8.87
12,6\0,734 10, 58l\, 526
(16.05)
5,782,600 5,385,005
i'·86)
6,185,942 5,9'21), 79il
4.29)
1,483,670 1,783,670
21).2'2
154,265 152,641
(1.05)
23,776,149 24, 143, 486
,."
1,105,356 1,156,680
U4
11,306 11,502
1. 73
$41,288,294 $41,993,931 (.)
---I
Item
Total compensation for the year
Number of cnrrlers • •~·I~~~~';';~=I="';:;::~'C":::"~I;;;;;;;~;;;;
Book cost of plant (as of Dec. 3l)~_
Depreclatil'n and amortization reserves••~" _
Net book cost or planL~_
Message revenues:
Domestic 1~_
Transoceanic~~_
M arine.~_
Total operatin!1; revenucs_ . _
Operating expenses, depreciation, and other operating rev-
enue deductions _
Net operatill!1: nwenues~_
Provision for Federal income taxes~_
Net income~~~_
Dividends declared 2,~_
Number of revenue messages bandIed:=~'""·~~~·I~~='"""'=~+~~~~
Domestle 3 _ _ _
Tran.~ocearllc_
1tarin(L , , _
Ntunber of employees at end of October _
See notes after "Oeran cable carriers."
66 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Radiotelegraph currier8
Item
Number of carriers••• . . _. _
Book cost of plant (as of Dec. 31) _
Depreciation and amortitatton reserves _
Net book cost oC plant. _
Message revenues:
Domestic 1 _
TransoOOllJllc_ ____ ___ __ _ •
Marine. . •
Total operating revenues ._, ,._
O~~:~~3uecty~~:~,_~_e_l~~~~i~_t_t~~~_~~~~~_e~_~~_e_r_a_t.~~_~~~~_-_
Net operating revenues. . _
Provision for Federal income taxes _
Net income~. _
Dividends declared . _
Number of revenue messages handled;
Domestic 3 _
Transoceanic _
Marine _
Number of employees at end of October _
Total compensation for the year •~.~_
Percent of
1956 1957 increase or
(dccrease)
6
$45,450,062 $53, lIS, 420 16.87
19,603,028 21,287,387 8.59
25,847,034 31,828,033 23.14
2,28/;,729 2,306,364
.00
26,525,4f>O 27,196,393 2.53
1,719,825 1,931,272 12.2fJ
39,102,062 41,103,043 5.88
31,039,618 33,378,493 7.54
8,OO2,H4 8,024,550 (.47)
4,307, HOO 3,770,905 (12.46)
4,057,682 5,435,284 33.95
600,000 000,000 50.00
.~O,III 57,533 14.81
12,951,547 13,672,370 5.57
1,105,356 1,156,680 4.64
5,241 5,401 3.05
$24,8IfJ,044 $24,118.840 (.)
Soo notes after "Ocean cable carriers".
Ocean cable carriers (including Western Union cable operations)
Percent of
1956 1957 increase or
(decrease)
3 3
$9.,367,968 $96, 32., 440 2.07
58,026,629 58,780,796 1.30
36,341,339 37,543,6« 3.31
201,871 194, .40 (3.68)
23,330,466 23,203.406 (.55)
34,370,387 35,442,243 3.12
29,822,091 32,880,261 10.25
4,548,290 2,561,976 (43.67)
1,475,000 1,615,000 9.49
2,128,260 485,506 (77.19)
883,670 883,670
IM,lM DO,l08 (8.69)
10,824,602 10,.(71,116 (3.Zl)
6,065 6,101 .69
$16,469,250 $17,875,091
'.54
Item
Number or revenue messl'ges bandIed:
Dome tie •~_~.~_.~_
Tr1nlIce 'nic~. . , _
Number or employees at end of Ootober ,~_~.
Total compensation lor the year~_
Number ofcarrfers...~------~--~----------.-------•• --1~==oo=c'='~+~'=''='~;,F;;,;;;;,;;;;;;;
Book cost of plant (as of Deo. 31) _
Depreciation ani amortizationreserves_~._
Net book cost of planL. _
Mess"ge revenues:
DomesticI_~~~._._
TransoC6mlc._. •__~~_
Total operating revenues _
Opemting expenses, depreciation and other operating reve-
nue de .uotlons ..~• _
Net operating revenuos~
Provisbn for Federal incometaxes.~. _
Net Income • , __ • __ • _
Dividen Is declared 2 •• ___ • _
I Includes revenues of 2 ocelUl cable carriers and the radiotelegraph carriers from the domestlc trans_
mlsglon of transoceanic and IIlllrine messages outside of points of entry or departure in the United States,
and revenues from domestic-classificationme~sages(primarily Canadian and Mexican).
2 All dIvidends declared by Western Union Teiegraph Co. have beeD reported In the table above relating
to the domestic land line operations of that compll.llY and are excluded from this table.
I Represents domestlc-classlfication IDP_',sages (primarily Canadian and Mexican).
'Not comp3rl\ble because 1956 figure includes 8 months' compensation of about 700 employees transferred
Aug. 31, 1956, to a nonreporting entity upon the merger of 2reporting carriers.
International Telegraph and Telephone Traffic
During calendar 1957 a total of 607,538,000 words were handled
into and out of the United States by international cable and radio 
telegraph carriers. In the outbound direction, 311,650,000 words
were transmitted, while 295,888,000 were inbound. There were also
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMuNICATIONS COMMISSION 67
during calendar 1957 1,092,000 telephone calls outbound from the
Uuited States and 1,054,000 calls inbound, excluding calls handled
directly from United States possessions to overseas points. The
word volume of international telegraph traffic and the number of
telephone calls between the United States and each of the principal
countries of the world during calendar 1957 are set forth in the fol 
lowing table.
United States-International telegraph (radio and cable) traffic in words, and tele 
phone calls (radio ana cable), 1957 (includes traffic transiting the United States)
Telegraph traffic--
number of words (in
thousands)
Telephone traffic 1_
Dumber of calls (in
thousands)
Country
Outbound
from the
United
States
Inbound
to the
United
States
Outbound
from the
United
Stutes
Inbound
to the
United
States
----------3---------~--2
18 11
2 4
1 2
(2) 1
no 121
----------,- ----_··----9
7 5
2Q 2Q
---~~----i.r----------ii
4 3
·-~~·-----i--~-~4--~---3
2 1
----~---+-i-----------'3
7 4
---~----+-9-----~----.47
----------6----~------~~
1 2
----------i---~--(!y~--~
.. 3.
-4----~--9i---~--~-~~-66
3 3
Europe, Africa, and tJu Near East
Ascension Island (Ba.hram telephone rciay) _
Albania__ _ 73 105
AIgeria_________________________________________________ lPS 187
Arabla__~._.__~__~., , __ .__________ 1, 114 1, 107
Austria.__ ..~,~•~~____1,812 1,106
Belgian Congo~._.~~_________361 264
Belgium __ .~• •~~___4,862 3,894
Brjtl~hEast Afrjca~_,•~__~______400 406
British Wp-st Afrlca~~_~_______681 603
Cyprus_ ..~~____129 141
Czcchoslovakla~•~~~____634 800
~nmark~__ .~_+__~~__1,985 1,200
Egypt_ .~~~_________2,868 3,780
Ethiopla_ ,~__~~~, •• 262 220
Flnland •.~__~~_546 536
France~~•.~__.~._~____15, 711 15,350
French West Afrlca~__ 4 • •~____161 184
Germany~__ ._. •.~.___ 16,987 13,900
Greece_ • __ •~• .______ 2,241 1,728
Hungary.~•~~_______419 636
IceJand __ ,~~.~• ,~____252 265
Iran ••• •~, 4_____ 1,201 1,027
IrnQ • 4~• .___________ 876 936
Ireland_.__~.~.•~____973 943
IsraeL~~~_.~~~+_ 2,829 2,481
Italy._~__ •~~__~..4. __.4 __~____12, 9&5 9,467
Lebanon~•~_4~____1,291 1,578
Liberla__~• •__._~~•~_715 808
Libya • 4 4 .+ __~._. ._ 265 175
Lu;Qmbourg~~• 4____ 127 101
MadagasC8r~• ._______________ 144 122
Morocco--French ,__________ 539 514
Morocoo---Tangler •~~.______________281 379
Nethcrlands • • ._____________________ 7,661 6,345
N-orway +~__._.__ 4____________ 3,060 2,034
P~lanOuJl •~4______________523 562
P-otand~~~~~.______ 1,198 1,275
PortugaL~4,_~__~~____________1,299 988
Rbodesfa~.~~~•• + 199 213
Roumanls 4~~4..~__________390 296
~~deri~~======~=~=~::~::=:::::::::::::=::::==::::::::=::t~i:~~
SwItzerland~~4~__8,679 5,340
Syrfa 4 +~___200 2D9
Transjordania._---- _. + ••__~._________340l 625
Trieste, Free Territory oL 4 + .____________ 132 106
Tunisia • •__~_.________ ISO 132
Tutkey_,~_______________1, 549 1,764
Union of South Alrlca 4______ 2,731 2,801
U, s. s. R~, •~~_____4, 140 3,966
United Kingdom__ • .~~_____51,501 51,7'.l,~
Yugoslavia.~• 4__ .44 . ..~____1,078 {lID
All otherpl~s•~~._____ 918 1,6V3
I-:=:-:-I-----,-,:-c:-:-I--:-:--I---
68 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
United States-International telegraph (radio and cable) traffic in words, and
telephone calls (radio and cable). 1957 (includes ttaffic transiting the United
States)-Continued
Telegraph traffic-
number of words (In
thousands)
Telephone traffic 1_
number of calls (In
thousands)
Country
Outbonnd
from the
United
Stutes
Inbound
to the
United
States
Outbound
from the
United
States
Inbound
to the
United
States
16 18
• •
3 3
, 5
12 1l
12 13
I 1
38 24
1 I
24 1l
5 5
12 22
4 ,
229 284
1 2
9 10
2 1
•
,
-<---------- -----------
13
I'
5
·----------6
72 75
, ,
(') (')
2 3
2 2
18 21
---------
------------
499 561
.=
West Indtt8, Central, North, and South America
Argentlna..~.___ 7,121 8,270
Aruba____________________ _._~_
Bnhamas~__i 525 1,490
Barbados~_______________'318 239
Bermudu.______________________________________________ I,llI'> 1,172
BolivilL • __~~____949 680
Brar,iL_______________________________ 10, 624 10,013
British Guianu_________________________________________ 258 256
British HQnduras~___________17::1 lfi2
g:~:r~one-_-~~~~~~~:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:=~-~~~~~~~=__3 10,~~~3 13,~~
ChUe~~____________~_3,31:\7 2,277
Colombia~_ 4,812 4,512
Costa Ricll______________ 1,035 757
CUb!L~______________ 7, 607 10, 680
Cllracao~__•.~•• "
Dominican RCpllblic___________________________________ 1,767 1,549
Ecuador~______________1, 685 1,012
French West Indies +~._ 101 59
Guatemala__ 1, '«Is. 1,915
HaitL___ 980 1,022
Honduras RcpubUc____________________________________ 873 854
Jamalca__~______1,429 1, 176
~:t~~iaiidiiWest-iii(fles~~~===~~=~~~~~~~~~~====~~~~~=~~~i:~~~~~;m
Nicaragua ._ 1,040 721
Other British West Indws ._________________________ 278 IRS
Panama •• __ 1, &ra 1,175
Paraguay_____ 314 234
Peru_ 2, 746 2,349
PUClto Rlco______________________ 5,774 5,073
Salvador__ __ _ 1, 103 0'21}
Surlnam.~___194 121
Trlnidad_______________________________________________ 1,075 869
Uruguay •~~______2,084 1,!lOl
Venezuela~________________________12,731 16,651
Virgin Islands • .____________________ 382 34fl
All other places~.___________ 161 1 1_00_1, 1~__
TotaL.~._____________ 91,496 94,688
Atia and Oceania
859 82
------------ -----------7
4,377 3,393 5
716 207
----------- -----------
'"
'2\)
---{~)----------(2)-----
129 51
1,556 1,340 2 3
434 549 6 6
5,733 4,837 135 106
2,174 1,9fifi 3 5
5,082 4,427
------ -----
788 962
-----(2)"-
-~--------
1, 945 3,Iifi1 1
15,997 13,4,~359 27
1,386 1,966
,
7
1,621 1,146 (') 1
234 23
-----------i
1,360 1,126 1
534 fI07 11 3
1, M'J 1,857
-·--i3
4,644 5,252
115 93 ------
----~-------
957 1,036
---------- -----. -~-
134 176
----------- -----------
52,001 48, fJ06 243 180
37
'53 -----------
311,650 295,888 1,092 1,054
Total < _
Unknown destination or originI~~~~~I~=~~
Grand total~~._
Ar~hanistan•• . _
Australia . _
Burma________ _ _
C'..eylon~~_
China (excluding Hong Kong) _
Formosa_ _ _ _
Gnam _
HawaiL _
Hong Kong_ _ _ _~_
India _
Indochina_
Indonesia_ __ ___ r _
Japan _
Korea _
Malaya, Federation oC _
New Caledonia_ _ _ _
New Zcaland _
Oklnawa _
Pakistan • _
Philippines _
Society Islands _
Thailand (f;iam) _
AU OtlWf pta«'s_ _ _
I~___c-I-~~I
See footnotes on page 69.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 69
Common Carrier Applications
Nearly 4,600 applications were filed with the Commission by com 
mon carriers during the fiscal year (exclusive of Alaskan and marine
mobile). The following table shows the number of applications
according to class of service:
Class
Pending
June 30,
1957
Received
Disposed
of
Pending
June 30,
1'58
Radio facilities
1,M.9 1, S'21 21m
36 37
---------~.-
20. 225 15
790 797 62
"
43 18
3'
38 ._----------
186 HI3 2
57
"
1
13 8 5
3,2'29 3,220 363
"18
238 7
4i) 4i)
~--·~------i
7 7
1,023 682 112
1,308 1,267 120
15 16
--------,---
• •
------------
10 10
---.--------
------------
20
29 50
'.566
4.,537\ '23
29.Subtotal
Domestic:
PolDt-to-point microwave radio stations 172
Local TV transmission stations 1
Rural radio stations . __ . .______ ___ 36
D{)mestic public land mobile radiostaUoDS_________ &9
Developmental stations______________________ 5
Rcgi~tratlonof Canadian radio station llcensees _
International:
Fixed public telegraph~_________9
I<txed puhlic telepholle___________ 2
Internatlonal coutroL __
Interlockl.t1g directorates~__._~~__ • _
Submarine cable landing l1censes~._
Petittons or motions (tlondockct).__~•~_
Renewals_ _ _ 20
I--c:::-l----c::-[---c:::-I---
Snbtotal •~~~~•I~==;;21;,lo=~~;,lo=~~;,I;:,;:;;:,;:;;,;;;;;
Total~.~~.____________________________394
Wire facilities
Telephone extenslollS~~~.______ __ 1
Telegraph extensi()n;;;~~._
Telephone reductions~.I
Telegraph reducttollS •~___1-.:7:::1+~_:"::=_1--_.:_=~1---_:::
Subtotal~__.~~___79
MisctUaneOU8
1The data on teknltol1\'\ cans include th(', nmuber of overseas calls handled \'ia rallio and via North At.
llllltic, Cuban findHawall~lltelephone cablcs. A. T. & 1'. reports its volume of overseas telephone traffie
transmitted to. and reodved froUl, each point ofeommunicntton, which may be either (1) the foreign COl'ntry
and overseas point of l1estination or origin of tIle call, or (2) an intermediate country or overseas point thrOI-gh
which the call is relayed onward. 'l'hereforo, the number ofcalls reported herein with respect to a partiCI·lar
place is notllece5~arn}'the number of calls originattnl'; or terminatinl'; with that place. '8-l1ere no calls aTC
shown for certain countri('s or overseas points it indicates that no direct cable or radiotelephone service was
providedther~within 1957. Any calls that may have been handled with sl:Ch countries dnring 1957 are
lnclndl'd. in tlle traffic or the- intermediate OOlmtry tlJrouglJ wlJlr"h indirect service wasrendcrl~d.Sf'rvico
with Canada and .\{exico IS by meallS of wire lines and with Alaska by means of wire lim's, nvlio, and Otetill
cable. No data are readily available on the number of calls exchallge(l with such oountl'ics or tenitury,
2 Less than 500ea1i~.
3 Represents intf'rnational-ciasslfieatlon traffic which originated at overseas points and was destined to
Canada (outbound from tlw United States), andinternatiOl]a\-cla~ific,.tlontrame Wl1ich origirated in
Canada. and wasdestln~dtooversca~points (Inbound to the United Statl's). 'I'his traffic was handled
betwet:\n snch points lind Canada by United States Cl\friers via the United States.
'Represents International-classification traffic which origInated at overseas points and was destined to
Mexico (ontbound fromth~United States), and iHt,rnational-classification traffic which ol'iglnatet! in
Mexico and was dm;uned to oveneas po1nts (inbound to tho United StatI'S).Thi.~trame was handled
between such points and Mexico by {JnitedState~carriers via the United States,
484159-58--6
Safety and Special Radio Services
GENERAL
The safety and special radio services comprise the largest nnmber
of radio stations authorized by the Commission. Stations in these
services contribute to the safety of life and property and serve
industrial and business operations. They embrace virtually all radio
transmitting activities licensed by the Commission with the exception
of broadcast, common carrier, and experimental operations.
At the end of the fiscal year, there were more than 437,000 authori 
zations in these services covering nse of about 1,400,000 transmitters.
These facilities are grouped into four general classes:
Safety services-marine, aviation, police, fire, forestry-conservation,
highway maintenance, special emergency. State guard, local govern 
ment, disaster communications. and point.to-point in Alaska.
Industrial services-power, petroleum, forest prodUcts, special indus 
trial, business, manufacturers, relay press, motion picture, and radio 
location-land.
Land transportation services-railroad, motor carrier, taxicab, and
automobile emergency.
MiBceUaneous services-amateur and citizens.
These services have continued to expand, as indicated in the
statistical tables at the end of this chapter. The number of authori 
zations has nearly doubled in the past 5 years. Since spectrum space
is limited, grants are made for shared use of frequencies. Such
sharing requires a high level of compliance with regulations govern 
ing the operation of these stations to achieve the most efficient usage
of the available spectrum space. This, in turn, places an increasing
importance on the functions of enforcement.
Over 212,000 applications were filed in these services during fiscal
1958, representing an increase of nearly 27,000 or 14 percent over
the preceding year. Continuous efforts are being made to improve
techniques in processing applications to reduce the handling time.
Activities in the safety and special services during the year were
highlighted in several important areas. A series of siguificant rule 
making proceedings were completed involving channel splitting to
make more frequencies available for these services. At the same
time, the following new radio services were created: Manufacturers
70
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 71
Radio Service, Business Radio Service, Telephone MaintelUl.nce Ra 
4io Service, and Local Government Radio Service. One present
service, the Low Power Industrial Radio Service, will be absorbed by
the new Business Radio Service.
Overall policy questions as to the use of frequencies above 890
megacycles for point-to-point operations by safety and special serv 
ices licensees (docket 11866) have entailed special studies and con 
sideration. Likewise, the Commission's inquiry regarding the allo 
cation of frequencies between 25 and 890 megacycles (docket 11997)
has elicited detailed and complex comments from those concerned.
There was also increased activity in.connection with various inter 
governmeutal and industry coordinating groups concerning technical
and policy matters relating to the safety and special services.
PRIVATE MICROWAVE SYSTEMS
Most of the authorizations for private point-to-point microwave
systems are now granted on a developmental basis for a period of 1
year, subject to renewal. By far, the greatest percentage of systems
year, subject to renewal. By far, the greatest percentage of systems
most cases, they combine fixed and mobile operations. One petroleum
chain extends from Texas to New York, a distance of 1,700 miles.
The railroads also utilize microwave along their rights-of-way.
Private microwave systems are harnessed to many different pur 
poses by licensees in connection with their industrial and safety
operations. For example, they operate unattended equipment; open
and close valves; record pressure, temperature, engine speed, rate of
processing and other data; telemeter voltage, current and power;
locate line faults, and perform other supervisory functions. Police
departments employ microwave to coordinate their activities. Rail 
roads utilize it for signaling and traffic control. In some cases,
microwave transmits TV signals in connection with forest service
and police operations, and radar usage on land and water also in 
volves some incidental microwave utilization.
Determinations to be made by the Commission in docket 11866,
involving the allocation of frequencies in the bands above 890 mega 
cycles, will have llo profound effect upon the future of private micro 
wave systems. The hearing in that proceeding was completed and
the record was closed on November 15, 195'1'. Comments were sub 
mitted by nearly 200 parties, more than 160 persons presented oral
testimony, 166 exhibits were filed, and there are over 5,000 pages of
hearing record.
This hearing was the first step in a general investigatory proceed 
ing concerning the allocation of frequencies above 890 megacycles.
Its purpose was to obtain data on all phases of the operation of
72 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
existing and proposed communication systems. Evidence was obtained
on present and future needs for frequencies, engineering standards,
conditions of eligibility, shared use of frequencies, interference possi 
bilities, need for interconnections with common-carrier landline tele 
phone systems, and to determine the extent to which these frequencies
should be allocated between common carriers and prospective private
users.
MARINE RADIO SERVICES
Safety at Sea
Safety convention.-The International Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea is accepted by 45 countries, including the United
States. This agreement embodies uniform principles and rules to
promote safety of life and property at sea, including compulsory
radio requirements. The conventiou now in force is the one concluded
at London in 1948. A conference to revise the present convention is
scheduled to convene in London in 1960. The Commission is partici 
pating actively in the preparatory work for that session.
Intergovernmental Maritime Oonsultative Organization. - The
IMCO was created on March 17, 1958, by 21 nations, including the
United States. It provides means for continuing cooperation among
governments in the field of regulation and practices relating to
technical matters affecting international shipping, and encourages
the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters
concerning maritime safety and efficiency of navigation. IMCO will
be the central bureau in the maritime safety field of all matters
regarding adoption and amendment of the convention.
Oommunications Act.-Provisions of the London convention are
incorporated in title III, part II, of the Communications Act. Under
these provisions, approximately 50 passenger ships and approxi 
mately 1,330 cargo ships of United States registry are compulsorily
equipped with radiotelegraph, while approximately 70 United States
cargo ships of between 500 and 1,600 gross tons have compulsory
radiotelephone.
Title III, part III, of the Communications Act, which became
effective March 1, 1957, requires United States vessels transporting
more than six passengers for hire while navigating in the open sea
or in tidewater adjacent or contiguous to the open sea to be fitted
with an efficient radiotelephone installation. During the year, "
number of bills were introduced in Congress which would relax this
requirement in varying degrees.
Great La!,"s agreement.-In general, ships of all countries navigat 
ing the Great Lakes, which are of 500 gross tons and upward, which
are passenger carrying vessels over 65 feet in length, or which, if
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 73
under 500 gross tons, are engaged in towing operations, are subject
to an agreement between the United States and Canada for promot 
ing safety on the Great Lakes by means of radio. This pact, which
became effective November 13, 1954, requires each subject vessel to
carry radiotelephone with at least one certified operator.
VHF radiotelephony for navigational cowmunication.-The House
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, in its report of J anu 
ary 3, 1951, recommended voluntary radiotelephone installations on
the bridges of United States oceangoing ships as a means of promot 
ing safety at sea by affording rapid and direct means of communi 
cation between navigating officers. Since 1952, Commission rules
have permitted bridge-to-bridge communication inasmuch as they
provide for licensing low-powered, short-range, compact VHF radio 
telephone equipment on ships. Nonetheless, in furtherance of the
committee's recommendation, the Commission on July 30, 1957, urged
all interested persons to submit comments concerning rule changes
which might facilitate the installation of bridge VHF radiotelephone
equipment. Following consideration of the resulting suggestions, the
Commission, on April 2, 1958, established a regulatory policy per 
taining to VHF bridge radiotelephone facilities, implemented by
amendments of parts 7 and 8 of its maritime rules.
By these actions, operational evaluation of a VHF single-channel
ship-to-ship radiotelephone facility for the exchange of navigational
information and related safety communications, and for associated
oommunication with locks, bridges, and shore radiolocation stations,
may be conducted under developmental station licenses. To facilitate
this trial operation, without deviation from established basic regu 
latory policy, certain limitations, supplementary conditions, and
deviations from existing rules were authorized or imposed. A petition
requesting reconsideration was pending at the end of the year.
E",emption from compulsory radio requirements.-Exempted from
ship radiotelegraph requirements during the year were 5 United
States passenger ferry vessels making international voyages solely on
inland waters, 13 other United States vessels (including 5 renewals),
and 1 British Virgin Islands vessel, all on condition that they comply
with radiotelephone reqnirements. Two United States vessels were
exempted unconditionally from the ship radiotelegraph requirements.
Sixteen emergency radiotelegraph exemptions were granted, largcly
so that vessels could continue voyages to ports where defective radio
equipment could be repaired or replacen.
Of 532 applications under title III, part III, for radiotelephone
exemptions for individual vessels, 59 were granted unconditionally,
19 were granted in part, 391 were denied, 18 were dismissed, and 45
were pending. Two applications for such exemption for classes of
74 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
vessels were denied, and one was still under consideration. One
hnndred and sixteen temporary radiotelephone exemptions were
issned, mostly for the purpose of giving the applicants additional
time to procure and install new equipment or modify existing
equipment.
Distress 8tudie.,.-Studies of distress communications pursuant to
section 4 (0) of the Communications Act for the purpose of insuring
and maintaining maximum usage of marine radio facilities for the
safety of life and property have been limited by a lack of personnel.
However, information received by the Commission indicates that
during fiscal 1958 the international radiotelegraph distress signal
(SOS) was used at least 216 times throughout the world. It was
employed by or on behalf of 26 United States vessels and 153 vessels
of foreign registry. An automatic alarm signal which alerts ship
radio operators, not actually on duty at the time, to distress calls was
used effectively in a nnmber of cases.
Radar.-At the close of the fiscal year 3,659 United States vessels
were equipped with, and licensed to operate, ship radar stations.
Shore radar (developmental) stations, at Long Beach and Los
Angeles, were being used primarily to assist in the piloting of ships
entering and leaving the harbors. At Double Bayou, Tex., and
Grand Isle, I,a., shore radar (developmental) stations were in opera 
tion largely to aid navigation of vessels in connection with construc 
tion projects and oil-well drilling.
Nine shore-based radiolocation-training and/or radiolocation-test
stations were being used to train and qualify persons in the effective
use of maritime radiolocation, and for testing maritime radiolocation
apparatus.
Technical Developments and Studies
Type-acoeptanoe program.-A total of 77 types of shipboard radio 
telephone transmitters have been type accepted under part 8 f01'
operation on frequencies below 30 megacycles. The rules have been
amended so as to defer the mandatory usage of such type accepted
transmitters until January 1, 1959. Leased transmitters licensed prior
to that date are among those which will become subject to type
acceptance at a later date. Requirements for suppression of spurious
emissions in the vicinity of the assigned frequency have been revised
for ship stations to the highest practicable degree consistent with the
attendant considerations of cost and technical complexity.
Te8t8 of vertioal antenntM.-Interest was shown in the use of ver 
tical main antennas by compulsory radiotelegraph equipped ships of
United States registry, and tests were made to determine the effective-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 75
ness of such antenna systems. Economy in the operation of merchant
ships may result.
Radio Technical Oommission for Manne Servwes.-The Commis 
sion continued its support of RTCM by furnishing an electronics
engineer as executive secretary, office space, and the services of other
personnel on its special committees. The special committees are
organized to study marine telecommunication problems and make
recommendations. The RTCM is composed of Government agencies
and non-Government organizations. Its objective is the resolution of
maritime telecommunications problems by mutual agreement. Much
of its work has a bearing on United States positions on maritime
matters at international conferences.
Special RTCM committees are studying such subjects as require 
ments for a standard system of long-distance electronic aids to navi 
gation for international maritime use; interference due to intermodu 
lation products in the VHF maritime service; present and future
requirements for marine services which utilize frequency space;
electronic equipment for a nuclear-powered passenger-cargo ship; in 
stallation of bridge-to-bridge direct radiotelephonic communication;
selective calling devices for use in the international VHF marine
service; and technical characteristics of single' sideband maritime
radiotelephone equipment.
Marine Radio Communication Systems
Ooast stations.-At the fiscal year close, public coast and limited
coast stations, other than those in Alaska, providing communication
service to ship stations were as follows:
Frequency band and range Publ1c LimIted Frequency band and range PUblic Limited
---
Telephony in 2-3-mc. band HF telephony (long rangeL __ 4 2
(medium range) ____________
51 4 Telegraph, LF, MF, HF
VHF telephony (short range)_ .. 200
(medium to long range) _____
28
3,
Manne jlmed stations.-These stations are established on offshore
oil-well drilling platforms and are used primarily for safety purposes
and secondarily for business communications. The number of stations
licensed is 69.
Operation in 151J-161Z megaeyde band.-The Commission is revising
its frequency allocation plan so that it will be consistent with the
Baltic-North Sea VHF Maritime Mobile Agreement of 1957 and
permit United States and European vessels to engage in international
VHF communication in the 152-162 megacycle band.
Ship-shore radiotelephone.-The Commission's rules were amended,
effective July 1, 1957, to provide for ship-shore radiotelephone use
76 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
of the frequency 2638 kilocycles, to serve the safety and operational
communication needs primarily of pleasure boats on interior waters.
One of the conditions for assignment of this frequency is that the use
of very high frequencies be not feasible. Thus far, 2 public coast
stations have been licensed to use this frequency, 1 at Cartersville,
Ga., and the other at Nashville. In addition, construction permits
have been granted for stations at Lake 'Vhitney, Tex., and Flowery
Branch, Ga.
The hours of operation of the frequency pair 2550 kilocycles
(coast)-2158 kilocycles (ship) for use at Tampa were limited to day
only from April 1 to December 15 annually, with unlimited hours of
use from December 15 to April 1 annually, and the frequency pair
2466 kilocycles (coast)-2009 kilocycles (ship) was made available at
Tampa on a 24-hour basis.
The Conunission, after hearings in July of 1957, canceled that part
of its order of July 6, 1956, which would have deleted, as of February
1, 1957, the frequencies 6240 and 6455 kilocycles from use on the
Mississippi River and connecting inland waters (except the Great
Lakes) and authorized their continued use.
The Coast Guard advised that it would protect the distress fre 
quency 2182 kilocycles in lieu of 2670 kilocycles, and the Commission's
rules were amended to reflect this change. Non-Government vessels
had been permitted to use 2670 kilocycles for radiotelephone distress
calls until 2182 kilocycles was effectively guarded.
On January 8, 1958, the Commission denied Mobile Marine Radio's
petition to make available for assignment Mississippi River frequen 
cies for use by class I-B public coast stations to be located in the
Gulf of Mexico area.
The Commission made available for assignment the public coast
station radiotelephone frequency 8761.8 kilocycles in Hawaii and,
concurrently, deleted the public coast station radiotelephone fre 
quency 8550 kilocycles, thereby completing its program of carrying
out the maritime mobile portions of the Geneva Agreement (1951)
in the frequency bands between 4000 and 18000 kilocycles.
Application of the Texas Highway Department for a land station
at the Galveston causeway, to communicate with vessels navigating
the intracoastal canal in connection with the opening and closing of a
drawspan bridge, was granted in the Maritime Mobile Service, under
rule waiver. In keeping with Commission policy regarding the use
of VHF for short range communication, the requested Government
frequency 2350 kilocycles was assigned lmtil September 10, 1959, and
vessels were authorized to transmit to this station on 2738 kilocycles.
Vessels desiring passage through the waterway after that date must
be equipped with VHF if communication is desired with the bridge.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 77
The Commission, an April 16, 1958, reallocated a portion of the
3000-3246-megacycle maritime radar band in the interest of national
defense.Tra~smittersin ship radio navigation stations (including
ship radar stations) authorized to operate on frequencies between
3100 and 3246 megacycles as of that date may continue to be used
for operation on the same vessel provided that any renewal of the
authorization shall be subject to the condition that no protection be
given frolll any interference caused by emission from ·United States
Government stations operation in the 3100-3246-megacycle band. The
3000-to-3100-megacycle portion of the band continues to be available
for assignment as heretofore.
Developmental autho1'izations.-The Lorain County (Ohio) Radio
Corp. was granted special temporary authorizations for develop 
mental testing of the "dualex" teleprinter communication system.
The testing includes the transmission of weather and hydrographic
information to ships on the Great Lakes. Special temporary station
authorization was also made to the same company for developmental
testing of a facsimile communications system on the Great Lakes.
The purpose is to determine the value of recorded communications
as compared with voice communications for commercial ship adminis 
tration and also for weather and, possibly, navigational information.
Globe Wireless, Ltd., licensee of the SS Angelo Petri, received a
developmental license for that vessel to test a single sideband trans 
mitter with suppressed carrier and single sideband with full carrier
inserted on high frequency radiotelephones.
Alaskan Public Fixed and Maritime Stations
Radio communication in AIMka.-Alaskan communities depend
largely on radiotelephone and radiotelegraph commnnication for
safety and business purposes because extensive wire line facilities are
not available. The main intra-Alaska communication trunklines are
operated by the Alaska Communications System (ACS) under the
Department of Defense. The Commission maintains liaison with the
ACS in coordinating these facilities to serve the public interest. At
the close of the fiscal year there were, exclusive of Government sta 
tions, 1,054 Alaska public fixed and public coast stations in that
prospective new State.
Proposed use of single sideband in AlllBka.-For the first time,
single sideband equipment has been specified in applications pertain 
ing to stations in the Alaska fixed service. Three applications pro 
posing to add single sideband equipment to stations already licensed
with conventional double sideband equipment were received.
Study of duplicate facilities in AlllBka.-The Commission has not
completed its study of the problem of duplication of public facilities
78 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICAnONS COMMISSION
in Alaska. Industrial concerns have indicated a need to operate
stations (which, under the rules, would have to be public stations)
at locations where public facilities, either Government or non 
Government, are already established. Under present rules only a
single Alaska public fixed or public coast station will be authorized
to serve any area whose point-to-point or ship-shore communication
needs can be adequately served by either a Government (ACS) or a
non-Government station. Pending further study, with the coopera 
tion of the ACS, certain industrial firms have been granted short·
term licenses for safety and business communication.
AVIATION SERVICES
General
The Commission is responsible for regulating and licensing non 
-Government aviation use of radio. Employment of radio for aviation
communication and navigation is continuously expanding. For
administrative purposes, aviation radio facilities are grouped into
broad classes of ground and airborne stations. These stations include
.aircarrier, private aircraft, aeronautical en route, aeronautical fixed,
<lperational fixed, aeronautical advisory, aeronautical utility mobile,
airdrome control, flight test, flying school, radionavigation, aero 
nautical public service aircraft, and Civil Air Patrol. The total
number of such authorizations exceeds 62,000 and includes over 81,000
transmitters.
Aviation Organizations and Conferences
The Commission continued to participate in the work of various
-coordinating groups concerned with aviation technical and policy
matters. Rapid technological advances and changing operational
requirements in the aviation telecommunications field necessitate con 
tinuing liaison with other agencies and organizations. Among these
groups are the Air Coordinating Committee (ACC), the Interna 
tional Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the Radio Tech·
nical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA).
Air Coordinating Committee
The ACC is a Federal interdepartmeutal committee, responsible to
the President, charged with coordinating Government aviation poli 
cies. It was established to examine and make recommendations on
aviation matters affecting more than one participating agency. In
view of the Commission's direct responsibilities in the field of avia 
tion telecommunications, it is a member of the ACC and is repre 
sented on many of the subordinate components, such as the Executive
Council; Technical Division; Airspace Division; Aeronautical Com-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 79
munications and Electronic Aids Subcommittee; Airdrome, En Route,
and Ground Aids Subcommittee, and the Air Traffic Control and
Navigation Panel.
Some of the major ACC activities in which the Commission par 
ticipated during the year were formulation of policies for the guid 
nnce of United States representatives to the ICAO, and prepnration
of United States positions for 2d South American-South Atlantic
regional air navigation meeting; the 4th European-Mediterranean
nil' navigntion meeting; the 6th session of the Communicntions Divi 
sion and the special COM Division meeting to prepare for the 1959
ITU Administrative Radio Conference; preparation of a search and
rescue procedures manual; preparation for ICAO special communi 
cations operations, rules of the air meeting to reach conclusions on
short-distance navigation aids; recommendation of a frequency to be
used for search and rescue scene of action activities; preparation of
fl. mp,morandum of agre,ement between the broadcast and aviation
interests regarding erection of tall antennas; a review of the national
policy on electronic long-distance aids to navigation, and recommen 
dations for aeronautical single sideband system characteristics.
Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics
The RTCA is a nonprofit cooperative association of Government
nnd industry organizations concerned with aeronautical telecommu 
nications matters. Its general membership, known as the assembly,
is composed of more than 100 agencies and organizations. Member 
ship is voluntary.
The Commission is represented on the RTCA executive committee
nnd on many of its special committees organized to handle specific
technical problems. During the year the Commission participated in
special technical committees on the following subjects: Frequency
utilization plan for the band 108-132 megacycles; frequency require 
ments for common system air traffic control; minimum performance
requirements for airborne electronic equipment for the transition
period common system; minimum performance standards - self 
contained navigation aids; and characteristics of aeronautical single
sideband systems.
International Civil Aviation Organization
The ICAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has a
membership of 71 countries and was formed to foster the planning
and development of international air transport. During 1958, Com 
mission representatives were members of United States delegations
to 3 I CA0 conferences.
80 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Rule Amendments
The rules governing the aviation servicps (part 9) must be revised
frequently in order to keep abreast of the continuing expansion of
the aviation industry and refinement of operational techniques and
procedures.
Rulemaking projects completed during fiscal 1958 resnlted in the
frequency 127.3 megacycles being made available for international
en route operations on the east coast of the United States; improve 
ment of Civil Air Patrol efficiency through frequency and other rule
changes; simplification of aireraft station identification requirements;
extension to 1963 of use of the 420-460-megacycle band for radio 
navigation purposes; clarification of the rules governing the opera 
tion of aeronautical fixed point-to-point facilities, and the temporary
availability of the frequency bands 8750-8850 and 9750-9850 mega 
cycles to airborne "doppler" radar devices which, without ground
assistance, provide certain navigational information to pilots.
Rulemaking initiated or continued during the same period included
issuance of further proposals with respect to the single sideband
technique of radio transmission; revision of requirements governing
the posting of aircraft and ground station authorizations; and estab 
lishment of a new class of station-aeronautical search and rescue
mobile station-to provide coordinated air-ground search and rescue
communication.
Air Carrier Aircraft Stations
There are approximately 3,000 snch stations anthorized aboard
commercial aircraft transporting passengers or cargo for hire.
Private Aircraft Stations
These stations are operated aboardple~sureand business type
aircraft. They number approximately 45,000.
Aeronautical Public Service Stations
Public service aircraft stations are used for communication between
aircraft in flight and the public telephone system, through the facili 
ties of public coast stations. They total about 350.
Aeronautical En Route and Aeronautical Fixed Stations
Aeronautical en route stations provide operational control commu 
nication with aircraft at terminals and while in flight. Aeronautical
fixed statious are used for point-to-point communication pertaining
to the safe, expeditious, aud economical operation of aircraft. In the
continental United States,aeronautic~lfixed radio st.'\tious are used
primarily a.s backup circuits for landIine facilities; however, in
international operations, and in areas where landline facilities are
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 81
not adequate, they provide primary service. There are some 1,BOO
authorizations in this group.
Operational Fixed Stations
The approximately 40 operational fixed stations are used for point 
to-point communication links, such as control and relay cirCUIts to
remote transmitter andI'eceiv~rsites.
Aeronautical Advisory Stations
These ground stations are used primarily to provide advisory
(',ommlUlication with aircraft regarding the condition of runways,
types of fuel available, weather data, wind conditions, and other
pertinent information. They may be used, on a secondary basis, for
,peeial service communication relating to the efficient portal-to-portal
transit of occupants of the aircraft. Additionally, some of the more
than 900 advisory stations communicate with private aircraft engaged
jn organized civil defense activities.
Aeronautical Utility Mobile Stations
Utility mobile stations are installed aboard maintenance, crash,
fire, and other vehicles operating on airdromes. They are usecl for
communication between control towers and vehicles in normal airport
operations as well as in times of em.,rgency. There are approximately
220 such stations.
Airdrome Control Stations
These stations are used by control-tower operators primarily for
directing the safe and efficient flow of air traffic into and out of
airports. They also provide communication with aeronautical monile
utility stations installed in maintenance and emergency vehicles at
airports. They number about 40.
Flight Test Stations
Flight test stations are employed for air-ground communication in
connection with the testing of aircraft or its major components. In
addition to radiotelephony, telemetered data may be transmitted
from aircraft under test to ground stations for monitoring and
recording. Nearly 250 authorizations for such stations are out 
standing.
Flying School Stations
These stations ltre authorized for use by flying schools "nd soaring
societies for the instruction of students and the promotion of safety
of life and property. There are approximately 58 such stations
licensed.
82 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Radionavigation Stations
These stations are used to perform a variety of air navigation
functions and also to make it possible to land at airports by means
of instruments. Over 300 such stations are licensed in connection with
the operation of radio beacons and ranges, localizers, glide-path
facilities, and ground-control approach systems.
Civil Air Patrol Stations
These stations handle air-ground, base-mobile, and point-to-point
communication in connection with search, rescue, training, and other
activities for which the Civil Air Patrol is responsible. They number
approximately 11,000.
PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO SERVICES
General
The public safety radio services comprise the Police, Fire, Forestry 
Conservation, Highway Maintenance, Special Emergency, State
Guard, and Local Government Radio Services. Their authorizations
now exceed 26,000, representing more than 304,000 transmitters.
Rule Changes
The principal changes in the rules governing these services during
the year had as their objective the providing of additional 'channels
to accommodate the increasing numbers of licensees and potential
licensees. Inasmuch as no additional spectrum space was available
to the public safety services, accomplishment of this purpose required
more efficient use of the spectrum space previously allocated. This
was done by taking advantage of technical developments in equip 
ment design by lUeans of which transmissions can now Use narrower
frequency channels.
This program was realized to a considerable degree by splitting
channels in the public safety mobile bands above 42 megacycles. In a
series of rulemaking proceedings, the Commission reallocated apec 
trum space in the 46-50-megacycle band to the Government in ex 
change for compensatory space in the 150.8-152-megacycle band;
split the public safety channels in the 42-50-, 150.8-162-, and 450-460 
megacycle bands; determined most of the service allocations of the
additional frequencies made available in these bands; established a
new Local Government Radio Service by using some of the split
channels; and advanced to August 1, 1958, the date for mandatory
compliance by new systems with the new narrow-band technical
standards necessitated by channel splitting. The date was moved up
so as to make the split channels available earlier. Other interrelated
technical provisions were adopted to permit orderly transition of
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 83
existing systems from wide-band to narrow-band operation prior to
November 1, 1963.
As a result, each of the public safety services (except the State
Guard) has been allocated split channels which augment the total
number of frequencies available to it on an exclusive basis. There
still remains to be determined the service allocations of some of the
frequencies' gained by splitting the 42--50- and 152--162-megacycle
bands.
The rules were modified to restrict permissible communications in
the Police, Fire, Forestry-Conservation, and Highway Maintenance
Services to those essential to official business. Licensees desiring to
continue communication beyond the scope permitted would be eligible
in the newly established Local Government Radio Service, wherein
communication essential to any official activity of the licensee is
permitted.
Police Radio Service
Licenses in this service are issued only to States, Territories, pos 
sessions, and other governmental subdivisions including counties,
cities, and towns. Such stations_may be used only to transmit com 
munication essential to official police activities, except that until
October 31, 1963, police radio stations may also handle commu 
nication essential to official fire activities of a licensee. In addition
to the usual base and mobile systems, there is an increasing use by
police of microwave systems for point-to-point links and control
circuits to remote transmitter and receiver sites. Nearly 12,500
police authorizations involve the use of over 166,000 transmitters.
Fire Radio Service
Eligibility in this group is limited to the same public entities,
except that volunteer fire departments may obtain a license by
demonstrating a specific public responsibility for fire protection. A
typical fire radio system consists of both base and mobile stations.
The mobile stations include, in addition to equipment on fire vehicles,
both lightweight, low-powered packsets and the new pocket-sized
receivers carried by individual firemen. By nse of the latter, the
chief at a fire can direct his men within or around a burning building.
More than 4,700 fire authorizations cover over 58,000 transmitters.
Forestry-Conservation Radio Service
This service provides communication networks essential to the
prevention, detection, and suppression of forest fires and the conser 
vation of natural resources and wildlife. In addition to public enti 
ties, persons or organizations charged with specific forestry-conserva 
tion activities may be licensed under certain conditions. Such sys-
84 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
tems are basically the same as police and fire radio networks. The
more than 3,200 forestry-conservation authorizations represent about
33,600 transmitters.
Highway Maintenance Radio Service
Authorizations in this service are likewise limited to governmental
entities. These stations can transmit only commllllications essential
to official highway activities of the licensee. This service has nearly
2,600 authorizations for over 27,000 transmitters.
Special Emergency Radio Service
This service provides emergency communication facilities for a
number of user groups, including physicians and veterinarians who
have a regular practice in rural areas; schools of medicine in rural
areas; ambulance operators; rescue organizations; beach patrols pro 
viding a lifesaving service; school-bus operators; persons in isolated
areas where public communication facilities are not available; com 
munication common carriers desiring to provide standby facilities or
make emergency repairs, and disaster relief organizations. More
than 3,300 special emergency authorizations cover over 13,000 trans 
mitters.
Local Government Radio Service
The Local Government Radio Service, which was created during
the year, will permit governmental entity licensees to transmit com 
munications essential to their official activities. This covers all types
of administrative messages, as well as any type of emergency com 
munication, as long as it is required by an official activity of a licensee.
lt is anticipated that this new service will particularly help small
governmental subdivisions having limited funds because it permits,
for the first time, the use of a radio system for the transmission of
all essential official communicatious of such licensees. Also, inasmuch
as the rules do not prohibit governmental entities from being licensed
at the same time in ther~calGovernment Radio Service and the
more specific services such as police and fire, larger governmental
units should likewise benefit. Under an authorization in this service,
they would be permitted to transmit essential communications not
authorized for stations licensed in the public safety services and, at
the same time, continue their other stations solely for emergency
operations.
State Guard Radio Service
Licenses in this service are issued only to the State Guard or com 
pamble organizations, and only where such organization has been
created by law and is subject to the control of the governor or highest
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 85
official of the creating governmental entity. This service, with 10
authorizations and over 400 transmitters, is relatively inactive inas 
much as its principal need docs not arise until the National Guard
is ordered into Federal Service and the State Guard begins to dis 
charge duties usually performed by the National Guard.
DISASTER COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
This service furnishes communication facilities in the 1750-to-1800 
kilocycle band for use in emergencies such as war, storm, and flood.
Its stations may transmit any communication necessary to civil
defense or relief ,,"ork during a disaster. ..A.t other times, communi 
cations are limited to those necessary in drills and tests to assure
efficient functioning of equipment and personnel.
Over 85 percent of the disaster service licensees are civil defense
organizations. Of the civil defcnse organizations, 76 percent are also
using the Radio Auruteur Ci\'il Emergency Service for their civil
defense communication.
There are at present 4:3 approved disastcr communications plans
co,-ered in 380 station authorizations.
LAND TRANSPORTATION RAD,O SERVICES
General
Part 16 of the Commission's rules provides for the use of radio by
industries engaged in land transportation to persons and things,
namely: J\fotor carriers, railroads, taxicab operators, and individuals
or associations operating" emergency automobile road service vehicles.
There are oyer 48,000 such authorizations covering more than .')41,000
transmitters.
During fiscal 1958, various rule parts were amended in response
to changing land transportation requirements. These clmnges
stemmed not only from the inci'ease in number of licensees and a
corresponding increase in channel loading of the available fre 
quencies, hut also from the need by various transporters for new and
additional uses of radio not heretofore provided for by the rules.
The Commission has for some time recognized that the number of
channels Hyailahle to these essential services has been generally inade 
quate to accommodate the e\"er increasing demand. In this connection
it number of rule changes relating: to the split-channel proceedings
were adopted for the purpose of obtaining additional operating
frequcneies by reducing challJlCI spacing_ These rule chang-es specify
frequencies ltvailable to each service, establish new technical stand 
urds for equipment, set the dates ,Y]JeJl licensees will be required to
nse equipment meeting the He\y technical standards, and spell out
4;-.:41.;!J ;,:-; -;
86 REPOR1' OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
provisions governing the assignnlent and usage of the additional
frequencies provided.
Frequencies in the 450-460-megacycle band have been available to
various land transportation services for a number of years on a
yearly developmental basis only. As a result of information obtained
from the operation of numerous of these (levelopmental systems, it
was possible to provide for licensing stations operating in this band
on a regular basis and establish technical requirements for the
equipment used.
Prior to the 1958 rule amendments, 4 pair of freqnencies in the
450-460-megacycle band were available to the motor carrier and
railroad services on shared basis, and 5 and 1 pair, respectively,
to the taxicab and automobile emergency services. Now, 5 and 2
pair are available on an exclusive basis to the motor carrier and
railroad services, respectively, and 10 and 2 pair on an exclusive
basis to the taxicab and automobile emergency services, respectively.
Provision is made for the eontinued use by motor carriers of those
frequencies in the 450-460-megacycle band formerly available to both
the motor carriers and railroads but now assigned only to the rail 
roads. This use by motor carriers may continue in a particular area
until such time as the railroads seek the frequency in the same area,
but in no case after April 1, 1963.
Additionally, the Commission, in its split-channel proceedings con 
eerning the 152-162-megacycle band, adopted rules which also affect
the land transportation services. The frequency space available to
the railroad service was reduced, but distinct portions of the space
given up by that service was earmarked for possible use by the motor
carrier service. Other rule amendments provide for the use of addi 
tional frequencies in this band (made available by reducing the
channel width) by stations in the taxicab and railroad services and,
further for the first time, permit the use of frequencies in the 152 
160-megacycIe band by stations in the automobile emergency service
operated by public garages. A pending proposal, if adopted, would,
for the first time, give a substantial number of frequencies in the
same band to motor carriers.
As a result of the 1958 rule amendments, a total of 55 frequenci""
in the 150-162-megacycIe band are now available to the railroad
service, in lieu of the previous 39 frequencies. Seven frequency pair
in the same band are available to the taxicab service, as compared to
four previously. Also, three frequeucies each in this band are pro 
vided on an exclusive basis to automobile service cIubs and public
garages, plus three more which they can use on a shared basis.
Following adoption of rule amendments in 1958, industry in gen 
eral indicated a desire to accelerate the dates of mandatory compH-
REPORT OF 'l'HE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 87
anee with the new technical standards applicable to equipment used
in the land transportation and other services. Accordingly, the Com 
mission made further rule changes effective August 1, 1958, to provide
maximum opportunity for early utilization of newly assignable fre 
quencies provided by the channel splitting.
Since land transportation frequencies are open to licensees in the
particular service only on a shared basis, it is imperative that appli 
cants cooperate in the selection of a suitable frequency. Formerly,
many applicants indicated failure to cooperate with others in the
respective areas in selecting frequencies. This made it necessary to
request further information, causing considerable delay in processing.
Consequently, the rules were amended during fiscal 1958 to set forth
more clearly that applicants must show the basis upon which a
particular frequency has been selected and that the applicant has, in
fact, coordinated his selection.
Some land transportation industries have used speed measuring
devices referred to as "radar" for a number of years. They have been
licensed on a developmental basis using frequencies in the 2450-2500 
megacycle band only. Such frequencies limited the use of these
devices to measuring objects traveling at comparatively high speeds.
Accordingly, following the availability of more suitahle frequencies
in the 1050D-10550-megacycle band for Government and non-Govern 
ment radiolocation stations, the land transportation rules were
amended during fiscal 1958 to permit the use of frequencies in the
latter band for the operation of speed measuring devices on a devel 
opmental basis. Also, the rules were amended so as to license speed
measuring devices operating on frequencies in the 245D-2500-mega 
cycle band on a regular basis.
Although the former land transportation rules permitted emer 
gency communication related directly to the safety of life or the
protection of property during a national disaster in which normal
communication facilities are disrupted, there were no express provi 
sions for civil defense communication, including tests and drills.
So, rule changes in fiscal 1958 clarify the scope of commnnication
which may be engaged in by stations 'in the land transportation
services during civil defense exercises and national emergencies. The
amended rules provide that messages transmitted in connection with
civil defense operations must relate to the particular activity which
formed the basis for the licensees' eligibility, except that stations
licensed in the taxicab service also may be used for more general
communication concerning a civil defense agency activity.
Some problems involving the land transportation services still to
be resolved are reflected in a number of proposed rule changes. One
concerns the use of base and mobile station. '.'perating on a coopera-
88 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL CO:Yl:MUNICATIONS COMMISSION
tive basis. Another is the power limitation that should be imposed
on stations using frequencies in the 450-460-megacycle band. The
communication range of stations using frequencies in this band is,
to a large extent, determined by local conditions such as antenna
beight, the nature of the terrain, and the presence of buildings or
other structures presenting reflective surfaces. While power authori 
'Zation should be adequate to meet the operational requiremnts of the
various services, it is also necessary that the permissible power limit
be kept to a minimum for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary
interference.
Motor Carrier Radio Service
This service is available to persons who provide a COmmon or
contract motor carrier transportation service. It includes truckers
engaged in intra 'or interurban operations and common carriers of
passengers operating buses and streetcars. Approximately 2,230
authorizations covering approximately 41,800 transmitters were in
this service by the end of fiscal 1958.
The number of frequencies in the 43-44-megacycle band available
to truckers and carriers of passengers was changed by rule amend 
ments to meet more adequately the present and anticipated require 
ments of the two groups. It is believed that the total number of
frequencies now available to this service, plus the additional fre 
quencies in the 150-162-megacycle band as proposed, will meet to a
large extent the rapidly expanding requirements for spectrum space
by this important industry.
Railroad Radio Service
The rules governing this service provide for the use of radio by
railroad common carriers, including railroad·owned express cam 
panie" furnishing the public a passenger or freight service. During
the year the rules were amended to permit a licensee to instalI mobile
units in vehicles of other persons who are furnishing to the railroad,
under contract, a facility or service which the licensee would be
eligible to do himself.
It is contemplated that requirements for additional frequencies
stemming from increased usage of radio by railroad express agencies
will be met by the use of frequencies in the 450-460-megacycle bands
which were made available on a regular and exclusive basis to the
railroad radio service by rule amendments adopted during fiscal
1958. Because of their comparatively short communication range,
frequencies in this band are particularly suitable for such use since
the railroad express agencies generalIy function on a local basis in
metropolitan areas.
REPORT OF THE FEDEHAL COMMUNICA'l'IONS COMMISSIOX 89
Frequencies in the 152-162-megacycle band, which have a greater
communication range, are considered more suitable for the railroads
which need communication facilities coordinated on a systemwide
basis.
At the close of the year there were over 2,200 railroad authoriza 
tions with over 65,000 transmitters.
Taxicab Radio Service
The rules of eligibility for this service provide for use of radio by
persons engaged in furnishing to the public for hire a nonscheduled
land transportation service not operated over regular routes or
between established terminals. Over 4,700 authorizations cover the
operation of 100,700 trausmitters.
Frequencies in both the 150-162- and the 450--460-megacJ'cle bands
anilable to this seryice were substantially increased by rule amend 
ments adopted during fiscal 1058 in the split-channel proceedings.
Use of the additional frequencies in the 150-162-megacycle band
derived from reducing the baudwidths are available to this service
only in standard metropolitan areas of 50,000 or more population.
The additional 450--460-megacycle channels, made possible by the
same means, are retained by this service without restriction as to the
area in which they may be used. The heavy channel loading of the
frequencies which have been available to this service as the result of
both the continued increase in the number of licensees and the expan 
sion of existing systems has demonstrated the industry's requirements
for the additional frequencies.
As a result of rule amendments in 1058, the taxicab service now
has 7 and 10 pair of frequencies in the 150-162- and 450--460-mega 
cycle bands, respectively. Before that it had 4 pair in the first
mentioned band and 5 pair in the other.
Automobile Emergency Radio Service
Public garages operating emergency road service vehicles and
associations of automobile owners providing a similar service to its
members are eligible to hold authorizations in this service. At the
end of fiscal 1058 there were nearly a thousand authorizations out 
standing co;'ering nearly 0,000 transmitters.
A 1058 rule amendment which will be of substantial benefit to the
automobile emergency service provides for replacement of the two
35-megacycle frequencies by several frequencies in the 150-162 
megacycle band. Frequencies in the former band are snbject to long 
range interference, thereby rendering them useless over considerable
periods of time. Public garages, which were the primary users of the
35-megacycle frequencies, now have a total of 3 frequencies in the
150-1G2-megacycle band on a shared basis with automobile associa-
90 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
tions. Three frequencies in this band were also made available to
associations of automobile owners on an exclusive basis. Because of
the increase in the number of frequencies now assigned to this service,
it is anticipated that many persons who were reluctant to operate
radio facilities on the 35-megacycle frequencies will now apply for
authorizations in the other band.
Additionally, the rule of eligibility was clarified to include persons
who operate garages engaged in repair work of major nature on
motor vehicles for the general public, and who also operate vehicles
for towing or making on-the-spot emergency repair.
CITIZENS RADIO SERVICE
This service is described in the Commission's rules (part 19) as one
which provides for the operation of radio communication facilities
for personal or business use. Citizens licenses may be used for com 
munication, radio signaling, control of objects and devices, and other
purposes not specifically prohibited by the rules.
Any citizen 18 years of age is eligible to hold an authorization in
this service, as well as State, Territorial, or local governmental
entities, or any organization or association operating by anthority
of such governmental bodies, including civil defense groups.
During the year, the Commission deleted a provision that persons
eligible for licenses in any other service were not eligible for a
license in the Citizens Service. Also deleted was a provision per 
mitting applicants for class A and class B stations to file their appli 
cations at the Commission's engineering field offices. The amended
rules require that except for applications for class C station authori 
zations proposing to employ type-approved equipment or crystal 
controlled equipment, all other citizens applications must be sub 
mitted to the Commission's office at Washington.
Another 1958 amendment clarifies the permissible scope of commu 
nications during civil defense exercises. and actual emergencies, and
prescribes procedures to be followed.
A revised application form, adopted in September of 1958, requires
a statement as to what the citizens station will be used for, including
certification that it will not be employed for illegal purposes.
At the end of the year there were proposed amendments, stemming
from the split-channel proceedings and in the interest of efficiency
of spectrum utilization, which would delete the availability of fre 
quencies in the 460-470-megacycle band with the exception of ten
50-kilocycle channels available to class A stations and the single
frequency of 465 megacycles which would be available to class B
stations only. However, the proposed changes would provide for
additional frequencies in the 27-megacycle band which are presently
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 91
available to amateurs. Also included are proposed changes in per 
missible power and frequency tolerance. Unlike the present rules,
which provide that the class of station be indicated on the authoriza 
tion, without a specific frequency being shown, the proposals would
require that specific frequencies be assigned and indicated on the
authorizations.
At the close of fiscal 1958 approximately 38,600 authorizations in
the citizens service were outstanding for the operation of approxi 
mately 125,000 transmitters, including those used by paging systems
and for radio control of model airplanes, model boats, garage doors,
and other devices.
INDUSTRIAL RADIO SERVICES
General
The 1958 fiscal year saw the creation, of three new industrial radio
services, the absorption of one by another, and the substantial modi 
fication of still another. Thus, on August 1, 1958, a Manufacturers
Radio Service, a Telephone Maintenance Radio Service, ltnd It Busi 
ness Rltdio Service took their places alongside the Power, Petroleum,
Forest Products, Motion Picture, Relay Press, Special Industrial,
and Industrial Radiolocation Services. On the same date, a new set
of rules governing the Special Industrial Service became effective,
and the Low Power Industrial Service was absorbed by the new
Business Radio Service.
These amendments and important changes affecting the availability
of frequencies were stimulated, in large measure, by the Commission's
objective to keep the industrial services closely tailored to industry's
known and anticipated requirements for radio, and to relieve, to the
greatest extent possible, the frequency congestion which prevails in
most of these services. In the 8 industrial services in existence at the
close of the fiscal year, approximately 40,000 stations were anthorized
to operate a total of nearly 417,000 transmitters.
Major Problems and Accomplishments
Considerable energy has been directed to concluding rulemaking
begun in April of 1957 in docket 11991. The proposals advltnced in
this proceeding were intended to implement the Commission's action
of the previous September (docket 11253) which established a basic
policy for reducing separations between assignable frequencies in the
152-162-megacycle band. In addition, they were designed to provide
additional frequencies for the industrial services by modified channel
spacing and assignment in the 27.23-27.28-, 162-174-, and 450-470 
megacycle bands, and to promote greater and more equitable utiliza 
tion of these frequencies.
92 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COl\-fMUNICATIOXS COMMISSION
The proceedings in docket 11991, together with related proceedings
in dockets 11959, 11990, and 11992-11995, constitnte one of the most
significant rnlemaking activities in the safety and special land
mobile services in nearly 10 years. Virtually every segment of pri 
vate and public endeavor was represented by the comments filed. In
docket 11991 alone there were over 150 original and reply comments,
many of which exceeded 100 pages in length.
Before dispositive action in docket 11991 could be begun, the needs
of the Federal Government for spectrum space in the 25-50-mega 
cycle range for stations utilizing the technique of forward propaga 
tion by isonspheric seatter [FPISj had reached a point where immed 
iate action by the Commission became necessary. Accordingly, as
noted elsewhere in this re.port, the Commission reallocated for GoVel'll 
ment use the frequency ballds 46.6-47.0 and 49.6-50.0 megacydes. As
a result, the industrial services lost a total of 10 of its best primary
frequencies, on some of which as many as 8,000 transmitters had
been authorized.
Because the industrial services' share of the replacement space
(150.8-152 megacycles) realloeated from Government to non-Govern 
ment use was not considered adequate to fully compensate these
services for the frequencies lost, the Commission modified a previous
position and proposed some channel-splitting in the 25-50-megacycle
band. As finally adopted, it provided for eventnal mandatory adher 
ence in this band to the narrow-band standards which has been de 
veloped in docket 11253. In that connection, the Commission insti 
tuted another major rnlemaking proceeding (docket 12169) looking
toward the distribution of the frequencies reallocated from Govern 
ment to non-Government usage in the If)O.8-152-megaeycle range.
On December 18, 1957, the Commission made partial disposition of
the matters at issue in docket 12169 by adopting rules which supple 
mented the frequcncy tables of many of the radio services, including
industrial. In doing so, however, it ordered two 90-kilocycle blocks
of spectrum space (46.51--46.60 and 49.51--49.60) reallocated to the
international fixed public and aeronautical fixed services for FPIS
use after 1959, which resulted in the industrial services losing an
additional two primary frequencies. Other proposals in docket
12169 of substantial interest to the industrial services have not been
acted on. They include one relating to the use of tone-actuated
"squelch" systems and another concerning the possibility of limiting
the access to 25-50-megacyclc frequencies to applicants having wide 
area communication requirements.
Substantial progress having beeu made iu docket 12169, the Com 
mission was able to consider the problems in docket 11991. Accord 
ingly, just prior to the close of the fiscal year, it made substantial
REPORT OF THE FEDERALCOl\I~IUNICATIONSCOMMISSION 93
disposition of this proceeding, effective August 1, 1958. In general,
it adopted the original proposals. One major change, principally
inspired by the comments, resulted in a retention of the Special
Industrial Service in modified form, even though a Business Service
was created. Among the activities eligible in the retained Special
Industrial Service are agriculture, heavy construction, mining, petro 
leum service, ready-mixed concrete, and fuel delivery. All standard
metropolitan area restrictions have been eliminated. The Commission
considered and sought to satisfy most of the frequency-changeover
problems inherent in the scatter reallocations. In general, it appor 
tioned available frequencies among the Special Industrial and Busi 
ness Services with the purpose of facilitating the lowest possible
changeover costs to all licensees affected by such scatter reallocations.
Because the new Business Service provides eligibility for "any
person engaged in a commercial activity," the Commission anticipates
that it will be popUlar with persons otherwise not eligible in the
industrial services, and also with persons seeking relief from inter 
ference situations which sometimes occur in the so-called protected
services. For example, it is expected that in the petroleum-producing
area many companies will turn to the Business Service if a shortage
of petroleum frequencies eventually occurs.
The Manufacturers Service was created to meet the need for
reliable radio communication to aid in production control, security
activities, and localized materials handling. In a minor departure
from its original proposal, the Commission established a separate
service-to be known as the Telephone Maintenance Radio Service 
for communications common carriers having requirements for radio
facilities in connection with construction and maintenance activities.
Other Developments
Two other rulemaking proceedings with impact on the industrial
services now are in process. In one (docket 12088), the Commission
has proposed that the rules governing the Power Service be amended
to permit gas utility companies licensed thereunder to utilize their
radio stations in connection with supplying liquified petroleum gas
to customers located beyond existing gas distribution lines. In the
other proceeding (docket 12221), the Commission has proposed the
adoption of technical standards to govern single sideband systems
operating on frequencies below 10 megacycles.~
AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE
General
The Amateur Radio Service is defined in current international
radio regulations as: "A service of self training, intercommunication,
94 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
and technical investigations carried on by amateurs, that is, by duly
authorized persons interested in radio technique solely with a per 
sonal aim and without pecuniary interest."
At the present time, there are approximately 185,000 amateur
authorizations for stations and operators of different grades. This
is more than twice the number 8 years ago.
Amateurs repeatedly volunteer their services to furnishing com 
munication in all types of emergencies. During the year over a
hnndred known instances of such aid were reported in connection
with floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, snowstorms, fires, location of lost
persons, and highway, railroad, and aircraft mishaps. In addition, as
a service to the pnblic, amatenrs handle commlmications for their
community civil defense organizations through the Radio Amatenr
Civil Emergency Service (RACES). This service provides for
continuation of amateur activity for civil defense during a time of
war emergency when other amateur activity must cease. Peacetime
activities of the RACES include communication service during peri 
ods of natural disasters and emergencies. At the end of the year,
993 approved RACES communication plans were reflected in over
7,600 RACES station authorizations.
Self-styled "hams" have rendered much assistance to the Interna 
tional Geophysical Year program. Where international law has
permitted, thousands of messages have been relayed by amateurs
between the IGY scientists and snpporting personnel at remote and
faraway places and their families at home. One group of amateurs
is regularly transmitting a facsimile newspaper to the isolated sta 
tions in Antarctica.
From the beginning of the IGY earth satellite program, amateurs
have been reporting their reception of satellite radio signals, includ 
ing observations of time, signal strength, rccordings, and precision
tracking inforn1ation.
Another IGY contribntion by amateurs is the observation and
reporting of unnsnal radio wave transmission conditions including
long-distance "scatter" propagation and meteor trail reflections.
Rule Changes
Several changes in the amateur rules were made during the year.
Inclnded were amendment of the notification requirements for port 
able and mobile amateur station operation; provision for the use of
the word "exercise" in RACES practice messages; removal of the
bands 1875-1900 and 1900-1925 kilocycles from the amateur service
to provide for expansion of the loran system of radio navigation;
the temporary allocation of the 420--460 megacycle band to the aero-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 95
nautical radionavigation (altimeter) service on a shared basis with
the 420-450-megacycle amateur band was extended 5 years; and,
because of national defense requirements, all of the amateur bands
between 220 and 10,500 megacycles were reallocated. The 3300-3500 
megacycle band was exchanged for the 3500-3700-megacycle band,
with all bands in the latter available to the amateur service on a
shared basis with the radiopositioning service, subject to amateur
usage not causing harmful interference to the Government radio 
positioning service.
A petition to increase the areas of amateur operator examinations
under Commission supervision was denied, but a proposal to include
the novice and technician class operators in the category which may
be called in for an examination under Commission supervision was
under consideration. Other pending proceedings include proposals
to restrict to Al the emission which may be used in the lower 100
kilocycles of the 50- and 144-megacycle bands; establish the United
States position at the forthcoming 1959 international radio confer 
ence as the same sharing and shifting of amateur bands between 220
and 10500 megacycles as in effect· domestically; shift the 21,000 
22,000-megacycle amateur band to 22,000-23,000 megacycles and
permit assigument of amateur frequencies to contract developmental
stations; delete the 26.96-27.23-megacycle band from amatur avail 
ability in favor of the citizens service; and make the amateur bands
from 7 to 148 megacycles available for use by amateurs outside
United States territory.
Other Matlers
The processing of amateur applications with the least practical
delay requires a continuous effort to minimize activities not essential
to this purpose. One factor diverting attention from the basic task
is many requests by applicants seeking expedited issuance of licenses,
special call signs, waiver of license renewal requirements, and the
like. In an effort to reduce such requests, the Commission is trying
to impress upon all amateur groups the fact that the rules, in fairness
to all, preclude most individual pleas for special consideration.
ENFORCEMENT
In comparison with previous years, there was a substantial increase
for the safety and special services in the number of marine for 
feitures, station license suspensions, and show-cause orders looking
toward revocations of licenses.
Four large cargo vessels and three of the masters thereof were
notified of incurrence of forfeitures amount to $37,300 for violations
96 REPORT OF THE FEDEHALCO~CvIUXICATIONSCOMMISSION
of title III, part II of the act; 60 smaller ships and their masters
were notified of incurrence of forfeitures aggregating $30,600 for
violations of part 5. (Forfeitures are subject to mitigation or remis 
,ion by the Commission upon adequate showing.)
Twenty licenses of stations in the safety and special services wera
suspended, 2 of which were scheduled for hearing, and 32 other
stations were ordered to show cause why their licenses should not be
revoked. Licenses of 4 other stations were revoked, 1 after a hearing.
These four revocations were based upon show cause orders iss_ued
during the previous year. Seventeen show-cause orders were dis 
missed during the year, including one issued the previous year. In 8
of these cases the licensees were admonished that more care must
be taken in future operations to assure compliance with the applicable
rules and regulations. Sixteen show cause orders were pending at
the close of the year. Five cases were referred to the Department of
Justice with a recommendation for prosecution.
Along with the imposition of administrative sanctions, efforts were
continued to acquaint radio station licensees with their responsibili 
ties and the necessity for strict compliance with the Commission's
rules and regulations in order to assure efficient and maximum usage
of an already crowded radio spectrum.
LEGAL AND REGULATORY PROBLEMS
Because of the myriad of interests involved, the safety and special
services are beset by many legal and regulatory problems. Some affect
the field as a whole; others involve a particular service or group of
services. In general, these problems are legislative a.ltd judicial in
nature, ranging from interpretation of the COlllmission's rules,
the Communications Act, other Federal statutes, international trea 
ties, and court decisions, to rulemaking, cross-service regulatory
policies, application processing, and legislation having impact on
these services.
Special considerations were involved in the proceedings concerning
the allocation of frequencies above 890 megacycles (docket 11866) and
the allocation of frequencies between 25 and 890 megacycles (docket
11997), noted elsewhere in this report.
Particular problems are posed by the consent decree of January
24, 1956, involving American Telephone & Telegraph Co. and its
subsidi:tries which is mentioned in the "Common Carrier" ehapter.
Many of the safety and special licensees lease their equipment from
the Rell System companies nnder an arrangement for maintenance
of that equipment by the leasing telephone company. Since the
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMuNICATIONS COMMISSIO" 97
deeree imposes restrictions upon the continuance of Bell's lease 
maintenance activities and is not explicit as to the variations which
DUty occur in radio station authorizations, the Commission must
con"ider it" effect in the processing of such applications.
Among other things, questions have arisen whether certain Bell
companies are subsidiaries of A. T. & T. within the meaning of the
decree; whether the decree permits the assignment of existing lease 
maintenance contracts so that a telephone company could continue to
execute such contracts; and whether a telephone company is per 
mitted to lease and maintain additional equipment resulting from the
expansioll of a currently licensed l'adio comnmnication system.
These specific questions have been presented to the Commission for
determination by virtue of formal protests under section 309 (c) of
the act in the cases of the Connecticut vVater Co. and Woolridge
Bros., Inc. (dockets 12323--4), and Angelo Tomasso and the New
Haven Register (dockets 12407-8). On December 3, 1958 the Com 
mission held tlutt the consent decree had been violated in the first
mentioned cuse.
In addition, A. T. & T. has filed a tariff seeking to have the Com 
1ni88ion regulate lease-maintenance activities as a communications
common carrier service (docket 11972). Inasmuch as the licensing
problems entailed would concern the safety and special services
primarily, regulatory and policy considerations are under study.
The situation is further complicated by State actions. The Pacific
Telephone & Telegraph Co. filed a tariff with the California Public
Utilities Commission covering lease-maintenance activity. The Su 
preme Court of California has upheld a decision of the California
Pnblic Utilities Commission approving such tariff and accepting the
activity as subject to State regulation.
STATISTICS
Stations in Safety and Special Radio Services
At the close of fiscal 1958, stations authorized in the Safety and
Special Radio Services exceeded 437,000 (exclusive of experimental).
This is ,til increase of about 52,000 Over the number in 1957. For
these purposes, separate license, construction permit, or combination
construction permit and license has been counted as one station.
Therefore, in lllallY cases, a station includes a base transmitter and
several mobile units. Following is a comparison of station authori 
zations at the close of fiscal years 1957 and 1958:
98 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Class of station June 30,
1957
June 30, Incroosc or
1968 (decrease)
Amateur and disaster services:
Amateur~
Disaster •__
RACES__
TotaL __
Aviation servicE'S:
Aeronautical and fixed group
AIrcraft group .... _._
Aviation auxillary. ._
Aviation radlonavlgatloll. __
Civil Air PatroL _
Total. __ . _
Industrial serviC(',l;;
Forest products..__ '_.
Industrial radiolocation. __
Low powcr IndustriaL__
Motion picture
PetroJrum _.'
Power_
Reh;\' press__
Spl'cJui industrlaL_
'rotal __
I,und transportation services:
Automobile Cffi(',rgency _
Citizens ..
Highway truck _
Interurban passengar_._
Interurban property_
RallroarL. _..
Taxicllb .
Urhan passenger._
Urban property. _
TotaL_ ...
100 000 I 179,314 19,314
: '3471 386 33
_ 5,501 7,668 2,107
_, 165,908 187,362 21.454
'==----'===
2,497 3, 122 625
33,75348,O~714,284.
230 254 24
342 327 (15)
12,877 10,944 (1,933)
49,699 I 62,684 12,98..~
==-=---=-==1--~==
1,513 I, 1,64811 136
184 218 34
1,861 2,333 472
00 71 11
6,899 7, lSI 252
10,617 1I,320 703
121 130 9
14'4561 17,107 2,651
35, ill 39,978 4,267
___ =- 71;5 r=-- 962 -"- 197
_____________ 27,931 38,611 tiSO
606 503 (103)
62 59 (3)
1,034 1,386 3,52
2, 007 2, 265 2.58
4.842 4,733 (109)
__ , 100 110 1
___ I \67 172 Ii
,--------------_.--
37,52348,801 1,278
23,270 26,512 3,242
I
~~~~~~~~
_ 375,955 437,8.'il 51,896
909 I , Oii4 145
:n6 434 1I8
104 92 (12)
21 2-3 2
62,494 70,911 8,417
I---::c-:cc 1-----:::__--
63,844 72,514 8,670
~=~~~~I~~~
1\Ial'ine services:
Alaskangroup__
Coastal group.__ ._ ..._
~~~~~~~~lf~i~~tl~~u8md
Ship group. ._
TotaL
PuhUc safety services:
Fin'
Forf'stry-eonservation__
Highway lUflintenanolL
Pollcc_.. ,,_
Publicsaf('t~'(combined)
Special emergency _
Statc guard._
T,)taL.
Grand totaL.
3,280
2,959
2, 131
Il,501
110
2,727
33
4,725
:1,264
2,580
12,450
158
3,32,1
10
005
a(),';
449
9<'
4.
598
(12)
Transmitters in Safety and Special Radio Services
. More than 1,407,000 transmitters were authorized in the Safety
and Special Radio Services as of January 1, 1958, which was an
increase of over 243,000 from the corresponding figure in 1957. A
comparative breakdown follows:
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 99
Class of station
Land or
fixed trans 
mitters
Mobilesta 
tiOil trans 
mitters
Total
trans 
mitters
Amateur find disaster serviet"s:
Amateur _
Disaster.
RACES_
'fotal
A ,,[ation services:
Aeronautical and fixed group
Aircraft !!TOUP_
Aviation auxiliary _
Aviation mdlonavigatlon land
Civil air patroL _
'l'otaL.
Industrial services:
FOH\st products . __ ._
IndlL~trialrudiolocntloll_
Low pOWN industriaL
Motion picture.
p,'troleuffi. __
Power _._
Rl.'lay press.. _
Sp:>cial industriaL
TotaL_
Land transportation sl'rvices:
AutomohilE' E'mer!wnc?
Citizens
Jli"J;hwllY truck_.
I11tcrurlmnp~\-'>Sen~er_
Interurban propert)'_
Hailroad _
'faxi('.aIL _
Urbanp~nSen\!;eL
Urban proPf'rty__
Total_
Marine services:
Alaskan group_
Coastal group__
Marine auxlliary group _
Marine radlonavigation hlfl.}
Ship group __
Totu.l __
176,660 176,660
380~___________380
7,626 , ,1 7"'=,26
184,566 184,566
7,249 7,249
________======~==::::::::!Ji-~f~~-5~:~
___________ ------------i 4, lin ------8:961 13,158
,-------~--~-_.----
11,884 69,451 81,335
==-======
I, 42,1 13,589 15,013
105 442 547
4 21\, 324 25, 328
52 646 fi98
8,809 39,094 47,003
8,931 124,058 133,039
118 1,487 1,585
15,697 176,781 192,478
--------------
35,170 381,421 416,591
------------- '45 8,047 I 8,992
125,000 i 125, Ollll
ass 6,615 ! 7,000
------------- 7 720 717
1,312 24,337 2,),1)49
2,440 62,790 65,230
4,801 95,934 100,735
III 2,829 2,940
144 5,336 5,480
------
10,145 331,608 341,7."i3
==="""====
2,152 2,152
613
----------- 613
1\41 1\41
2t
-----75.-000-
24
189 7.5,189
3,619 75,000 78, tHI)
31,184 273,216 304,400
====--===
2iti, 5li8 I, 130, 696
Puhlic safety services:
!,'Ire, . _
Forestry-conservation__ ,_.
Hll\"hway maintenance _
Police ... _
Public safety (comblned) _
S{J(.'cial emergency__
State gumd _
TotaL _
Grand totaL
4,173
6,672
2,316
10,239
4,359
3230
, 195
54,2J2
26,946
25,227
156,500
201
9,892
238
58,385
33 til8
27:543
166,739
4,5t1O
13,122
433
1,407,26
I Represents the nUIll bel' oflicensed stations since no factual tnmsmittel' count is availableintheseservl~l.
100 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIOKS COMMISSION
Applications in Safety and Special Radio Services
More than 212,000 applications for stations in the Safety and
Special Radio Services were received in fiscal 1958. This is an increase
of over 26,000 applications for that year. The following table com 
pares the nlunber of applications received in each service during the
past 2 years:
C]:lSS of station }{<.'cpj\"p([
1(1~"i7
,
RpCfh'cd 'I TllCfPflse or
Hl58(d,-,creu~1')
--I
3,56l a,635 74
J
1.099 5,211 1, Il2
53
"
28
R,15H 10,048 1, .'i90
---- -_.---
I
------
18. 191 21,403 3,212
--- ---
564 705 141
3,167 5,276 2,109
--
100 HH 35
30 21 (II)
872 84O (32)
1,075 1,181 106
I
"3,218 1 :/,963 (2,1.'i)
I
82
"
«(I)
225 212 (13)
---- -----
9,339 11,462 2,123
=-"=,-=
7fi7 3Rl (3.'\4)
444 210 (234)
49 109 OJ
10 32 22
23,330 27,437 4,107
------------
- 24,600
28,171 a,iiil
== ==------= =-- ---
=--==
1,589 2. HJ.t
,,,l;
1,174 I. 704 530
-- 1,387
I
1. 771 381
I
S.502 U,038 47f>
15.1
i
168 15
I,39~1,745 352
.------::::::::~J~I gI
I
·~---.----~~
- __ 11,261 i I:J.6H 1-- 2,31\3
~~~1~12~ijWl==:W,55~-
l:'uhlicsaf",~yservices:
Firc "___ _
Fon'~try-conserl"atiOll_
Highway mllintt'nan('(' __
PoUc,,_" "_. _
Public safety (comhined)_
Special eJnt'rgl'nry_
State gllard . _
Lfleal gtwl'mmeuL
Total_
Grand tota1_._
Lmld trmu:portatillfl services;
Automohileemt:'fj~eney_
CiHzl'ns __ . _
IIi';!;hw:'\y'l'mck _
Intf'rurban passellger __
InU\rlIrban pWPl'rt.y _
Rnilroad __
'l'a.:o;i.cab . _
Urbnn passengeL
Urban property_
TotaL
Industrial $('1'''\('('"",:
Business_" _
Forest products ._
Industrial radiolocatioll __
Low paWl'r industriaL.
"'lotioJl pictlln'.
Petroleum_
Power _
Helay press .. __
Rprcial industrial
Total
Aviation ser'\'iC('s'
A(,I'OIlH'ltical and fixed group __
Aircn,Ji ',!;H}UP_
A\"iation auxiliary graUJ} ,_
Avinl.ioll radiOlH\Yigntion land_
Ch'n nil' p'ItroL
Amateur and disastl'l" servhws:
Amateur._"
Disa.ster _
RACE.'L
Total
l\Iurine ser\'lcf's;
.>\ laskfl.1l group_
Coa~talgroup_
-Marine a\ulliary l!:roup _
Marin!' radiolocation hllld_
Ship group__
Total
Broadcast Services
TELEVISION lTV) BROADCAST SERVICE
TV Expansion
Though unresolyed problems impede the continued expansion of
the Nation's competitiYe TV service, noteworthy progress has been
made in the 6 years since the present TV alloeation plan and engi 
neering standards were adopted looking toward at least 1 TV seryice
in eyery area, at least 1 local TV station in the largest possible num 
ber of communities, and multiple TV services in as many communi 
ties and areas as possible.
It is estimated that over 90 percent of the population is now within
service range of at least 1 TV station and that over 75 percent are
within range of 2 .or more stations. It is also reported that over 83
percent of all homes have 1 or more TV receivers and that over 46 mil 
lion TV sets are in use. In addition, this Nation is claimed to be the
only one having regular TV color service.
As of June 5, 1958, there were 501 commercial TV stations (419
VHF and 82 UHF) and 31 educational TV stations (25 VHF and
6 UHF) on the air in 308 communities. As of that date, a total of
663 commercial stations (461 VHF and 202 UHF) and 53 educational
stations (32 VHF and 21 UHF) had been authorized. Applications
for 122 commercial stations (89 VHF and 33 UHF) and 15 educa 
tional stations (6 VHF and 9 UHF) were then pending. In addition,
there were TV translator stations which are discussed under a sepa 
rate heading in this chapter.
In 1952, when the present TV allocation plan and standards were
a(lopted, only 108 commercial stations (all VHF) were in operation
and only 63 communities had 1 or more local stations. The number
of TV receiYers in use at that time was about 15 million.
TV Problems
In recent years it has been eyident that, despite positiYe advances
in the development of TV- service, many factors are deterring a fuller
attainment of the Commission's objectives for a nationwide competi 
tive TV service. Many people liye beyond the effective range of
operating stations. Additional numbers have only a single service,
which in some instances is of doubtful quality. Numerous commu-
-lH-ll;W -;'3H--8
101
102 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMlVIISSION
nities do not yet have a local outlet, and in many of the larger
markets the opportunity for the growth of multiple, competing TV
stations has been limited.
A chief deterrent, over which the Commission has no control, stems
from the high costs of construction, programing, and operation of TV
stations. It is generally recognized, however, that the greatest
difficulties are encountered in achieving successful operation of sta 
tions in the UHF band. Since there are only 12 channels in the VHF
bands, it was contemplated in 1952 that extensive use of the 70
channels in the UHF band would be required to attain a nationwide
TV service. However, UHF stations have had great difficulty in
getting established and in competing with VHF stations. The head 
start by the VHF system, the present disparity in performance
between UHF and VHF transmitting and receiving equipment, and
the small number of sets in use and being manufactured that are
capable of receiving both UHF and VHF signals are the principal
reasons for the difficulties experienced by UHF stations. Other
factors, such as the preference of advertisers and other program
sources for VHF and UHF outlets, have flowed from the principal
reasons and aggravate the UHF difficulties.
In November of 1955, the Commission instituted a proceeding in
docket 11532 to consider whether revisions of the TV allocation
system might remove hindrances to the further expansion of TV
service. Several hundred comments filed by TV broadcasters and
other elements of the industry proposed an extensive array of reme 
dies. Their scope varied widely, ranging from channel reassignments
affecting a single city to major revisions affecting the entire country.
The methods proposed included such diverse and mutually incon 
sistent approaches as conversion to an all-VHF system or an all-UHF
system, or continued use of both bands under various conditions.
Some proposals envisaged possibility of obtaining more VHF
channels, the use of the present 12 VHF channels under reduced
spacings, or both. Some contemplated revising the technical stand 
ards and policies; others advocated their maintenance.
After considering the relative merits of these comments and pro 
posals, the Commission on June 26, 1956, outlined a long-range and
interim course of action which it believed was in the public interest
to pursue.
Long-Range Program
As a long-range consideration, the Commission decided that a
thorough analysis should be made of the possibilities of making
basic chang-es in the TV allocation structure to increase opportllnitieR
for impro\Tement and expansion. This study is still in Pl'og-l'l?ss.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 103
Of all the suggested solutions in docket 11532, the Commission was
of the view that the proposal to change all or a substantial portion
of TV broadcasting to UHF ultimately would, if feasible, have cer 
tain advantages. It felt that if UHF transmission and reception
could be substantially improved, if VHF channels could be deleted
without an overall loss of service, and if the difficulties inherent in so
major a frequency shift could be overcome, many of the CUI'I'ent
problems would be eliminated. Under an all-UHF system, stations
would be able to compete on a much more comparable basis techni 
cally and competitive opportunities among broadcasters, the net 
works, and other program and revenue sources would be enhanced.
}foreover, the receiver incompatability problem would vanish.
The Commission concluded that a thorough exploration should be
made of this long-range aspect and, as a fiI'St step, decided that a
program of research was needed to obtain factual information on
the full technical potentialities of UHF so that its capacity to sup 
plant VHF broadcasting in whole or in substantial part could be
evaluated. Accordingly, the Commission invited several industry
organizations to assist in this program and also asked interested
parties to submit comments and data on a continuing basis while
study of long-range solutions was in progress.
Televi.,ion Allocations Study Organization.-The Television Allo 
cations Study Organization (TASO) was formed in January of
1957, following a meeting initiated by the Commission in September
of 1956, with five representative segments of the TV industry (the
National Association of BroadcasteI'S, Electronic Industries Associa 
tion, Joint Council on Educational Television, Committee for Com 
petitive Television, and Association of Maximum Service Telecasters,
Inc.).
TASO has as its principal objective the development of technical
information and engineering principles concerning UHF and VHF
service. Six panels were created to deal with particular parts of the
general program, and various committees within these panels to
handle specific matters.
The nature of the work of these panels, which is still in progress,
may be gathered from the following brief description of their tasks:
Panel 1 is appraising the performance of transmitters, transmitting
antennas, and other transmitter equipment for both VHF and UHF
broadcasting. Panel 2 is making the same sort of an appraisal of
the performance of receiving equipment. Panel 3 is observing and
measuring the relative performance of VHF and UHF receiving
equipment and comparing picture quality and signal strength. Pa.nel
•<1 is studying waye propagation in the VHF and UHF bands and
gathering additional data by field measurements. Panel 5 is prepar-
104 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
iug propagation elUTes and analyzing pertinent technical factors
nee,led to establish standards for acceptable servIce in both bands.
Panel 6 is e""luating picture quality under different conditions of
signal strength, interference, find electrical noise.
~r[orethan 230 engineers from some 131 different concerns have
served on the seve,.a1 TASO panels and their numerous committees
andsubcommitte('.~.Commission staff members are participating on
the panels as observers.
TASO is expected to issue its final report by the eud of the calen 
dar year. The findings will provide valuable tools for the Commis 
sion's continuing long-range study and interim efforts to overcome
the barriers to expansion of TV service.
Interim Program
Recoguizing that the long-range allocation study and the imple 
mentatioll of any overall measures might take considerable time,
possibly several years, the Commission decided that, in the interim,
it would be desirable to consider deintermixture (separation of VHF
and UHF assignments) in individual communities where it could be
shown that this would augment opportunities for the construction
and sl1ccessfu1 operation of additional stations and increase program
sen"iees to the public. Deintel'mixture can be achieved either by
increasing the number of local VHF assignments, where feasible and
possible, or, alternatively, by removing local VHF assignments and
substituting UHF channels.
Consequently, at the conclusion of the general allocation proceed 
ing in June of 1956, the Commission inaugurated rulemaking looking
toward deintermixture in certain cities. These and subsequent pro 
ceedings are reviewed under "Deintermixture."
'While the Commission has devoted much time to the consideration
of deintermixture proposals, it has also considered many requests
for rulemaking not involving deintermixture which looked to addi 
tional channel assignments and reassignments to improve the TV
situation in numerous communities and areas. These included pro 
posals for shifting UHF and VHF assignments from one city to
anot.her and dropping in UHF and VHF assignment.s where they
would not affect the balance of existing or foreseeable TV operations
in the communities concerned. Typically, these channel reassign 
ments and "drop-ins" have involved communities where either no
station lla(l yet been built or where local stations were either all UHF
or all VHF. At the year's end, requested reassignments had been
granted in 44 cases and denied in 4 cases. Thirteen additional pro 
posals were pending.
Deinte1"miwtuTe.-In the last 2 years the Commission, after study
of local circumstances, determined that deintermixture would im-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 105
prove the TV situation in 12 communities and areas. After appro 
priate proceedings, Springfield and Peoria, Ill.; Elmira, N. Y., and
'Valla 'Valla, 'Vash., were made all UHF communities. Further
proceedings are required before Evansville, Ind., and Fresno, Calif.,
can be made all UHF. In six other cases, VHF channels were added
to Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va.; Albany-Schenectady 
Troy, N. Y.; New Orleans, La.; Charleston, S. C.; Duluth and
)finnesota-Superior, 'Vis., and Miami, Fla. The Commission was
unable to conclude that the advantages of deiutermixture would
connterbalance the attendant disadvantages and therefore denied
proposals concerning Hartfol'd, Conn.; lYladison, 'Vis.; Columbia,
S. C.; Erie, Pa., Champaign, Ill.
In other rulenlaking proceedings involving Moses Lake, Wash.,
and Lafayette, Ind., proposals for the assignment of VHF channels
were denied because they would have created a VHF-UHF inter 
mixture situation. Under consideration at the year's end were
proposals to add additional VHF channels to Providence, R. 1.;
Columbus, Ga.; Baton Rouge, La., and 'Vinston-Salem-High Point 
Greensboro, N. C. Since then, the additional VHF channel to Provi 
dence was denied and one was added to TVinston-Salem-High Point 
Greensboro but is subject to a petition for reconsideration. The
Commission considered and denied requests fop rulemaking on dein 
termixture proposals involving St. Joseph, Tenn.; Clearfield, Pa.;
Charlotte and Raleigh, N. c.; Spartanburg, S. C.; Biloxi, Miss., and
Fort Smith, Ark. At the close of the year requests for deintermixture
rule making were under consideration for Corpus Christi, Tex.;
Sacramento, San Francisco, Bakersfield and Fresno, Calif.; Birming 
ham and Montgomery, Ala., and Rochester, Syracuse and Elmira,
N. Y.
Mileage separatiolls.-The Commission's interim program of selec 
tive deintermixture and other channel reassignments has been facili 
tated by relaxation on July 19, 1956, of rules governing the method
of measuring minimum spacings between cochannel and adjacent
channel stations. Previously, the controlling distance was measured
between an existing station transmitter or the post office of the city
in which the new assignment was proposed. Finding that in some
instances these distances fell below the minimum by a small margin,
the Commission revised its rules to permit measuring distances be 
tween transmitter sites to meet Inillimum separation requirements.
This has afforded needed flexibility and has permitted the assign 
ment of new channels to communities and the reassignment of
channels in a number of cases which previously would not have been
possible.
106 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Satellite stations.-In August of 1954 the Commission inaugurated
a policy of considering applications for new TV stations even though
no provision for local programs was proposed. The purpose was to
increase incentive for installing TV stations in the smaller markets
by eliminating the cost of studio equipment and local programing.
These stations are commonly called satellite stations, although the
term is not used in the Commission's rules or tabulations. They are
licensed as regular TV stations and are required to meet the same
teclmical and other rules which apply to regular TV stations except
that they are not required to originate local programing and may
limit their broadcasts to duplicating the programs of other stations.
They may at any time, however, originate local programs, and. a
number of the UHF and VHF stations authorized on this basis are
now providing a limited amount of local programing.
Translator stations.-Rules were adopted in May of 1956 to pro 
vide for the licensing of translator stations as a means of extend.ing
TV service to small communities and areas beyond the normal
service range of regular TV stations. This new type of station uses
relatively inexpensive, low-powered equipment to receive signals of
distant TV stations (VHF, UHF, or other translator stations), con 
vert (translate) them to one of the upper 14 UHF TV channels
(channels 70-83) which it has been assigned, and retransmit them
in areas needing TV service.
The past year saw increasing interest in TV translator operation.
At its end, 156 translators had been authorized as compared to 74 in
1957, and 92 were on the air, as compared to 41 the year previous.
For many people, this was their first TV service. In some areas more
than one translator is in use, thus making additional TV service
available.
It is estimated that about $875,000 has been invested in TV trans 
lator facilities and that over 180,000 all-channel TV receivers or UHF
converters have been purchased for use in areas served by translators.
In some places translators are operated by local governmental bodies,
community groups or by private concerns and, in other places, by
regular TV broadcast station licensees desiring to improve their
coverage. There is no fixed maximum on the number of translators
which can be licensed to a single entity. Thus, community groups,
by establishment of three translators, have permitted the reception
of all the TV national networks in areas otherwise without service.
Experience with TV translators reveals that they are dependable
and capable of providing good reception out to an average distance
of 15 to 20 miles. The maximum power of translators has been in 
creased from 10 to 100 watts.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 107
Booster operation.-"Booster" operation is another technique for
extending service to small, remote areas which the Commission is
examining in current rulemaking proceedings in dockets 11331 and
12116.
TV boosters use apparatus to receive the signals of an outside
regular TV station and to amplify and retransmit them for local
reception. They differ from TV translators in that the signals
received from a parent station are retransmitted on the same channel
used by the parent station.
Experimental data obtained from a booster operation in conjunc 
tion with station ,VATR on UHF channel 53 in Waterbury, Conn.,
indicate that the use of boosters to fill in "shadows" (areas of weak
signals caused by natural or manmade obstruction) within the nor 
mal service area of UHF stations is less complicated than similar
use in the VHF bands. This is because conventional UHF receiving
antennas are able to discrimiuate betweeu the signals retransmitted
by a booster and the signals of the originating station much more
easily than do more complex and expensive receiving antennas in the
VHF bands.
,Vhile no provision has yet been made for licensing boosters on a
regular basis, the Commission has under study in docket 11331 pro 
posed rules which would permit UHF stations to make limited use
of boosters to reach unserved spots within their grade A service
areas.
"Repeater" stations.-Consideration is being given in docket 12116
to the feasibility of authorizing a low power repeater-type of booster
station in both the VHF and UHF bands within limits which would
permit them to render adequate service in areas where the signals of
regular TV stations cannot be satisfactorily received.
Community Antenna TV Systems
Community antenna TV systems have been instltlled in numerous
communities and areas where the direct reception of regular TV
stations is nonexistent or unsatisfltctory. It is estimated that over
550 such systems are in operation, Itnd trade reports indicate that
some half a million people receive their service.
CATV systems employ receiving Itntennas for off-the-air pickup
of the signals of regular TV stations for relay by cable or wire to
customers paying for the service. In some instances, the signals or
distant TV stations are transmitted by microwave facilities furnished
by common carriers and fed into the local cable distribution system.
CATV systems do not transmit over the air for direct reception
by the general public, and their operation does not require authori 
zation by the Commission. However, they are subject to Commission
108 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
rules which prescribe limitations on their radiations in order to pre 
vent interference to licensed radio and TV services.
On April 2, 1958, the Commission held that its regulatory juris 
diction does not extend to CATV systems.
Impact of Satellite, Translator, Booster, and CATV Operations
On May 22, 1958, the Commission launched a factfinding inquiry
in docket 12443 to evaluate the actual and potential impact on the
growth of the TV broadcast service by satellite, translator, booster,
and community antenna operations.
,Vhile the use of these various kinds of facilities provides a means
of extending TV service to small communities lacking local stations
and to areas beyond the range of satisfactory TV service, all of them
pose problems, in greater or lesser degree, relating to their competi 
tive impact on regular TV stations, as well as other problems peculiar
to each type of facility. The matter is further complicated by the
f"ct that these systems "ugment the service of TV st"tions. Before
endeavoring to reach conclusions as to how these problems should be
dealt with and the policies which would best serve the public interest,
the Commission felt that study of their economic impact was neces 
sary and interested parties were invited to submit comments. These
are. under study.
Noncommercial Educational TV
On July 16, 1958, the Commission assigned a second educational
TV ch"nnel [now cl",nnel16J to Pittsburgh, Pa. This is the first city
to be given two such assignments. It was done by I'Ulemakillg on
request by Metropolitan Pittsburgh Educational Station which has
been operating station WQED there on channel 13 since Aprif of
1954. WQED said that it needed the second channel to provide a
specialized educational service to industries and professions in the
area and to enlarge the educational programs it now provides for
classroom and home instruction. There is no prohibition on a licensee
from operating more than one educational station in the same area
if the local situation warrants.
Counting the new educational reserv"tion at Pittsburgh, this brings
the total number of TV channels reserved for noncommercial educa 
tional use to 251 (86 VHF and 1'71 UHF). This is 15 more than
first allocated in 1952. As of June 5, 1958, there were 31 educational
stations on the air (25 VHF and 6 UHF). Fifty-three (32 VHF and
21 UHF) construction permits for additional educational stations
were outstanding, and 15 (6 VHF and 9 UHF) applications for new
stations were pending. At the same time last year, 24 educational
TV stations (19 VHF and 5 UHF) were on the air.
REPORT OF THE FEDERALCO~lMUNICATIONSCOMMISSION 109
During the year the Commission considered a number of proposals
to make unused educational reservations available for commercial
use either by deleting the reserved channels or substituting another
channel. The Commission's policy has been to retain the educational
reservation where there has been an active interest on the part of
educators and educational institutions and where affirmative plans
for the utilization of the educational channel have been taken. This
is in accord with the original basis upon which the educational
reservations were made. In reserving TV channels for educational
USe in 1952 the Commission recognized that educational interests
faced financial and other difficulties not encountered by commercial
interests and that they require more time to prepare for TV opera 
tion. It felt, however, that it would not be in the public interest to
continue unused reservations for an excessively long period and that
they should be reviewed from time to time.
On September 25, 1957, the Commission concluded that the idle
VHF educational reservation at Eugene, Oreg., should be made avail 
nble :for commercial use. No showing was lnade in this rulemaking
proceeding that the educational interests had taken any action looking
toward use of the educational channel, and in view of the demon 
strated immediate need for an additional commercial station at
Eugene, it was not believed that continued retention of the educa 
tional reservation was warranted, especially since the area is now
served by a new educational TV station at Corvallis.
This is the third time the Commission has unreserved unused VHF
educational channels. Previous actions affected Weston, Vt'". Va., and
College Station, Tex. In the College Station case, the VHF channel
reservation was replaced by a UHF channel for education, and the
VHF channel was assigned to Bryan-College Station, Tex., for
commercial use.
Petitions to unreserve or change educational reservations were
denied in proceedings affecting Jacksonville, Fla. (August 1, 1957) ;
Durham, N. C. (December 11, 1957); Hartford, Conn. (February
12, 1958) ; San Antonio, Tex. (February 26, 1958), and Deuton, Tex.
(June 4,1958), whell it was shown that educators in those commu 
nities were working to take advantage of their reservations.
On March 21, 1958, a VHF channel was reserved for education at
Carbondale, Ill., because of the need shown by local educational
interests. A petition to change channel 8 at 'Vaycross, Ga., from
commercial to educational use was under consideration at the year
Md. .
Subscription TV
On October 17, 1957, the Commission issued its first report in the
rulemaking proceeding (docket 12279) which had been inaugurated
110 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
in February of 1955 to consider proposals for the broadcast of some
TV programs for which a direct charge would be paid by viewers.
In that report the Commission concluded that it had jurisdiction to
authorize subscription TV operations if it were found to be in the
public interest to do so. It added, however, that before judgment
could be made concerning definite establishment of a toll-TV service
it would be desirable to observe the operation in limited trials under
circumstances which would insure the continued availability of free
programing to the communities in which these trials might be con 
ducted. Final decision concerning the conduct of any trial would
depend on the Commission's evaluation of specific proposals to be
submitted in conformity with conditions set out in the report.
Hearings on subscription TV were conducted by the House Inter 
state and Foreign Commerce Committee in .Tanuary of 1956. On
February 6, 1958, that committee adopted a resolution expressing its
belief that subscription TV authorizations should not be granted
unless and until the Communications Act is amended to specifically
empower it. The Senate Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee
on February 19, 1958, recommended Senate adoption of a similar
resolution, on which the Senate has taken no action.
In view of the possible adoption of prohibiting or limiting legis 
lation, as evinced by the introduction of numerous bills on this sub 
ject in both houses, the Commission, on February 26, 1958, issued a
second report announcing that the status quo would be maintained
until after the adjournment of the 85th Congress. In July, the
House Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee informed the
Commission that it would not be possible to conduct further hearings
on this subject during that session, and requested that the Commission
continue to maintain the status quo until after the 1st session of the
86th Congress so that it would have had an opportunity to hold
hearings and consider the desirability of adopting legislation on
this subject.
On July 24, 1958, the Commission informed the House committee
that the present status would be maintained as requested; that, mean 
while, the Commission would accept and process any proposals for
trial subscription TV operations which might be submitted, but
would withhold grants for the period designated. Only one applica 
tion was received during the year, but it did not meet the prescribed
trial requirements.
TV Table af Assignments
TV channels are allocated to communities throughout the country
in accordance with certain technical standards and principles on the
basis of a fixed table of assignments adopted in 1952. TV applicants
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 111
are required to apply for channels assigned to the communities listed
in the table. However, provision is made for chauges in the table,
and it has been amended several hundred times.
During the year, the Commission acted on proposals in 26 rule 
making proceedings which resulted in table changes. Rulemaking
also involved a number of other proposals for changes which the
Commission found did not warrant adoption. At the end of the year,
12 proceedings for changes in the table were outstanding and approx 
imately 30 petitions for other changes were under consideration.
Many of the pending proposals seek complex chain-action changes
in assignments of many communities and involve policy, legal and
technical problems, especially where deintermixture is sought.
Consideration was given during the year in docket 12005 to a
proposal for allocating commercial TV channels largely on the basis
of individual applications, as AM broadcast frequencies are assigned,
rather than by the preseut allocation table. On October 10, 1957, the
Commission decided that the present procedure for assigning TV
channels should not be changed. It felt that general deletion of the
allocation table would be inappropriate while the current study of
possible basic changes in the TV allocations structure is in progress.
TV Test Signal
TV broadcasters and other segments of the industry have been
experimenting with various types of TV test signals and studying
the problems connected with their utilization. Test signals are trans 
mitted during the interval when no picture is being sent and are used
to check transmissions and equipment. Rulemaking was commenced
in April of 1957 to consider whether a standard TV test signal should
be adopted and whether it should be required of all stations or made
optional. At the same time, TV stations were given blanket authority
to transmit test signals during programing so that they would be in
a better position to file comments and data in this proceeding.
TV Frequency and Modulation Monitors
On May 28, 1958, the Commission postponed for another year 
to June 1, 1959-the effective date of the rules requiring TV stations
to have type-approved frequency and modulation monitors at the
station whenever the transmitter is in operation. In light of the
continued development of more stable frequency control circuits in
all types of broadcast transmitters, the Commission is reviewing its
requirements regarding continuously operating frequency monitors
to ascertain whether they are still needed to insure that stations keep
within the prescribed frequency tolerances.
112 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COJ\;D.IUNICATlOXS COMMISSION
TV Agreements With Canada and Mexico
An agreement with Canada concerns the assignment of VHF and
UHF stations within 250 miles of the border. An existing agreement
with Mexico relates only to VHF assignments along the Mexican
border. However, during November 1957 a pact was drafted which
became effective July 16, 1958. It governs UHF assignments within
200 miles of that border.
STANDARD lAM I BROADCAST SERVICE
AM Marches On
At the close of fiscal 1958, the number of authorized AM broadcast
stations had climbed to 3,353. This was a gain of 115 for the year as
compared with 218 for the previous year. As has been the case for
many years, most of the new grants were for daytime only operation.
Of the 1958 total, 3,253 held operating authorizations, or 174 more
than at the close of 1957. Pending applications for new stations
totaled 412, which was 19 less than at the same time in 1957.
Clear Channel Reallocations
In April of 1958, the Commission completed its review of the
lengthy and complex record in the clear channel proceeding (dockct
6741) which had been inaugurated in 1954 to consider revisions of
the rules goverJlillg the u::;e of 4:7 .A1\-I frequencies which are desig 
nated as clear channels. These are channels on which the dominant
class I-A and class I-B stations are given sufficient protection from
cochannel and adjacent channel interference to enable them to render
wide area service to remote communities and rural areas not reached
by other AM stations.
Some of the parties to this procceding proposed increasing the
present 50 kilowatt maximum power for class I stations up to 500 or
750 kilowatts. Others favored retaining the present maximum power
but relaxing the rules which up to now have precluded the night 
time operation of other stations on frequencies used by the 24 class
I-A clear channel stations.
In further rulemaking, adopted April 15, 1958, the Commission
stated its tentative conclusions, based on the present record, and
invited comments on proposals to eliminate the exclusive nighttime
use of 12 of the class I-A clear channels in New York, Chicago,
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Cleveland, Detroit, and St.
Louis. The proposed reallocations look toward assigning additional
class I stations in 12 western cities located in less well-served areas
and, subsequent to the assignment of those stations, the possible
additional assignment of class II stations on those channels to bring
REPORT OF THE HDERAL CO;VIMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 113
a first primary or groundwave seTvice to "white" areas, while afford 
ing protection to the class I stations on the channels.
The proposal contemplates no duplication of nighttime service on
any of the remaining 24 class I-A channels. Their status quo would
be maintained pending possible future consideration of proposals
for higher power to enable stations on these channels to cover under 
served areas. The Commission is giving high priority to the task of
reaching final decision in this proceeding.
Daytime Skywave
In a separate proceeding (docket 8333), the Commission is con 
sidering the desirability of affording class I clear channel stations
some degree of protection against interfering skywave signals from
coclutnnel stations. Final decision awaited resolution of the problems
raised in the next noted proc-eeding.
Extended Hours for Daytime Stations
Parties to this proceeding (docket 12274) snbmitted, during the
spring and summer of 1958, voluminous comments on a proposal of
the Daytime Broadcasters Association that stations now confined to
operation between sunrise and sunset be perIllitted to operate from
;) a. m. or sunrise, whichever is earlier, to 7 p. m. or sunset, whichever
is later.
On September 19, 1958, this petition was denied. The Commission
concluded that, among other things, the population which would gain
sen-ice by the proposal would be vastly exceeded by the population
(particularly in the rural areas) which would lose service because of
the additional interference that would result. This interference would
also affect foreign stations in violation of international agreement.
The DaytiIne Broadcasters Association petitioned for reconside.ration.
Daytime Power Increase of Class IV Stations
Kew rules, effective July 7, 1958, provide for consideration of
applications of class IV (local) 1\;;1 stations for daytime only in 
ereases in power from the previous 250 watts maximum up to 1 kilo 
'YaH, \vith directional antennas if necessary, to afford previously
required protection to cochannel stations. The use of directional
antennas to enable closer spacing between class IV stations is specifi 
cally precluded.
Approximately 25 applications for increased power have been
flle,!. Howe,"er, action on them is being deferred until the rule chunge
can be coordinated with other signatories to the Xorth American
Hegional Broadcasting Agreement (NARBA) and the recently signed
agreement between the United States Hnd lHexico, both of which
await Senate ratification.
114 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
NARBA, to which the United States became a party in 1950,
places a 250-watt ceiling on the power of class IV stations, and the
bilateral agreement signed January 29, 1957, by the United States
and Mexico permits use of daytime power up to 1 kilowatt in all
areas of the United States more than 62 miles from the Mexican
border.
"Unique" Program Service
On November 7, 1957, the so-called unique program service rule
was deleted. This rule afforded AM stations protection from inter 
ference in areas where they furnished a unique program service
beyond their normally protected contours. Program service was held
to be unique if 90 percent of the population of the area so served did
not receive service from any other station. The Commission decided
(docket 11896) that the rule had served little or no useful purpose,
its provisions were too vague and indefinite to be of assistance in
processing applications, it prompted uncertainty as to the protection
to be afforded, it might discourage applicants for new and improved
AM facilities and, in general, it was an unsatisfactory allocation
tool.
North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement
Prior to 1930, interference to domestic AM broadcast service from
foreign sources was no great problem. However, during the ensuing
10 years iuterference, particularly from Latin American countries,
reached serious proportions. This situation was largely rectified in
1941 by the first North American Regional Broadcasting Agreement
(NARBA). This agreement served its purpose during its term of
1) years, and was extended nntil 1949 by an interim agreement.
Before a new agreement could be negotiated, certain of the Latin
American countries became dissatisfied with some of the terms and
made a number of station assignments contra.ry to agreement which
resulted in increased interference to certain stations in this country.
A new NARBA (1950) provided, in addition to reestablishing sta 
tion assignment procedures, for correcting additional interference
resulting from expiration of the interim agreement. Mexico is not
signatory to the new pact. However, on ,Tanuary 29, 1957, after
negotiations extending over several years, a bilateral agreement
between this country and Mexico with respect to AM broadcasting
was concluded.
To become effective, the 1950 NARBA must be ratified by three
of its major signers-the United States, Canada, and Cuba. Cuba
and Canada ratified it in 1951 and 1957, respectively. To date the
United States has not, although the Senate Committee on Foreign
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 115
Relations held hearings in July of 1953, and again in July of 1958,
on both NARBA and the separate United States-Mexico pact.
In the absence of an effective agreement with other North American
countries regarding AM broadcasting, the Commission has adhered
to a policy of making no new assignments or modifications which
would be inconsistent with old or new agreements or understandings.
The other countries have, in general, followed similar policies until
recently. The result is that, while the interference to United States
stations which developed upon expiration of the interim agreement
has continued at a high level, a complete breakdown in coordinated
assignment practices did not occur. However, there is increasing
evidence that this voluntary conformation is slowly deteriorating to
a point where even greater interference from foreign Sources is to be
expected unless these agreements can be made effective.
FREQUENCY MODULATION IFMI BROADCAST SERVICE
Commercial FM Continues Upswing
For the second consecutive year, commercial FM broadcast stations
gained in number. Of 634 authorized stations at the end of the year,
548 were on the air. This is a gain of 74 and 18 respectively over the
previous year.
New commercial grants increased from 40 in 1957 to 98 during
the year. This is the largest number since 1948.
Fifty-seven applications for new commercial stations were pending
as against 24 the year previous. Competition for new FM commercial
outlets is reflected in the fact that 23 applications were in hearing.
Renewed interest in FM broadcast is due primarily to the ability
of stations to augment their income through supplemental services
and the possibility of extending such services through multiplex
operation.
More applications for new commercial FM facilities were received
from California than from any other State. The demand has ex 
ceeded the facilities available in some large cities and it has been
necessary to designate applications for hearing in New York City,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
These are the first FM hearings since the late forties.
Six States do not now have any commercial FM stations. They are
Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyom 
ing. No FM stations have ever been authorized iu Alaska. Hawaii
has 1 commercial station, Puerto Rico has 2, and 1 is authorized in
the Virgin Islands but has not yet commenced operation.
116 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Subsidiary Operations
Commercial FM stations may, pursuant to rules adopted by the
Commission in March of 1955, obtain Subsidiary Communications
Authorizations (SeA) to engage in certain types of specialized sup 
plpmentary activities as all adjunct to their regularF~fbroadcast
service. This subsidiary operation was authorized to enable FM
licensees obtain additional revenue. SCA service is limited to special
programing of music, news, time, weather reports, and similar sub 
jects for reception by business and other subscribers for a fee. An
example is supplying programs of a predominantly musical nature
to commercial establishments. "Storecasting" is designed for retail
establishments and "transitcasting" for public vehicles, such as buses
and streetcars.
The Commission initially authorized FM stations to conduct func 
tional music operatlons on It"nlUltiplex'~basis at any time, or on
a. temporary "sin1plex" basls outside of broadcast hours. 'Vhen
functional music programs are multiplexed, they cannot be heard on
ordinary FM receivers since they are transmitted on a subchannel
simultaneously with regular FM programs on the main channel.
'When simplexed, they can be heard on FM receivers since they are
transmitted on the same carrier used for FM broadcasting. Special
receivers sold or leased to subscribers eliminate or amplify certain
portions of the simplexed programs (usually spoken matter) by
means of an inaudible supersonic (beep) signal.
The Commission emphasized in 1955 that simplexing was being
permitted for 1 year only because of the unavailability of multiplex
equipment at that time and that, in order to protectF~lbroadcast, it
was ultimately necessary for all fuuctional music operations to be
conducted on a multiplex basis. Becr!.llse of the continued unavaila 
bility of multiplex equipmeIlt, simplexed opel'atiolls "'ere permitted
until .Tuly 1, 1057. Mnltiplex equipment is now ltmilable in
sufficient quantities to llleet present needs and, therefore, no new au 
thorizations for simplexing have been granted since that date. Ex 
tensions of authorization to continue simplex operations have been
,granted in caRes where SeA holders are in the process of converting
their receivjng equipment from simplex to multiplex. These authori 
zatiolls ,,,ill expire October 1, H),,8. As of ,Tnly 30, 1958, 82 FM st,, 
tions held SCA's for multiplex operation.
The Commission is now considering whether, in the light of SC,\.
experience over the past 3 years, additional uses of multiplexing by
FM broadcast stations to provide various subsidiary forms of com 
munication sClTices would be feasihle and appropriate,. Interest in
expandingF~Imultiplexing has grown steadily. JfallY of tllP pro 
posed new uses would Illean ;ulditionall'en~lluefor F:;\I bro<ull'a:-;ter,S.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 117
Some view multiplexing as an economical means of furnishing
specialized radio communication services. Contemplated uses run the
gamut from furnishing price quotations and stock market reports to
providing doctor paging services and traffic light control.
On November 7, 1958, the Court of Appeals held the functional
music rules invalid insofar as they exclude such operation on II simplex
basis and remllnded to the Commission the Cllse brought by vVFMF,
Chicago, which had llppealed Commission requirement that SCA
licensees change from simplexillg to multiplexing. The Con1mission
has llppealed.
Class B FM Allocation Plan Abandoned
There are two cll1sses of commercial FM stlltions. Class A stations
serve local communities and class B stlltions cover metropolitan or
rural areas.
On~1l1y28, 1958, the Commission proposed to abllndon its tenta 
tive allocation plan for class B stlltions. This pilln was established
in 1945 as a temporary guide for allocatiug such stations geographi 
clllly. It was not embodied in the rules. The Commission felt that
the increasing number of FM applications can be more quickly
processed by eliminating the frequent rulemaking proceedings which
hllve been necessllry to make chllnges in the class B allocation table.
Accordingly, on .Tuly 31, 1958, it deleted this tllble, effective August 30.
Elimination of the allocation plan will mean thltt applications for
class B stlltions mllY speeify llny channel which appears available
for use in the area. Only 60 of the 100 FM channels are class B
ehannels and were included in the allocation plan; the 20 class A
channels and the 20 noncommercial educational channels were not
included in llny alloclltion plan llnd are assigned on a cllse-to-case
basis.
Vertical Polarization for FM Stations
In August of 1957 the Commission instituted rulemaking on pro 
posal to amend the teehniclll rules to permit FM stations to employ
vertical polarizlltion for the purpose of improving FM reception Qn
llutomobile receivers. After considering the comments filed, the Com 
mission on January 3, 1958, decided not to lldopt the proposal at this
time and terminated the proceeding. It was of the view that the
present rules, which provide for horizontal poillrizlltion and also
permit circular or elliptical poillrizlltion, enable stations to add ver-
tical polarized waves for the intended purpose. .
Educational FM Still Climbs
Noncommercial educational FM stations continued their slow but
steady growth. The 157 such authorizations at the end of the year
484159-58-9
It'8 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
were 9 more than the year before, and the 141 on the air represented
a gain of 12. Six applications for new educational FM outlets were
pending as contrasted with 2 at the same time in 1951. There were
11 grants and 2 deletions during the year compared with 11 and 5
respectively the previous year.
The fact that an educational FM station can start with low power
(10 watts), increasing power when desired, makes it the most eco 
nomical type of broadcast station to build and operate for on-the-air
educational programming.
INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST STATIONS
On July 23, 1958, the Commission authorized the first new inter 
national broadcast station since 'World War II. Located near Bel 
mont, Calif., it will beam to Latin America. The only international
broadcast station licensed by the Commission is at Scituate, Mass.,
plus an experimental operation at Cincinnati. All other international
broadcast facilities in this country are Government stations operated
by the United States Information Agency.
AUXILIARY BROADCAST SERVICES
All elasses of broadcast stations are eligible to use low-powered
transmitters for a variety of auxiliary purposes. The number of
these authorizations has now reaehed 4,000, representing half a dozen
types of adjunct services.
There are pickup stations to program events away from the studio,
studio-transmitter link stations to connect studio and transmitter (the
latter often miles away, usually on a mountain top or some other high
elevation) ; and TV and FM intercity relay systems to earry programs
from a distance in plaees where eommon carrier faeilities are not
available.
On July 30, 1958, the Commission finalized rulemaking to permit
regular licensing of low-powered auxiliary stations for broadeast
studio use in cueing, directing, aud otherwise supervising program 
ing. This permits commwlication with hidden miniature receivers
worn by the performers, thus outmoding the conventional telephonic
apparatus with cumbersome extension eords.
On July 31, 1958, the Commission liberalized its policy on the
use of private relay systems by TV broadcasters to meet economic
problems of small market or marginal TV station operation. It
permits the use of such relay facilities between TV stations without
regard to the availability of common carrier intercity TV transmis 
sion lines, but prohibits their interconnection with common carrier
facilities.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 119
EXPERIMENTAL BROADCAST SERVICES
These are the means provided by the Commission for industry to
carry on programs of research and development to further radio
uses and techniques. Information obtained from these operations
benefits not only the industry but also provides data useful to the
Commission in keeping pace with new developments. There were 834
such authorizations when the year closed.
Research licensees were active in several fields of TV. One pro 
gram involves a low-power repeater station whose transmissions are
vertically polarized, as contrasted with the horizontally polarized
transmissions normally employed. Preliminary results indicate that
such a repeater, operating on the same channel as its parent station,
may possibly improve UHF coverage in mountainous terrain. In
another case, an experimental VHF station, using a directional an 
tenna mounted on the tower of a commercial UHF station, is obtain·
ing data concerning the comparative operation of such stations.
Developmental activity related to single sideband transmissions by
ill stations, multiplex transmissions by FM stations, and other
aspects of aural broadcasting. A new broadcast technique known
as "compatible single sideband transmission" is under investigation.
While single sideband transmission is commonly utilized in other
radio services as a means of conserving spectrum space, it has hereto 
fore been impractical to apply it to AM transmission because of its
distortion characteristics and the necessity, in some systems, of using
specially designed receivers. Preliminary tests indicate that compat 
ible transmissions may be received on standard receivers with com 
paratively little distortion. The results of continuing tests will deter 
mine whether such a system may be employed to reduce interference
between existing AM stations.
GENERAL BROADCAST MATTERS
Network Study
The Commission was authorized by Congress during fiscal 1956 to
conduct a study of radio and TV network broadcasting, and a special
appropriation was provided for this purpose. A special network
study staff was established within the Commission, under the direc 
tion of a network study committee of 4 Commissioners, to carry out
the study. The staff report was completed on October 3, 1957. En 
titled "Report on Network Broadcasting," it has been published by
the Government Printing Office in the form of a report of the House
Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee (H. Rept. No. 1297,
85th Cong., 2ci sess.) It is a comprehensive study of network pra.c 
tices in relations with stations and advertisers in the field of TV, as
well as of the multiple ownership of TV stations. Its 737 pages
120 !\EPOI\T OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
contain recommendations with respect to new Commission rules,
modification and enforcmnent of existing rules, as well as new legis 
lative authority.
The Commission held a public hearing to afford interested parties
an opportunity to comment on the findings, conclusions, and recom 
mendations of the staff report. 1Vitnesses appeared before the Com 
mission en bane to testify on behalf of the three major TV networks,
a film uetwork, several multiple TV station licensees, representative
groups of affiliates of each of the TV uetworks, an independent TV
station, stations represented by Columbia Broadcasting System and
National Broadcasting Co. in national spot sales, the Station Repre 
sentatives Association, the Committee on Competitive Television (rep 
resenting UHF stations) and individual affiliates. Network study
staff members also commented for the record on the testimony of the
varions parties. The hearing has been completed, and the Commis 
sion is considering what courses of action may be appropriate in the
light of this record. A procedure has been arranged whereby a
formal opinion will be obtained from the Department of Justice on
the antitrust aspects of certain network practices discussed in the
report.
One portion of the report, dealing with programing, has not been
completed. This phase of the study was delayed by litigation arising
from the unwillingness of certain independent TV film companies
to provide financial data required by a questionnaire of the network
study staff. The authority of the Commission to obtain the informa 
tion was upheld by a district court. Completed responses to the
questionnaires have now been received from most of the important
companies engaged in tbis business. These responses are being
analyzed, and additional research, including field trips and interviews,
will be or are being undertaken with respect to various aspects of
the programing study.
During fiscal 1957, the Commission was requested to testify con 
cerning S. 376, a bill to give the Commission direct regulatory
authority over networks. The Commission indicated that it has no
authority directly over network organizations, but cousiderable
authority to regulate network practices indirectly through its power
to license and regulate individual stations engaged in network broad 
casting. Since issues concerning dircct regulation of networks are
now before the Commission as part of its consideration of the net 
work study report, the Commission has not taken a position with
respect to S. 376.
Violations of Chain Broadcasting Rules
In the course of review of the files of the three TV networks by
the network study staff, material was found which indicated possible
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 121
violations of the Commission's present chain broadcasting rules.
Thirty-two TV stations were involved. The Commission directed
inquiries to the networks and to 20 station licensees.
On the basis of the replies, the Commission between March and
July 1958 took actions as follows: In 3 cases--l involving an under 
standing between a network and a licensee that programs not taken
by the licensee's stations would not be offered to other stations in
the markets involved, and 2 cases involving understandings concern 
ing the affiliate's rates for nonnetwork time-the Commission deter 
mined that a violation of the rules had occurred, and so informed the
networks and licensees involved. In a number of other situations
the Commission concluded that, while the material did not establish
that an agreement was in violation of the rules, the conduct of the net 
works, in attempting to persuade the affiliated stations to enter into
understandings which would violate the rules, was inconsistent with
the intent and purpose of the rules. Letters to the networks and the
licensees stated that, while the Commission does not contemplate
further action in these matters at present, the networks and stations
involved are expected to comply with the Commission's rules and the
material concerning these matters would be associated with their files
for further consideration if future operations warrant.
Broadcast Station Sales
The increasing activity in acqUlrmg broadcast stations by pur 
chase, noted in previous years, continued during fiscal 1958. Percent 
agewise, the increase was not as great as in fiscal 1957. In that year,
there was an increase of 22 percent over 1956. In 1958 the percentage
increase over 1957 was 8 percent.
However, the prices paid for broadcast properties in 1958 indicated
substantial increases over prices paid during prior years. What
appears to be a new record for combined broadcast properties in a
single market was reached when WCAD (AM, FM, and TV), Phila 
delphia, was sold to Columbia Broadcasting System for $20 million.
Rules and Policies Concerning Programing
During the year the Commission deferred action on a number of
applications for renewal of radio and TV station licenses because
examination of the stations' past programing records and their pro 
posed future programing presented a question as to whether their
continuing operation would be in the public interest.
In most cases it also appeared that the stations' programing during
the immediate past had not fulfilled representations made in earlier
applications. Inquiries were directed to the licensees. In some of
these situations, the replies indicated that their programing would be
122 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
in the public interest, and the licenses were renewed; other cases
are still being stndied.
The Commission also considered conduct by several TV licensees
in two particular areas relating to programing. The first of these
concerned the treatment of snbscription TV. BegiDning in February
1958, the Commission received complaints that the three national TV
networks and a number of stations had, in programs and announce·
ments, taken an editorial position against toll TV without making
any effort to present the other viewpoint. It was alleged that this
one-sided presentation was desigoed to influeuce congressional con 
sideration of pay TV. As a result of inquiry, the Commission in four
instances directed letters to stations informing them that their
treatment of the issue did not meet the standard of fairness set forth
in the Commission's "Report on Editorializing by Broadcast Licen 
sees." As to the networks, it found that their treatment was not
inconsistent with the report. The conduct of other licensees is still
under consideration.
The second programing matter concerned the presentation of kine 
scope summaries of Kohler Co. strike hearings conducted by the
Senate Select Committee on Labor and Management in the spring
of 1958. They were televised on a live basis by WTTG, Washington.
The Commission received complaints that kinescope summaries there 
of had been paid for by the National Association of Manufacturers,
distributed to numerous TV stations, and presented by them without
any announcement (as required by the Communications Act and the
Commission's rules) that the material had been furnished by the
manufacturers' association. Upon inquiry, the Commission found
that the NAM had paid for and secured the distribution of these
kinescope summaries to 28 TV stations. To date, four of the stations
have been advised that their failure to make the required announce 
ments violated both the act and the rules.
Revision of programing portion of application form.-In February
1957, the Committee on Radio and Television Broadcasting of the
Advisory Council on Federal Reports, one of the advisory committees
of the Bureau of the Budget, submitted to the Commission certain
proposed changes in section IV ("Statement of Program Service")
of the FCC application form for renewal of license (form 303).
After study, the Commission transmitted to the Budget Bureau cer 
tain contemplated changes which, in substance, favored some of the
committee's suggestions but revised or rejected others. The proposed
changes look to simplifying the reporting requirements and decreas 
ing the time required to complete the form. On November 24, 1958,
the Commission initiated a rulemaking proceeding in which it invited
comments to these contemplated changes.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 123
Political Broadcasts
Questions relating to the applicability of section 315 of the Com 
munications Act become sharper and more complex. This section
provides for "equal opportunities" in the use of broadcast station
facilities by candidates for public office. The Commission's public
notice of September 8, 1954, entitled "Use of Broadcast Facilities by
Candidates for Public Office," has proved helpful to broadcasters and
candidates in understanding the requirements of section 315. Because
of the new situations and questions which have since been presented,
the Commission on October 6, 1958, issued a revision of this notice.
An important development in the law of political broadcasting
occurred during the year outside of the Commission. Under section
315, a broadcast licensee is forbidden to censor the contents of a
broadcast by a legally qualified candidate for public office. In the
case of Port Hwon B1'oadeasting 00., decided in 1948, the Commis 
sion held that this prohibition is absolute and prevents censorship
by the station of any material in the broadcast, including matter
which may be libelous. The question then arises as to whether the
station, which cannot censor political broadcasts, should be freed
from possible liability for libelous matter contained therein. In
the Port Huron case the Commission expressed its view that the
exemption of the licensee from such liability was inherent in the
prohibition against censorship. This important question, however,
was still not the subject of any judicial decision until April of 1958
when, in Farmers Educational and Oooperative Union of Amenca
v. WDAY, Inc. (89 N. W. 2d 102) the Supreme Court of North
Dakota affirmed a judgment for the defendant radio station in a libel
action based on statements contained in a political broadcast. The
court held that where, as in that case, the station had called the libel 
ous matter to the candidate-speaker's attention and had permitted its
presentation only after he insisted as a matter of right under section
315, the station was exculpated from liability for the libel by the
provisions of that section.
Advertising on Broadcast Stations
The Commission believes that, while the selection and presentation
of advertising as well as other broadcast material are the responsi 
bilities of the individual station licensees, the continued presentation
over a station of advertising material which has been found by an
authoritative body to be deceptive raises a question as to whether
the station is operating in the public interest. Accordingly, early in
1957 a cooperative aprangement was worked out whereby the Federal
Trade Commission, which has certain authority over false and mis 
leading advertising in interstate commerce, informs the FCC of cases
124 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
in which advertising considered to be questionable has been broadcast
over radio or TV stations. The FCC communicates such information
to the licensees involved so that they may be fully informed.
Under this arrangement, during the period from March 1957 until
July 1958 the Commission received from the FTC 26 documents
involving questionable broadcast advertising, including stipulations,
complaints, and cease-and-desist orders issued by that agency against
various advertisers. The products involved included medical reme 
dies, cosmetics, electric razors, storm windows, furs, and others. The
stations listed by the FTC as carrying the questionable advertising
totaled more than 300.
The Commission continues to refer to the FTC complaints received
from the public which involve possible false or misleading adver 
tising on the air.
··Stereophonic" Broad(osting
Various broadcast stations are testing a form of so-cnlled "stereo 
phonic" broadcasting.
The studio sound is picked up by 2 microphones placed in front
of the sound source and separated by several feet. The outputs of
these 2 microphones are transmitted separately and are heard sepa 
rately in the home over 2 loudspeakers reaching the listener from 2
directions. Two tra.nsmission channels must be used, each being
received separately.
In the past, most test broadcasts of this natnre have been by jointly
operated AM and FM stations in the same locality reproducing the
same program on their respective channels. Combinatoin TV-AM
or TV-FM broadcasts are now being demonstrated. To obtain such
dual broadcast, the listener must, in each case, use 2 receivers (AM
or FM in addition to the TV, as the case may be) placed far enough
apart (normally 8 feet) so that the sound comes from both directions.
Also, a number of FM stations are experimenting, under develop 
mental authority granted by the Commission, with dual FM channel
transmission-one on the regularly assigned channel and the other
on a multiplex subchannei. In this system, only 1 receiver is required,
but a special adapter is necessary to extract the sound from the multi 
plexsubchannei.
Stereophonic reproduction has long been used in motion pictures,
aud "hi fi" (high fidelity) recording systems. In the movie theaters,
loud speakers placed at the sides of the auditorium give the required
impression. In recorded music, special records, or tape recordings
with 2 sound tracks, must be used, each feeding one of the loudspeakers
in the home. .
In a rule-making proceeding initiated .July 2, 1958, for the purpose
of considering widening the scope of subsidiary communication serv-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 125
·ices by FM broadcast stations, the Commission invited comments on,
'among other things, stereophonic utilization. This particular subject
involves certain technical problems which are too involved to discuss
here other than to indicate Commission concern for protecting the
high fidelity characteristics of regular FM broadcast.
USubliminal Perception"
During the latter part of 1957, the subject of "subliminal percep 
tion" or "subliminal projection" aroused considerable public interest.
"Subliminal perception" has been defined as "the faculty of absorbing
fleeting visual information without being consciously aware of it."
According to trade press reports at that time, "subliminal percep 
tion advertising" was tested in a motion picture theater, the test
involving the flashing on the screen for 1/3000th of a second, every
5 seconds, of the name of a nationally known soft drink.
Advocates of this technique claim that the viewer is subconsciously
aware of a message even though he is not conscious of having seen it
and, therefore, the technique has possibilities as an advertising medi 
um. According to proponents, if used on TV the message would be
kept "subliminal" (i. e., below the viewer's level of conscious aware 
ness) by regulation of "light intensity, exposure time, and other
"lements." On the other hand, considerable apprehension has been
expressed that the viewer might be subjected to thoughts and actions
without awareness thereof, contrary to the public interest.
There is no indication that any TV station has used this technique
except one in Bangor, Maine, which experimented with it in station
promotion (the station owner has described the experiment as not
successful). The national TV networks have advised that they have
not used it. Early in 1958, a Los Angeles station was reported as con 
templating using it but, upon inquiry, the Commission was informed
that the proposal had been dropped.
The Commission observed demonstrations of "subliminal projec 
tion" by two of the groups in that field in January and February of
1958 and is accumulating further information on the subject.
Remote Control Operation
New rules adopted September 19, 1957, permit all AM and FM
stations, upon a proper showing, to operate by remote control. Pre 
viously, only nondirectional aural stations with power not in excess
of 10 kilowatts were permitted remote control. Improved remote
control equipment and experimental demonstrations indicate that
this type of operation, under certain conditions, will not lower the
technical standards. Three 50-kilowatt stations and 4 stations using
directional antennas have since obtained authority to operate by
remote control.
126 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Hearing Procedure
Propo8ed r:/(rb on "payoffs."-In an increasing number of broad 
cast cases designed for comparative hearing, applications are being
amended or dismissed upon agreement for the payment of some con 
sideration or merger of interests, leaving the remaining application
unopposed for grant. The Commission is concerned that these prac 
tices may encourage the filing of marginal or "strilm" applications in
the hope of receiving consideration for amendment or dismissal of
such applications, and that, in many instances, they may also repre 
sent an abuse of the hearing process. To discourage such practices,
the Commission instituted rulemaking on June 26, 1958, looking
toward revising the rules so that whenever consideration, including
an agreement for consolidation of interests, is paid or promised in
connection with the default, dismissal, or amendment of an applica 
tion in hearing status, the applications of all parties to the agreement
will be dismissed with prejudice.
"Outoff" date ohange. - On October 24, 1957, the rules were
amended to change the cutoff date for consolidating and designating
mutually exclusive broadcast applications for hearing. The new rules
provide that no application will be consolidated for hearing with a
previously filed application or applications with which it is mutually
exclusive unless it is substantially complete and tendered for filing
not later than the close of business on the day preceding the date
the previously filed application or applications are designated for
hearing. Formerly, an application was consolidated for hearing with
a previous mutually exclusive application or applications if it was
filed within 10 days after public notice was given of the Commission's
order designating the prior application or applications for hearing.
Problems.-The immensity of the workload of adjudicatory hear 
ing matters is the major problem in the broadcast field. A principal
reason for this is the inherent complexity of the determinations to be
made coupled with the increased competition for the relatively scarce
broadcast facilities that are available.
Another reason for the hearing workload is the provision of the
CommunicatiOIis Act (sect. 309 (c)) for the filing of protests by
parties in interest against nonhearing grants. Where the procedural
requirements of the law are satisfied by aprotest--whic~must be
filed within 30 days of a grant without hearing-the only choice left
to the Commission is to set the protested application for evidentiary
hearing or, in an appropriate case, to hold oral argnment on the
protest as upon demurrer. While the number of protested grants
subject to the evidentiary hearing process has been materially reduced
by changes in the law giving the Commission a degree of latitude
in determining whether to postpone the effectiveness of such grants
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 127
pending the outcome of hearings, protest hearings nevertheless remain
a substantial part of the Commission's workload.
Interlocutory petitions and motions filed in broadcast adjudicatory
cases likewise have contributed materially to the procedural volume.
These arise primarily from such factors as efforts to amend applica 
tions subsequent to designation for hearing and contention that the
issues specified by the Commission in hearing orders ought to be
enlarged or changed. The problem of how best to deal with such
interlocutory requests filed between the date of designation for hear 
ing and final decision is a perplexing one and has engaged the Com 
mission's attention for some time. With the increased influx of
broadcast hearing cases during the past year the problem has been
aggravated and the Commission is seeking methods of alleviation.
To expedite the hearing process as far as possible, the Commission
has made an extended study of its rules of procedure and practice in
which members of the bar have been consulted on a continuing basis.
This study culminated during the past year with the issuance of a
complete revision and recodification of part I of the rules governing
practice and procedure. This, it is anticipated, will result in some
diminution of the hearing paperwork which has in the past consumed
an inordinate amount of time and effort. Among other things, the
previous practice, which experience proved unwieldy, of requiring
applicants in comparative cases to submit their affirmative cases in
written form has been eliminated and left to the discretion of the
parties. In addition, the time within which exceptions to examiners'
initial decisions may be filed has been extended from 20 to 30 days,
and where pleadings are served by mail an additional 3 days within
which responses may be filed has been provided. It is hoped that the
additional time periods will be of especial benefit to parties and
counsel outside of Washington, and diminish the number of petitions
for extensions of time. The revision should also clarify the proced 
ural rules sufficiently to cut down on interlocutory requests involving
their interpretation.
STATISTICS
Current Broadcast Authorizations
The 9,037 broadcast authorizations outstanding at the close of fiscal
1958 represented a net gain of 1,004 collectively for the year.
All domestic broadcast program outlets grew in number. AM
showed the biggest growth of 115, making its total 3,353. Commer 
cial TV increased by 14, giving it 665, and educational TV's gain of
4 brought its total to 53. TV translators gained 82, bringing their
total to 156. Seventy-four additional commercial FM authorizations
gave that service 634, and educational FM's gain of 9 brought its
figure to 157. The international station figure remained at 2. Broad-
128 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
cast auxiliaries counted for the remaining 4,017, of which 3,087 were
remote pickups.
Year end authorizations for the different classes of broadcast serv 
ices were:
CommerciaIAM__ .____ ___ . . . __
Uommerclal TV_. . _
Educational TV . _
TV Translator________ _ _
Auxiliary 1'V.___ _ . ._ .. .' ,.. __
Experlm('ntalt('V . _
Commercial FlVL_____________ _ . _
Educational Fl\L. _
International. _
RemotA' pickup. _
Stllllio·transmit ter-llnk
Developmental _
TotaL _
June 30, June 30, Increase or
1951 1958 (decrease)
----
3,238 3,353 115
651
61"
14
49 53
,
74 156 82
778 861 83
18
l'
(1)
560
63' 74
148 157 9
2 2 0
2,461 3,087 626
53 51 (2)
1 1 0
8, o..'l3 I
9,037 1,004
Status of Broadcast Authorizations
There were 4,862 AM, TV, and FM broadcast stations authorized
at the close of the fiscal year 1958, of which 4,536 had authorizations
to go on the air and 326 others held construction permits. A break 
down follows:
OperatingCOll~t.ruc-Operatin~Construe·
C"""
authoriza- tion Class authorlla- tion
tions prrmits tlons permits
Commercial AM _________
3,253 11.
Educational FM _. ____ •__
147 10
Commcrcla! TV__________
556 10i) ---
--~
Educational TV_______ • __
32 21
TotaL. _________ .._
4,536 326
Commercial Fl\'L••••__ ._ 54S 86
In addition, 92 TV translator stations (out of 156 granted) were
operating, and 97 FM stations held subsidiary communications au 
thorizations to engage in functional (background) music operations.
Broadcast Authorizations by States
A May 1, 1958, tabulation showed every State had AM and TV
station authorizations, but six States (Idaho, Montana, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming) had no FM stations.
Leading States in the matter of broadcast authorizations as a whole
were California (329), Texas (320), Pennsylvania (245), and New
York (225).
Topping the AM list were Texas (238), California (183), Florida
(148), Pennsylvania (147), North Carolina (135), and New York
(125).
The commercial TV list was also led by Texas (49), followed by
Pennsylvania (39), California (36), and New York (32). The edu 
cational TV list was headed by New York (7), with Florida and
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 129
Ohio next (4 each). The most TV translator stations were in Oregon
(26), California (21), and Arizona and Nevada (14 each).
In the commercial FM category, California led (76), followed by
New York (50), Pennsylvania (46), and Ohio (43). Ohio had~he
most educational FM authorizations (13), with California and Indi 
ana tying for second place (12 each).
Puerto Rico kept its lead in the most broadcast grants (39) in the
Territories, had the most AM grants (31), and the only Territorial
educational TV grant. Hawaii had the most commercial TV stations
(7), also the only 2 educational FM stations in our possessions.
Following is the May 1, 1958, breakdown of broadcast authoriza 
tions by States and Territories:
FM TV
AM
Total
Commer- Educa- Commrr· Educa- Trans-
ola) tiona! cia! ttonal lator
---------------
---
Alabama.______________________
106 15 I II 3 0
13.
Arlzona________ .
-------------- 47 4 I 0 0 14
75
Arkansas___
---- -------
61 4 I
,
0 0 72
California______________________
183 76 12 36 I 21
329
Colorado_______ . ______
-- -----
56 6 2
•
I 12 86
Connectlcut_____
------ -------
30 7 2 9 3
U 61
Delaware. __ . _____ . ____________
•
3 0 ) U 0
13
DI~trictof Columbia. ---...-.- 6 8 0 5 0 0
I.
Florida___
------- -------------
148 19 4 23 4
0 198
Georgia______________________ ._
124 14 1 13 2
0 154
Idaho_ . _______ • ________________
33 0 0 6 0
5 44
TIlinols_________________________
94 35 8
"
2 0 164
Indiana. __________ . ___________ 4
61 17 12 18 0
0 108
Iowa______
--------------------
65 8 4 12 1
0 90
KansBs__ . __________________ •__ •
47 3 5 10 1
0 66
Kentnrky___ . ___ . _____ . ___
---- 78 13 3
,
1 0 104
umlsiana___
----------~-------79 8 0 14 2 0 103
Maino_________________________
23 2 1 7 0 0
33
Maryland_______
------- ---.--~35 13 2
•
0 0
66
M a.,>saclmsetts_________________
"
21 10 12 1 0
11Y.l
:M ichlgaIL ____________________ .
95 21 5 19 2 0
142
;o.I1nnrsota_____________________
63 6 0 11 1 5
86
1f1ssisslppL___________________
72 1 1 II 0 0
85
Missouri_ •_____________________
77 10 2 17 1
0 107
Montana_______________________
32 0 0 10 0
7 4.
~ebruska__________~___________
33 I 0 11 ) 0
46
Nevada________________________
17 1
"
6 0 14
38
New Harnpshlre__________ • ____
16 5 0 2 0 3
26
New JNsey_____________________
26 10 4 5 2
0 47
::'-Jrw Mexlco ___________________
40 3 I 7 0 7
"
New
York ____
----- -------
125 50 10 32 7
I 225
~orth
Carolina________________
135 38 4 17 I
0
1"
North
Dakota____~_____________
19 0 0
,
0 0 28
Ohlo_______ . ____________
38 43 13 28 4 0
17'
Oklahoma_____________~_______
"
3 4 14 2 1
79
Oregon___ '______________________
7I 8 4
,
I 26 II.
PennsylvanIa__________
------
147 46 8 39 2 3
245
Rhode hlanrts_________________
13
•
0 3 0 0
23
South
Carolina_________________
70 II 1 11 0 0
03
R01lth Dakota__________________
20 0 0
•
0 0 29
T(lnnessce__~__________ "________
105
,
2 15 ) 0
132
Texas__________________________
238 23 6 4. ) 3
320
Utah
--------- ----
-------- 26 3 2 5 I 2 39
Vf'rmonL_____________
---~----
14
"
0 1 0 0
15
Virglnla________________________
93 14 5 15 0 0
127
Vt'nshlngron_______________ 0_
SO 8 3 14 I 5
III
WestVlrlllnbL~__ •__.a~~o__ .oo 48 10 0 II
0 0 69
WlsoonsilL____________________
75 II
•
16 2 0 113
Wyoming___________
22 0 0 5 0 II
38
-~!:~~~~~~=~~=~~=~~~~~~~===~=
13 0 0 5 U 0
18
I 0 0 I 0 0
2
15 I 3 7 0 0 26
Puerto Rlco_______________ .----
31 1 0 6 )
g
39
Vlrgln Island!__ c_______________
3 1 0 0 0 4
130 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Broadcast Authorizations by Cities
The May 1, 1958, count showed that New York City had more AM,
FM, and TV station authorizations than any other city (40), fol 
lowed by Chicago (38), Los Angeles (36), and Philadelphia and
San Francisco (30 each).
New York City also led in AM authorizations (17), with Chicago
next (15).
Los Angeles kept its lead in commercial TV authorizations (8),
with New York City and Chicago sharing second place (7 each) as
last year.
Chicago and Los Angeles had the most commercial FM authoriza 
tions (14 each), with New York City next (13). Philadelphia kept
its lead in the noncommercial educational FM field (4), with Boston
following (3).
Following is the May 1, 1958, tabulation of the number of broad 
cast authorizations in particular cities. Most of these cities can also
get outside broadcast service and, in turn, their own stations can be
heard in neighboring communities:
FM TV
AM Total
Commer- Educa- Cammer- Educs-
elliot tional cial tiona!
--------I--------~---
New
York____ •••__________~____________._
17 13 2 7 1
'"
Ohicago______________ ••••___________ ••____
15 14 1 7 1 38
Los Ange1es______~.___ .------_._ ••- ------- 12 14
•
8 0
,.
PbURdelpbia.___ •••••_______ ••_. ___ ----- _. 11
• •
,
1 30
Ban Francisco._____ ••••••----------_.----- 10 11 1 7 1 30
Boston___ •• ______ ••__ ••-------_ ••-.-- ---.- 10 7
, ,
0
.,
Miaml-._._____ •••________________________
•
,
1
,
1
"
Detroit- ___~____________ •___________• ____ •
• •
1
•
1 21
New
Orleans________ ••_________ ._---.-.---
11
,
0 5 1
"
Portland,
Oreg______ • _____ • ____~__ ----- ---
11
,
1
,
0
"
Denver._._~.____~_______~.~______________
11
,
0
,
1 19
Wl.ISbington_.~~______._~________________ •
6 8 0
,
0 19
MInneapOl1s-8t. Paul.__________~____ -- ---
11
,
0
•
1
"
Baltim0I1L__.~~.__________ ••~••••~_______ •
• •
1
,
0
"
Oleveland____________.~~.~.______________
7. 7 1
•
0 19
Pittsburgh_••_______ ••••_________________~
7
,
1 6 1 19
868ttle.________________________ ••_._~___~_
10
,
0
,
1 19
Atlanta__ ._._. __~______________ ••,__ ------ -
•
,
1
•
1 18
H~ton.••______~___~_~._._______________
8
•
1
,
1 18
Cincinnatl_______ •~••___________ .'__~_. _•__
•
,
0
•
1 17
DllJIl.lS _______ • _~________________ ._._••____
8 5 2 2 0 17
~=~~~~=~~==~~~:~~=~=~~=~=====~~~~==
8
•
0
,
1 16
11 1 1
,
0 15
Jacksonville___________________~.___~__ .••
•
,
0
,
1 15
ButJoJo___~,_______________•••_+._. ______ •
6
•
1
•
1 15
Sen
Antonto_______________ •____~.________
•
8 0
•
0 15
Fresno______ •__+.~___ •• _________ .,______.__
8
•
0
,
0 15
Ban
Dtego____ ._._______________._.~______
6 6 0
•
0 15
St.
LoufS., ___ •_______________.-'•• -" ________
8 1 1
•
1 15
Columbus,Ohlo.~_~••••_.~•••____________
6
,
2
,
1 15
Oklahoma City+____••• __.._~______.__ .•__
7
•
1
•
1 18
Salt
Lake'City•...___ .•_. ___ .._••_~_••_.~~
8 8 0
,
1 15
Rtchmond____ . ________ • _______'_.~_._____ .
•
,
1
•
0 1
,
MUwaukee...___ ._._ ',_ .._.•.__ . __ . __ .._..
7 2 0
,
1 15
Broadcasting Since 1949
The following table shows the number of authorized, licensed, and
operating broadcast stations, and pending applications at the close
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 131
of the fiscal years for the past decade; also the number of stations
deleted during the past 10 years:
Year
Del'-I Pendln,I ICP', ITotal ICP', notITotal
tions applica- Llcenslld on air on air on air author-
hons ked
COMMERCIAL AM
:
I
I
,
I
1949______________
----------
200
,
ii,')
"2
1,963 43 2,000 173 2,179
l\>5(L _________________
"-----
194
I
70
I
277 2, US 26 2,144 15'
2.303
196L ____________
-- --------
116 35
I
270 2,248 ::13 2,28J
10'
2,385
195'2- _._" ___ • _____
--_.---_.- 60
I
26
I
~232,a33 22 2,3!1.'; 66 2,420
Hi53. _____________
.----. ,,- 187 23 1.'50 2,439 19 2,458 1262,5~
195·L ___________
------
--_.- 148
,
29 226 2,565 18 2, .'i83 114 2,697
1955__ . _____
---- ------
16\
i
18
I
301 2,719 13 2,732 108
2,840
195tL ________ . _____ . ____ . ____
197 18 389 2, $71 25
2, ""
124 3,=
191i7 ____ ••____ • ______________
232
I
14
I
.31 3,044 35 3,079 159 3,238
J958. ________ . ________~______
132 17 536 3,218 35 3,253 100 3,353
,
COMMERCIAL FM
1949_________~_____~__~______
"
212 66 377 360 737 128 866
1951L _______~~____~____~_~___
35 169 17
'\13
198 691 41 732
195L_~______~.~___ • _________
"
'1 10
""
m
6"
10
66'
1952____._~______________~___
24 36
,
5"
47 829
I'
64ll
1953_. ____________~__________
29 79 8 551 29 ,180 2t 801
1954_________~_______________
27
"
5 529 24 553
l'
'69
195~L______~____~______ • _____
27
"
,
'"
"
MJJ 12 562
1956______________ •____ , _____
31 37 10
,..
11
"'"
1.
""
1957__~______ • ________~______
40
"
24
51'
11
"'"
31 560
195~L__ • ________ • ____ ._••_. __
98 24
"
"6
22
'"
86 8M
EDUCATIONAL FM
llU9___________~__~••_~~_____
18 7
,
31 2 34 24 58
1960__ • ___ • __~~___~___~~_____
26
•
3 .. 1 62
'"
82
1951_ • ______ • __________~____~
I' •
2 82 I 82 12
"
1962______________~__________
12 2 2 .. I Il2 12
104
19.'13 _____ • ___~_________~____~
13 1 3 106 0 106 10
116
1964___________________~_____
,
2 I 117 0 117
•
123
1955 ______ • _______~.__~_____~
7 3 1 121 3 124 3
127
195tL ___~____ • ________.~___.~
13 4 6 126 0 126 10
13.
1957___________________~_.__~
17
,
2 135 0 185 13
148
1958__~__~._________________~
11 3
•
144 3 147 10
167
COMMERCIAL TV
J949____ •_____~___~____~.____
"
7 336 13 56 69
"
117
19..'iO. _______• ________~_~••_.~
0 8 351 47 57 104
,
109
1951. _____~_____________ ••__~
0 0 415 81
,.
107 2 109
1952__ • __ • ___~~____________~~
0 1 716 .. 12 108 0
108
1953_.______~_____________ * __
381
•
'"
101
'7 198 285 .82
1964_______ * __.*_____________
174 81 200 104 298 400 171
57.
1955____~~__ • _________~_____~
'7
"
127 137 321 41;8 124
582
1956_ • _________________ ._.*__
00 25 128 186 310
'"
113 ...
1987_________ . _______________
"
13 129 344 175
51'
132 661
1958___ ••____ 4 _________ • _____
85 21 125 427 129
56' 109 ...
TV 'l'RAN8LATOR
:~~:::::::::::::::::::::::::I
74
I
0
I
"
I
17 , 24
I
"
I
23 , 74
88
•
"
Il2 0
"
64
"1)
EDUCATIONAL TV
1962___~4__~_________ • ____•••
0 0 1 0 0 0 0
0
1953_._~___ • ___ • ____ .4__.~._.
17 0 29 0 1 I 16 17
1954___ .•~____________••____ •
13 0 11 (I 6
•
24 80
HINL ______________ . __~______
5 1
"
1 10 11 23
"
lQ56 ________________________~
7 0 11 1 19
'"
21
"
1957. ________
-----------
8 0 8 14 12 26 23
"
1958 ___~___
--------_.------
•
0
,
29 3 32
I
21
"
132 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Any departure in the relation of grants and deletions during thE>
year to total authorizations at the end of the year results from rein 
statement of some deleted authorizations and other considerations
not detailed in this general table.
The term "on the air" covers stations actually operating or holding"
authorizations to operate. "CP's" refer to construction permits.
Broadcast Applications
Broadcast applications received during the year totaled 10,347, or
643 more than the year previous. A breakdown follows;
On hand Dismissed, Desig- On hand
Clas'S June 30, Received Granted denied or nated for June :30,
1957 returned hearing 1958
T'"
Newstations_~___ t31i 198
130
"
66
'"'
Major changes_"
"
173 129 18 20
""
Transfers " " ---------
I'
105
"
12 I
I'
Renewals ___
----- ...------ 22 207 15. 12 I
'"
L1censes ___~___________ . _. __
80 286 237 12 3
II'
Otber______
---------_.
I"
3W 360 36 2 145
TV totaL__
451 1,368 1,108 141 93 ...
- =
FM
N ev;' stations
----- ---------- 2" 169 114 15 22 45
Major changes____
8 140 10' 12 2
"'
Transfers, __
7 113
"
12 0
,
Renewals ___ ---------.._--
63 252 20<) 14 0
"
Licenses __ I, 103
'"
8 0 36
Other ---------._. 28 217 193 17 0
'"
FM totaL __
147 "4 800 78 25 241
AM
New stations 322 371 102 92 114 412
Major changes. ____
186 239 90 43 3f\ 261
Transfers. __ 70 741 044 66
3 102-
Renewals ___
252 1 382 1, III 100 I .22
Licenses_________
82
' 400 436 34
0 100
Other_______________
-._---._--- 64
'58
813 70 4 10<
AM total_. ____
97G 4,188~226.0.1 158 1,414-
=
Auxiliary
New statlons______ "_
193
1.~~
!l96
I" 0
Ill!
Major changes__
23 278 'I 0 58
Transfers. __
29 248
'"
6 0 30
Renewals___
1I3 837
""
39 0 Z76
Licenses____ . ____
467 1,186 1,213 113 0 327
Other ___________ "_"
10 ..
"
6 0 6
---
~~-
------
---
---
Auxiliary total 765 a,797 3,4M
'39
"
'762'
==
~
Orand totaL 2,339 10,347 8,595 936 276 2,911
TV and FM figures include noncommercial educational; TV, in
addition, includes translator stations.
Broadcast Industry Financial Data
In the calendar year 1957, the radio and television industry's total
revenues (which are derived from the sale oftime, talent, and program
materials to advertisers) were reported at $1,461.5 million.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 133
Total radio revenues rose 8 percent to $518.3 million while TV
revenues reached $943.2 million, or 5 percent above 1956.
Total radio and TV profits of $214.0 million in 1957 were 10 per 
cent below 1956. Television broadcast profits of $160.0 million were
16 percent lower and radio profits of $54.0 million were 10 percent
higher.
All Networks and Stations, 1956-57
Item
Total broadcast revenues, .
Radio 1 • __
Television _
Total broadcast expenses. , . _
Radio _ _
'rclevision I
Broadcast income (before Federal Income tax). _
Radlo •__ . _
Television. _
Percentin~
191)6 1957
crease or
(millions) (millions) (decrease),
in 1957
$1,377. 5 $1,461.5 6.1
480.6 518.3 7.8
896.9 943.2 5.2
1,138.7 1,247.5
'.0
431.4 464.3
7.'
707.3 783.2 10.7
238.S I 214.0 (10.4)
49 21
M.O
'.8
189.6 100.0 (15.6)
1Radio includes AM and FM broadcasting.
Note. 1957 radio data cover the operations of 4 nationwide networks and 3 regloMI networks, 3,097 AM
and AM-FM and 67 independent FM stations. Excluded are 59 stations whose reports were filed too lata.
for tabulation. Hla6 data are for the same networks and 2916 AM and AM-FM and 51 independ..nt FM
stations. Excluded arc 57 staUons whose reports were filed too late for tabulation. 1957 TYdata c(lw'r the.
operations 013 llE"tworks and 501 stations. 1956 TV data cover the operations or:lnetworks,aIl~474 stations,
Nationwide Networks Only, 1956-57
[InclUding owned and operated stations]
Item
Total broadcast revenues~~_
Radio__ __ _ _
Televilllon_ ___ __ _ _ _
Total broadcast expenses. _
RadIo~~_
Tclevisfon~_
Broadcast income (helON Federal income tax) _
Radio • ₯ ₯ _
Televillion "_~•••••_. • _" • ₯_
Percent In_
1956 1057 crease or
(millions) (millions) (decrease)
in 1957
$508.1 $li35.9 6.5
65.8 68.0 3.3
442.3 467.9 6.8
423.1
4
65
'1
10.3
66.2 69.4 4.8
356.9 397.2 11,3
85.0 I 69.31 (18. 5)
(0.4)1
M: j) 1------(i7~25~'
86.<
Note 1: Radio data include the operations of 15 network-owned AM stations in 1956 and 17 in 1957.
Note t: Television data Include the operations of 15 network-owned stations In 1956 and 16 In 1957.
484159--~8----10
134 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AM Radio 1 Broadcast Rt3venues, Expenses, Income and Investment, 1956-57
{In thousands}
4 notlon",I", I
3 regIonal All other
networks and networks and stations S IndUlltry total
Item thelr slations ' their stations 2
1956
'%7
1956 Hl57
1%6 1'%7
1956 1%7
Total broadcast revenul'-s. ________
$65,804 $68,06f; $4,373 $5,430 $408,984 $442,818 $479,161 $.S1l\,313
Total broadcast expenses .. _______ / 66,233 69,428 3,579 4,132
359,794 I 388,280 429,606 461, E4.0
Broadcast income (before Federal
49,100 I
tncometax) _____________ I (429)
Ct,363) 794 PIll! 51,538 49,555 54,473
----------~-----
309,31\81297,494
---
Tnvl'stment in tangible broadcast
property:
Original OO8t. ________________
17,048 17,170 1,682 1,658 278,764 328,196
Depreciation to datu_____
----
9,832 10,069 1,115 1,176 137,295 155,617 ) 148. 2·t2 166,862
Depreciated eost_______
__ 4 __
7,216 7,101 567 482 141,469 153,751 149,252 161,334
1 Excludes independently operated FM stations, 51 in 1956 and 67 in 1957. Also excludes 57 AM-stations
reporting too late to tabulate in 1956 and 59 in 1957.
I Includes the operations 0119 network-owned stations in 1956 and 21 in 1957.
I Includes 2,897 stations In 1956 and a,076in 1957.
TV Broadcast Revenues, Expenses and Income, 1951
(In mlllions]
I10m
3 networks Total 3
and tbeft 16 485 other networks
owned and TV stations and 501 TV
operated stations
TV stations
Revenues from the sale ot tIme:
Network tJme sales:
Nationwide networks~_._4__ 4____________ $287.7 $106.5 $394.2
Miscellaneous networks and statlons
4
~__~~•~
I Of this amount $59.6 million Is applicable to the total sale ot network tlIne.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 135
F JltI Broadcast Revenues, Expenses and Income, 1956-57
1956 1957
Item
Number of Amount Number of Amount
stations (millions) stations (millions)
I.'
.7 2••
(')
-----.-.---- r)
r) (. ')
.7
r) (.')
-~_._-_._-_.
:ro2
-------ii:o.
319
~~------$i.-i
119 113
51 1. , 67 2.0
472
2.' '99 3.1Total FM statlons•••_••••• •~~I~~~~I~~~~.I~~~~I==~";"';
Total FM broadcast expenses
FM'stations operated by non-AM lloonsees____________ 51
Industry totaL__ • • _
FM broadcast income
(before Federal income tax)
P'M stattons operated by non-AM licensees••_. ._._ 61
Industry totaL • •~••__ • _
I In view of the difficulty in 8 Joint AM-FM operation in allocating FM operation expense separately
from AM station operation expense, llcenseesofsuch stations were not required to report FM station expense
separately. Asa result, FM industry totals for expense and income are not available. AM-FM licensees,
however, were requested to report separately tbe revenues ifany. attributable to FM station operation if
such data were readily available. In only a few Instances did AM-FM licensees state they were unable to .
!legregate the FM revenues.
( ) Denotes loss.
Closed-Circuit Television
WIRED TV BOOMS
Closed-circuit television operation is having a widening and spec 
tacular application in many fields.
Called CG-TV for short, it is used to send visual information by'
cable, special wire, or point-to-point radio. In most cases, these TV
signals are confined to cable circuits for reception only by intercon 
nected receivers.
On occasion, closed-circuit TV links different cities, but generally
it is limited to a single building or a group of buildings. Such non 
broadcast TV systems are serving many bnsiness, industrial, educa 
tional, entertainment, religious, professional, municipal, and other
purposes. Current interest in CG-TV ranges, alphabetically, from
A to T-from apartment houses and banks to theaters and toll TV
cable systems.
The extent and variety of this nonbroadcast video activity is indi 
cated by the following examples:
Medical
Initial impetus to closed-circuit TV was given by its employment
for medical instruction. Its early use was for individual hospital
courses, but it later enabled groups of physicians in different places
to simultaneously watch and benefit from demonstrations of surgery
and other medical treatment. What is more, doctors can now view
some of these distant operations in color.
Education
CG-TV is providing many schools and colleges with an economic
means of giving graphic instruction to different classes, often in
different buildings, at the same time. In several places it is bringing
educational programs from the schools to local community centers.
There was a public school CG-TV system in Pocatello, Idaho, in
early 1956. The biggest localized classroom tie-in by closed-circuit
TV is operating in Hagerstown, Md. Other extensive classroom
CG-TV projects are underway in Chicago, St. Louis, and other
cities. State systems are in prospect. Also, some schools employ
CC-TV to keep a watchful eye on students in study halls.
136
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 137
Business
CG-TV business uses include-
Visually talking to representatives throughout the country without
any of them leaving their home cities. Some of these sales talks are
in color.
Linking stockholders' meetings in different places.
Spotting shoplifters in department stores.
Verifying signatures of bank customers; visually exchanging bank
records; and enabling motorists parked outside to deposit or withdraw
money.
Making it possible for motorists to inquire about hotel accommoda-
tions and to register from their cars.
·Watching for poachers on parking lots.
Supervising automobile driving operations.
Seeing and sizing up callers before they pass reception desks.
Conducting underwater fisheries research in Florida.
Testing prospective visual telephony.
And, for very l3mall business, making baby sitting possible by
remote control.
Industry
Industrial CG-TV use covers-
Inspecting manual and mechanical operations.
·Watching heat and pressure gages.
Supenising movement of material in process and preparation for
shipment.
Detecting unnecessary chimney smoke.
Detecting forest fires.
Locating trouble in equipment.
:Monitoring entrance gates and yard traffic.
Monitoring atomic energy processes.
Transportation
Railroads use CG-TV to check car numbers and inspect freight car
running gear in switchyards; to speed issuances of reservations and
tickets at passenger stations; and to police grade crossings.
Airports employ it to check aircraft; to watch planes take off and
land; and to provide waiting passengers with information about
plane arrivals and departures.
Parking lots find it nseful in parking automobiles and in spotting
their location when called for.
Shipping is provided with an additional "eye" for the flagship to
watch boat movements in fishing operations.
Municipal
Municipal CG-TV uses enable-
Law officers to view police lineups from outside positions and obtain
fingerprint data from distant files.
Jailers to check up on prisoners in cells and workshops.
138 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Highway officials to monitor speedway traffic.
Units to exchange auto registration and other infonuation without
moving central records.
Political
CC-TV has been utilized to open or otherwise assist political
campaigns by making it possible to see as well as hear spokesmen at
simultaneous dinners or raIlies in different cities.
Entertainment
For many years some theaters have used common carrier cable and
microwave facilities to bring them special live programs-mainly
sports events-for big-screen viewing by theater audiences who pay
for such exclusive televising.
Closed-circuit toll-TV service to the homes of subscribers was the
subject of early experiments in Pahn Springs, Calif., and elsewhere.
The first r'b"11lar service of this nature started at Cedar City, Utah,
in early 1956. Bartlesville, Okla., began the first large-scale venture
on September 3, 1957, but ceased operation June 6, 1958.
Exclusive CC-TV rights fignred in the move of two major leagne
baseball teams to the west coast.
Some large hotels and apartment houses offer patrons free non 
broadcast video entertainment and other programs via closed circuit.
CC-TV is also used for nonpublic review (by advertisers and
critics) of new network programs.
HOW CC-TV WORKS
Program material for aural broadcast (AM or FM) can be relayed
over ordinary telephoue lines. In fact, most network radio broadcasts
are accomplished through the use of telephone company wire circuits
connecting broadcast stations with the network studio. On the other
hand, video program material, because of its more complicated nature,
cannot be sent over ordinary telephone lines but requires coaxial
cable or other special wire if not transmitted by air.
Wired CC-TV as such does not require a Commission license. It
can use the telephone company's coaxial cable or point-to-point micro 
wave radio systems for long-distance haulage, or special cable in·
stalled privately for local system operation. Ifcommon carrier facili 
ties are used, the telephone company charges the user the rates pre 
scribed in the telephone company's tariffs for such relay service.
Where the common carrier facilities are used only in intrastate
(within-State) operation, these local rates are not subject to Commis 
sion approval. In purely local CC-TV operations, where common
carrier facilities are not employed, the cost is borne by the operator
who makes a charge for any subscriber service involved.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 139
Though they have much in common, closed-circuit toll TV should
not be confused with CATV (community antenna TV) systems. Each
furuishes televised programing. Both are nonbroadcast operations
in that they do not transmit over the air for direct reception by the
general public and, accordingly, do not come under the definition of
"broadcasting" in the Communications Act. And both usually use
coaxial cable to reach customers. However, community antenna TV
systems differ from other CG-TV operation in that they employ
receiving antennas for off-the-air pickup of TV broadcast stations
for relay by cable to subscribers, whereas closed-circuit toll-TV
systems, for their part, cable selected films and other special programs
to their customers. Neither operation requires FCC authorization.
Closed-circuit toll-TV operation also differs from the proposed
subscription-TV service which contemplates transmission over the
air. The latter, since it would be radio transmission, would be subject
to FCC authorization. Special programs would be transmitted in
scrambled form to prevent their clear reception on regular TV
receivers. A special adapter would be necessary to decode them for
subscribers.
CG-TV transmission can normally be picked up only on TV
receivers which are connected to the wired distribution system. Here
a special receiver or adapter is usually not required, since the pro 
grams are ordinarily sent over the cable on frequencies which permit
their reception on channels covered by commercial TV receivers.
Where CG-TV operation is confined to a single building, interior
cable can be installed to connect up several rooms. Or it can be
strung outside to link a group of buildings. In more extended
operations, because of the cost factor, the cable is not usually buried
in the ground, as are most of the common carrier coaxial lines. In
such cases, the private cable is, under a mutual rental or other
arrangement, normally suspended on the same poles which carry
local power and telephone lines, or on poles erected for the purpose.
To use pole facilities on streets or other public property, however, it
is necessary to first obtain a franchise or other authorization from
the municipality involved.
Since most closed-circuit TV operations depend upon private local
cable distribution systems, the FCC has not exercised any jurisdiction
over them other than to see that they, like other sources of possible
radiation, do not interfere with radio (on-the-air) communication
serVIces.
CG-TV operation is not involved in the Commission's inquiry,
begun May 22, 1958, into the impact of CATV and TV translator,
satellite, and booster operation on the development of TV broadcast 
ing, which is mentioned elsewhere in this report.
Field Engineering and Monitoring
GENERAL
The engineering field force functions as the eyes and the ears of
the Commission. It carries out, at grassroots level, a variety of
inspection, surveillance, enforcement, licensing, and other service
functions.
Enforcement is effected through inspection and monitoring. Exami 
nations are given to applicants for radio operator authorizations.
Certain licenses are issued in the field. There is a continuous patrol
of the radio spectrum to identify interfering or unlicensed signals.
Investigations are made of illegal or improper radio operation, radio
interference, and technical matters.
Commission field offices and monitoring stations are listed in the
appendix to this report.
FIELD FACILITIES
Field Offices
Field engineering work is carried out by 24 district offices, 5 sub 
offices, and 2 marine offices. The district and suboffices are located at
strategic geographical points in the United States, Alaska, Hawaii,
and Puerto Rico. The marine offices, which have responsibility for
the Atlantic, gulf, and Pacific regions, are in areas of small boat
concentrations (southern California and Florida). Mobile task forces
operating out of the marine offices are responsible for enforcement
of regulations affecting small-boat operators.
Field installations with their associated radio-equipped mobile
investigative units form a coordinated system which makes it possible
for any unit to obtain immediate assistance from the monitoring net 
work in connection with an investigative problem.
Monitoring Stations
The Commission's field monitoring and direction finding facilities
include 18 monitoring stations directed by a headquarters control
center.
The Chillicothe, Ohio, monitoring station will move locally from
its present leased quarters as soon as a new building can be built on
Government land acquired by the Commission.
140
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 141
It is proposed to move the Millis, Mass., station to Canandaigua,
N. Y., a better direction finding and monitoring site. Government
land has been acquired and building funds will be included in the
1960 fiscal year bndget.
The Lanikai, Hawaii, station occupies temporary quarters under
an agreement with the Navy. A survey is being made to find a suit 
able permanent site.
The monitoring station at Laurel, Md., is threatened by the pro 
posed construction of a new highway through the site.
Ten of the monitoring stations are primaries which maintain con 
tinuous surveillance of the radio spectrum. Eight are secondaries
which supplement the primaries, but which do not have sufficient staff
for continuous operation. All have high-frequency direction finders,
and the stations near the seacoasts have, in addition, medium-fre 
quency direction finders. Precise frequency measuring equipment and
other specialized sigual measuring equipment is also utilized.
Mobile Installations
Forty-two mobile direction finding investigative units are main 
tained at 28 field offices and 5 monitoring stations. They are specially
equipped for tracking down unlicensed or unidentified stations and
interference sources, and for investigating other radio irregularities.
The Commission now has two mobile TV enforcement units, each
equipped with specialized precision measuring and analyzing instru 
ments for observing the technical characteristics of TV transmissions.
One travels throughout the Eastern United States and the other in
the West in furthering compliance with TV technical standards.
A mobile microwave unit is based at San Francisco and another
one at Philadelphia. They are equipped for special technical observa 
tions of microwave signals, including frequency measurements, and
for investigating complaints of interference or unauthorized opera 
tion on microwave frequencies.
Eight test cars, shared among the 24 district offices, have special
equipment for making electronic measurements and technical analysis
of radio signals, thus permitting comprehensive checks of station
performancc. One cxample of the uses of these units is that of auto 
matically making continuous chart roll recordings of field strength
versus distance as the car is driven toward or around the station
whose coverage pattern is being checked.
FUNCTIONS
Inspections
Ship.-The Commission is required by law to make an annual
inspection of certain vessels and to issue certificates certifying that
142 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
they have met radio requirements. Due to budgetary and personnel
restrictions, inspections are normally limited to this minimum re 
quirement. Exceptions are special inspections to determine technical
efficiency or to establish capability of ship radio equipment following
mishap.
Curtailed ore shipments resulted in fewer Great Lakes vessels
being inspected--459 in fiscal 1958 as compared to 496 the year
prevIOUS..
An estimated 5,000 small vessels are subject to a new law which
requires those transporting more than 6 passengers for hire either
in the open sea or on adjacent tidewater to carry emergency radio 
telephone equipment. During the year, 1,895 certificates were issued
to such vessels, bringing the total of those certified to 1,925. Con 
sequently, about 3,000 vessels must still be inspected. Also, since
certification is only valid for 2 years, a continuing program will in 
volve about 2,500 inspections pel' year.
A cooperative agreement with the foreign governments concerned
has made it possible to effect a substantial reduction in the number
of foreign vessels inspected by the Commission. This saving in time
is being devoted to inspecting United States vessels which are re 
qnired by Jaw to be radio equipped.
The Commission continued its small-boat radio-enforcement pro 
gram. The primary objectives are to enforce licensing compliance,
eliminate profane and indecent language, reduce superfluous com 
munications and improve use of the calling and distress frequencies.
This is a three-pronged effort involving inspection of vessels, monitor 
ing of ship radiotelephone channels and education of the numerous
licensees who use the small-boat frequencies. It is of necessity a
longrange program since 60,344 small boats throughout the United
States and its territories hold radio licenses.
Eroadca8t.-The broadcast enforcement program in 1958 was
limited to initial inspections of new AM, FM, and TV stations and
sampling inspections of the older stations. Monitoring observations
and measurements are made to prevent interference to other services
by harmonics, superfluous emissions, or other teehnical deficiencies.
This is particularly true in the case of directional broadcast stations
where misadjustment of the pattern can affect coverage or cause
interference to other cochannel stations.. Also, antenna towers must
be painted and lighted in accordance with specifications (see separate
chapter on "Antennas").
In 1958 there was only a 4-percent increase in the number of broad 
cast stations inspected as compared with 1957, but the number of
violation notices issued increased 25 percent. A special survey in
.Tune 1958 disclosed that 87 stations were cited as the result of in-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 143
spections of 126 stations. Since none of these stations had been
inspected for 5 years or more, it is evident that there is a deteriora 
tion in compliance when stations are not regularly inspected.
Other radio 8e1'vioe8.-It was possible to inspect only 5,655 stations
other than ship, broadcast, and amateur during the year. Thus, a
limited sampling program was used in determining the enforcement
emphasis required. Whenever compliance with the regulations in a
particular service is found to be poor, enforcement efforts are stepped
up until the situation is corrected. This has been found to be the most
effective method of enforcement with the limited field staff available
for such work.
Enforcement aotion8.-As required by law, the Commission levies
forfeitures against the owners and masters of compulsorily equipped
vessels for major radio violations. Such forfeitures in fiscal 1958
are noted in the section of the "Safety and Special Radio Services"
chapter of this report which deals with enforcement matters in that
particular field.
The Commission has had considerable success during the initial
phase of its campaign to stop the use of indecent and profane lan 
guage over the marine radiotelephone frequencies. This drive has
been a joint effort by the Coast Guard, the Federal Bureau of In 
vestigation, United States attorneys, and the Commission. Five
shrimp boat captains operating in the Gulf of Mexico were found
guilty of violating the United States Code, fined $500 each, given
suspended sentences of 18 months and placed on probation for 5
years. A sixth was found guilty and given probation for 2 years
while a seventh was found not guilty. Several cases involving vio 
lations in the western gulf area have been referred to the Department
of Justice. Despite the fact that some small-boat captains fail to
identify their vessels and give fictitious names, it has been possible
for the Commission's field engineers to develop sufficient evidence to
obtain convictions.
During the year 338 warning letters were issued to small boats and
private aircraft for unlicensed radio operation. Such violations are
often the result of carelessness or lack of understanding on the part
of the owner. Therefore, a warning is given for the first offense but
if the illegal operation continues the case is reported to the Depart 
ment of Justice for prosecution.
Operator Examination and Licensing
OO1lllmercial.-One gage of the phenomenal growth of radio in
the United States is the steady increase in the nmnber of radio oper 
ators. The record for 1958 shows an overall gain of 15 percent as
compared with 1957.
144 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COM.'J:UNICATIONS COMMISSION
The term "commercial" is used by the Commission to classify all
persons holding radio operator authorizations to operate trans 
mitters as a part of their livelihood or vocation as distinguished
from the amateur radio operator whose interest in radio technique
is solely with a personal aim as an avocation and without pecuniary
interest.
For 6 of the 7 grades of commercial operator licenses, examinations
are conducted regularly at 30 eugiueeriug field offices aud at 56 other
locations throughout the United States and Territories. All com 
mercial operator licenses are issued by the field offices following a
written examination except the restricted radiotelephone operator
permit which is issued upon the applicant certifying in writing to his
knowledge and ability with respect to certain matters.
A total of 306,698 applications were received. The engineering
field offices issued 213,547 restricted radiotelephone operator permits
and 41,177 licenses of higher grade.
Normally, written examinations for eommercial radio operator
licenses are given in English. During the year the Commission per 
mitted a nnmber of Puerto Rican applicants for radiotelephone third
class operator permits who, because of their inability to read and
write in English, to use their native language (Spanish) in their
examination.
Action was taken to suspend the licenses of 18 commercial radio
operators. In" cases the operatol's l'equested hearings and 4 such
proceedings were completed during the year.
Five commercial operator applicatious were dismissed for failure
to furnish information with respect to their alleged affiliation with
snbversive groups and four were dismissed for failure to furnish in 
formation relative to their alleged criminal records.
A.mateur' operator emaminationS'.-Amateur radio operator exam 
inations of the general and extra classes are given at the same places
as examinations for commercial operators. The resultant papers,
together with examinations of amateur classes which are supervised
by volunteer examiners, are graded at the field offices but the licenses
are, in general, issued in Washington.
Interim ship station lieenses.-Ship radiotelephone station licenses
are issued for 90-day periods by the field offices in order to avoid
delay and to assist small vessels obtain immediate use of radio equip 
ment. These interim grants are made in response to applications
filed with the field office for later action by the Washington office
in the matter of a regular license term. A total of 11,183 interim
licenses were issued during the year.
Oitizens station licenses.-A total of 7,106 licenses were issued in
the field during the year to certain categories of Citizens Radio
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 145
Service stations employing type approved or crystal controlled equip 
ment. However, all citizens licenses are now issued in Washington.
Investigations
Interference to radio reception.-llfost engineering field investiga 
tions resulted from interference complaints by licensees and the gen 
eral public, together with requests from other Government agencies
for assistance in identifying interference sources.
Assistance by industry self-help groups in resolving complaints at
the local level undoubtedly kept down the number requiring FCC
attention. Complaints to the Commission involving TV reception
totaled over 18,000, comprising nearly 80 percent of all its inter 
ference cases. The remainder covered the whole field of civilian and
Government radio communication, including interference to aviation,
maritime, and police radio services on which safety of life and prop 
elty depended. The number of complaints involving industrial,
scientific, and medical noncommunications equipment showed a small
d(',cTease.
Interference was caused occasionally by defects in licensed trans 
mitters as in the folJowing examples: In the vicinity of the inter 
national airport at San Juan, P. R., TV reception was interfered
with by poor electrical connections in the antenna of a aeronautical
beacon station. Interference to an aviation installation in Texas was
eaused by a defective multiplexer of a nearby Fllf broadcast station.
In the San Francisco Bay area, interference to railroad radio com 
munication resulted from a defective control relay on a locomotive
radio transmitter.
The following instances illustrate interference caused by authorized
radio stations for reasons other than technical defects: Two in 
stances of interference to "Nike" installations on the west coast were
due to vessels entering port aud forgetting to turn off their radar
installations. In the other case, the military post received inter 
ference from a nearby TV station because of insufficient shielding in
the intermediate frequency sections of the "Nike" receivers.
Following are typical examples of interference from noncommuni 
cations equipment: An offender to an experimental radio station in
California was found to be an electronic heater in a plywood manu 
facturing plant in Oregon. Interference to microwave apparatus
in an electronics plant in Chicago was traced to radiation from
vacuum tubes used for testing in the same plant. In Washington
State a woman complained that her former husband living next door
was cansing TV interference to the entire neighborhood but, upon
investigation, the source was found in a defective thermostat in the
complainant's own electric blanket. At a Veterans' Administration
146 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
clinic in Boston, interference to a complicated recorder was blamed
on a medical diathermy machine, but FCC engineers determined that
the fault was in the recorder itself. Disrnption of TV reception in
a California area was caused by faulty thermostat relays controlling
200 cooling fans in brooder houses of a local chicken ranch.
R.adio receivers, too, caused trouble. A broadcast receiver which
had been left on while a Los Angeles family was vacationing became
defective and retransmitted the programs of a broadcast station on
the frequency of laml mobile telephone stations. In a Denver
neighborhood, interference to TV reception was traced to electrical
discharges in a TV set that had been "souped up" with higher volt 
age to operate fl larger picture tube.
Radifltion from radio receivers of appflratns for remotely con 
trolling garage doors in San Diego endangered naval radio com 
munication there. This case was particularly difficnlt to solve be 
cause it was caused by scores of radiating' garage-door openers
in homes over~hU'gc section of the eity. The Commission attacked
the problem by seeking the cooperation of all persons concerned,
including manufacturers, distributors, aud users of the apparatus.
After nearly a full year of effort, the radiation was eliminated.
Unlicensed operation.-FCC mobile investigative units located 142
unlicensed stations during fiscal 1958 as compared to 100 the previous
year. Of the current total, 88 were unlicensed TV booster stations.
Examples were:
Five .. unlicensed police transmitters were found to be operated by a
police chief. The chief was warned of the consequences of continued
unlicensed operation and was provided with forms to apply for the
necessary licenses.
In a midwestern city a war-shocked veteran was discovered operating
an unlicensed station on amateur frequencies. His father, not knowing
that a license was required, explained that radio provided occupa 
tional therapy to bis son. Subsequently, the son pas.sed. an amateur
operator examination.
A wave of unlicensed broadcasting by teen-agers resulted from
radio mail order houses and popular magazines advertising low 
power radio communication kits intended for operation without a
license. These "do it yourself" sets radiated excessively and caused
interference when augmented with an antenna. In a Massachusetts
town, youthful radio enthusiasts were found operating a "wireless
broadcast" network built from kits. In Grand Rapids, Mich., four
miniature transmitters were used by youths to broadcast phonograph
records. At a western university, boys living in a dormitory operated
phonograph oscillators as unlicensed transmitters to serenade the
girls in a sorority house. Advertisers of low-power "broadcast kits"
have been requested to include with their sets warnings that the
devices may be operated only in compliance with part 15 of the
Commission's rules.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 147
False distress signals were transmitted in some ca.ses of unlicensed
operation. In one incident in Alaska. the offender was convicted of
sending such a call from a parked airplane. Also in Alaska, a 12-year 
old boy entered an unattended hydroplane and, while playing jet pilot,
transmitted "My engine ronked out, send 'copter to pick me up'," etc.
This resulted in fruitless relief efforts. In California two teen-age
boys unknowingly transmitted false "SOS" calls while they were tink 
ering with surplus "Gibson Girl" lifeboat transmitters they had pur 
chased from a store selling surplus Government property.
Monitoring and Direction Finding
Interference complaints.-The monitoring network assisted in the
solution of interference hy locating the source and determi"ing the
cause. The monitoring stations in general worked on long-range
and widespread interference cases in contrast to the local-type cases
requiring investigation by the Inobile units. l\fonitoring Cases han 
dled during the year affected nearly all of the radio services. Addi 
tionally, and on a routine basis, monitoring assistance was furnished
military and ot.her Government agencies, and foreign countries.
Some examples of interference cases handled hy the monitoring
network 'vere:
Acting on a complaint from a domestic airline, the monitoring net 
work identified the interfering signal as indnstrial heater radiation and
placed the source in southern Indiana. An FCC mobile unit proceeded
to the area and found the offending heater in a furnIture factory.
A broadcast station complained that its programs were beingsmoth~
ered by a heterodyne caused by another station on the same channel
being Off-frequency. However, a precise measnrement by a monitor 
ing station showed that the complainant's own station was at fault.
A licensee in the international service complained of interference
totran~missionsfrom Ne'Y York City to Frankfort, Germany. Neither
the German nor the British monitoring services had been able to locate
the source. FCC monitoring observations identified it as spurious
emissions corning from the transmitter of another licensee at New
York operating in the same service.
When the Navy requested FCC assistance to find and eliminate
interference to one of its radio channels, the monitoring network
placed the source near San Francisco and an FCC mobile unit traced
the offending signal to an offshore vessel.
The British Monitoring Service requested FCC assistance in identify 
ing a station disrupting reception at London of a fixed point-to-point
station in Nairobi, Kenya. FCC efforts showed that the interfering
station was operated by United States authorities in North Africa.
FCC monitors found that an industrial heater signal, causing inter 
ference to a Government agency in Florida and to a commercial point.
to-point statton in New York, was originating near Martinsville, Va.
An investigative unit from the FCC Norfolk, Va., office then pinpointed
the offending heater from among a number of industrial concerns in
the area.
148 'REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
The Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Wyoming State police all
complained of interference to their VHF radio operations. FCCbear~
lugs showed that the interfering signal came from a broadcast studio 
transmitter link station in 'Vest Germany. International negotiations
resulted in antenna directivity changes at the German station which
eliminated the trouble.
Monitoring observations confirmed by long-range bearings enabled
the FCC to identify a foreign language broadcast station causing
interference to Army radio facilities at San Francisco. The interfer 
ence came from Radio Moscow.
The monitoring network identified a pulse signal causing severe in 
terference to radio amateurs. It was traced to an experimental station
in Puerto Rico which corrected the difficulty on notification.
Interference at Frankfurt, Germany, to an international radio circuit
from New York was traced by the monitoring network to a station in
India.
Spurious radiation from an amateur station in Pennsylvania played
hob with airline radio circuits. A telephone call to the "ham" by the
FCC monitoring net resolved the difficulty within 30 minutes.
SU1'Veys.-The Commission's monitoring stations continued to
observe the radio spectrum on a 24-hour basis to determine the
extent of frequency occupancy and frequency usage for international
reporting purposes.
They also continued obtaining engineering and frequency-usage
data for use by the Commission and other Federal agencies in prepa 
ratory work for the 1959 Geneva Conference.
The Commission conducted 32 separate monitoring surveys during
the year compared to 21 in 1957. Some of these cases required
monitoring coverage of over 700 frequencies per monitoring station.
Search and rescue activitie8.-The Commission continued its tradi 
tional cooperation with the military and other Government agencies
by providing direction-finder positions in search and rescue emergen 
cies involving distressed planes and ships. Illustrative of this
activity:
At the request of the Coast Guard, an }'CC "fix" assisted that agency
in reaching a small vessel running out of fuel and lost off the Califor 
nia coast.
In another instance, FCC bearings furnished the Coast Guard
assisted a small schooner to reach port after having reported itself lost
on an interisland trip out of Honolulu.
A hurricane reconnaissance plane near Bermuda requested assist 
ance as it was unsure of its position. Two FCC "fixes" enabled the
plane to orient itself.
The FCC monitoring net helped an Army plane which had abandoned
its flight to Hawaii and was returning to the mainland because of a fire
in one engine and faulty operation of another. The difficulty was com 
plicated by a fuel supply estimated to be just short of enough for the
return trip. FCC "fixes" were supplied via the Coast Guard 011 a con 
tinuing basis. The plane succeeded in reaching San Francisco.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 149
A yessellost in fog of!' Florida with its electronic nuvig-utionnl ('fIuip·
ment inollerath'e but with its ra<lio working was assisted by the (bast
Guard with the aid of two FCC llositionings.
An aircraft currying lOu persons and in some difficult
J
• because of
navigational equillUlent trouble was furnished}~CC"fixes" Yia the
Civil Aeronautics Administration to enable it to dleck its position.
Assistance to Department of IJefense.-Commission assistance to
the Department of Defense by monitoring and tracking high-altitude
weather balloons and floating hurricane detection buoys increased
about 25 percent. This work was on It reimbursement basis and ,vas
performed mainly by engineering aid personnel especially recrnited
and trained by the Commission for the task.
Monitor'£ng trai-ni'll.g progl'aJll..-The Commission pursued its 011 
the-job trnining program at monitoring stations to prepare new
personnel for this contractual work and also to fill needed vacancies
in its regular monitoring staff. Additionally, the experienced moni 
toring personnel participated in the training program to maintain
and advance their knowledge and skills. The complete training
course for monitoring observers comprises ao written assignments
augmented by lectures and classroom instruction to include monitor 
ing station techniques. A total of nl employees received training
under this program during the year.
Engineering Surveys and Measurements
The Commission's field engineers carry out nnmerous special
engineering surveys and nleasnrements in connection·with monitor 
ing and rule enforcement responsibilities. Technical data is also
essential to Commission rulemaking, to formulating policies which
nlust be based on sound field engineering data, and for use in interna 
tional conferences.
Any natural phenomena which may affect propagation conditions
oyer long periods of time are of vital concern to the Commission's
allocations activities. For several monthsdnrin~and following the
peak of the ll-year sunspot activity cycle, aural and field strength
observations were made of long distance propagation of VHF sig 
nals. TV stations in England and France were at times heard by
lllOnitoring stations as far away as California, a distance of some
5,000 miles. The Lanikai, Ha,vaii, monitoring station made observa 
tions 011 VHF signals, above 40 megacycles, from as fur east as
:Mississippi and as far west as tJ apan, in contrast to the normal less 
than-20D-mile range for such frequencies during normal sunspot
activity.
As a continuing aid in allocation planning and rulemaking, an
nverage of 12 field strength recorders were in operation day nnd
night throughout the entire year on the AM and FM broadcast
4841;"O-:iR --11
150 REPOR'f OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
bands, as well as on the VHF and UHF TV bands, recording with 
out interruption the variations in signal strength of certain domestic
radio and TV broadcast stations,
Field strength recordings were made of "ionospheric scatter" trans 
Inisslons, a relatively new type of "beyond the horizon" transmission
which permits very high frequencies to be used with great reliability
over distances many times their normal line of sight range. This
technique has opened up for long distance communication a portion
of the spectrum previously usable only for short distances. Some
observations were also made on the very low frequencies which are
assuming added importance in long range navigation and in provid 
ing worldwide precision frequency and time cOluparisons essent.ial
to scientific progress.
Special technical observations and surveys during the year included
measuring emission £1'0111 radiating VHF receivers reportedly caus 
ing widespread interference to UIIF TV reception; measuring
spurious TV station emissions interfering with reception of another
TV station; making radiation measurements on two transpacific
liners using carrier current systems for distributing music and
announcements throughout the vessels (excessive radiation could
comprise a hazard to radio navigation) ; measuring radio frequency
voltages induced in loading cranes at docks in Oakland, Calif., where
such voltages proved very disconcerting to stevedores handling cargo
with the radioactive cranes.
Observations were made of transmissions from the United States
satellite Explorer, up to estimated distances of 4,500 miles, to obtain
information helpful to possible future monitoring or special observa 
tions of signals from such sources.
Improvements in Field Technical Facilities
There were in operatiou 9 of the new high speed remotely
controlled FCC-designed long range direction finders, installation of
2 more was in progress, and additional ones are being constructed.
Two handicaps in long range direction finding involve the difficul 
ties introduced when propagation conditions are poor or when
transmissions are brief. In order to further improve the per 
formance of the new direction finders under such conditions, special
bearing integrator devices, coupled with visual techniques, have been
developed and are presently being constrncted by FCC's Eqnipment
Construction and Installation Branch at Powder Springs, Ga. The
device automatically averages a rapid succession of radio bearing-s
and displays the result on a cathode ray tnbe. Ability to select the
visual integrator or the normal aural lnethod, ,vhichever is better
suited for signal conditions at the moment, should increase the per-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 151
centage of instances in which a good bearing can be obtained under
adverse propagation conditions.
For observations and technical measurements of the extent to
which radioteletype, facsimile, FM, or other complex emissions
spread out in the spectrum, and to assure that such emissions do
not spill over into channels assigned other stations, a program of
providing snitable equipment for spectrum analysis and bandwidth
measurements was continued. Foul' additional spectrum analyzers,
with receivers specially modified by the Commission's laboratory,
were among such facilities added. Progress was also made toward
improved methods of making mobile observations of modulation
levels of FM stations to assure high quality transmission and to
reduce interference between stations.
Rapid communication to provide instant synchronization between
the Commission's 18 direction finders is essential. To this end the
Ambrose, Tex., monitoring station was added to the wire teletype
system which now links 11 of the 15 continental monitoring stations.
Also, the two Alaska stations--Anchorage and Fairbanks--were re·
cently linked by a teletype line, thus affording communication even
when one of the stations loses radio contact.
For effective work, investigative vehicle installations must be
compact, rugged, highly versatile, and perform well under adverse
conditions. The field mobile units are being further modernized as
replacement becomes necessary, with emphasis on package type design
to simplify installation and permit rapid interchange between
vehicles when necessary.
In the interest of reducing the size and weight of equipment that
must be carried by field engineers in areas where the mobile units
cannot be used, a program of miniaturization is in progress. Among
the items in which progress has been made are portable frequency
measuring equipment and midget receiving equipment, wherein
maximum use is made of transistors to reduce size and weight.
INDUSTRY SELF·HELP COORDINATION
Television Interference Committees
Commission-sponsored TVI (television interference) committees
composed of amateur radio operators, TV set owners, dealers and
repairmen, and others interested in contributing their technical
talents and abilities as a public service in eliminating video inter 
ference in their communities, continued to operate effectively and to
receive Commission help and encouragement during the year. Many
difficult amateur interference cases were solved by these groups with 
out requiring investigation by the Commission. At the end of the
152 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
...
year, 520 committees were operating in nearly every State, in the
District of Columbia, the Hawaiian Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Cooperative Interference Committees
The CIC (Cooperative Interference Committee) program, another
example of industry self-help activity sponsored by the Commission,
continued to expand. Starting with a single committee in Los
Angeles in 1954, the program had grown to include most industrial
areas. Thirty-two committees are now located in major concentra 
tions of radio activity throughout the country, including Hawaii
and Puerto Rico. Each committee publishes a directory listing each
member and his industry affiliation. The roster represents a cross 
section of the radio industry in each locality so that a radio inter 
ference problem can generally be solved by referring it to the appro 
priate committee member. The compelling reason for the develop 
ment of this program has been the mushrooming growth of the
number of radio transmitters versus the limited staff of FCC field
engIneers.
Induction and Dielectric Heating Subcommittee
The Induction and Dielectric Heating Subcommittee of the
American Institute of Electrical Engineers cooperated with the
Commission in the study of interference caused by industrial heat 
ing equipment. In the New York City area the committee studied
each industrial heater case to determine causes of excessive radiation
and the most effective 1l1cthods of eliminating the interference.
Electronic Industries Association
In the incidental and restricted radiation devices field, the Elec 
tronic Industries Association continued its efforts in aiding the
Commission to determine necessary and practicable limits of radia 
tion.
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
The .Joint Industry Committee on High Frecluency Stabilized Arc
'Velders of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
worked with the COlrunissioll in reclueing interference cansed hy
radiofrequency stabilized firc welding eC(llipment. Information con 
cerning arc welder cases investigated by FCC field engineers was
periodically furnished this committee for that purpose. The NEIIIA .
continued to provide its pamphlet, "Recommended Installation and
Test Procedures for High-Frequency Stabilized 'Velders," for inclu 
sion by manufacturers with each sale of this equipment.
Society of the Plastics Industry
During the year another industry group offered to aid the COUl 
mission in controlling interference._ The HF Interference Commit-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 153
tee of the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is now engaged in a
program of education and self-regulation to help operators of elec 
tronic plastics heaters comply with the industrial heater rules. The
<JOmmittee cooperated with the Commission by studying each plastics
heating interference case and making recommendations to the user of
the heater as to the most effective means of reducing radiation and
eliminating interference.
STATISTICS
The work of the field engineering force is reflected in the following
fiscal year statistics:
I nvestiqalive statistics
1957 1958
23.1i95 22, '715
19,798 18,72'.!
43 35
2,lIJti 2,385
170 J21
12,72'2 14,1-17
100 142
4::'1 88
28 38
Number of Cooperative Interference Committees__
Number of Television Interference Committees _
Interlereni*- complaints received by FCC"__
TclcyL~iotlintl'rlcrence complaints _
Color 'l'V interkrcnce complaints _
AlllUI broadeast intcrfl!fcnce complaints. _" _
Indu3triaJ, scientific, and meu!c;!!} interferf'ncc CHSP-S
Investigations by .1<'00 _
New unlicens('d station C:1'('S _
Xcw unlicensed 'l'V booster ruses _
:-i ew indecent or profane language CWil'S
27
473
32
520
171
3.'
l39
112
l3
38
11,256
88,906
2, (JYl
13, oro
1958
l36
34
11ID
81
9
81
1957 I
-~~~-~~-~----~~~--~~-I-~~-I---
Alerts, unknown, or~uspicioussignals. 9,280
Hearings on alerts ... _ ._ 116,371
Emergency sl'arch and reSClle Hearings_ 2,400
~IollitoringcitaUoTl~for rule violations_ 14,255
Hcquests for monitoring covl'mge (nonintl'rfercncc cases):
Field F.nKineering and l\'lonitoring Bureau originations_
Other FCC uuits ._.__________ . .._
Other Uov('rnnlent agencies_
Amateurs. >_
Commercial COlleenIS __
I"oreign governments_
___~~~~A~J"'onitoringstatistics
TotaL 471
508
Contmctual balloon and huoy hearings
Balloon and [may positions evaluated_
Types of major cases handled in \Vashington;
Inter(ncnce._____ _ _
lVlonltoring _
Survey=>_ _ _
Special surveys__
Contracts
'rotal \\Cashington major CaS!\'L __
Total major cases(Wll,.~hingtonand field) __
Total minor ea..'i(,S (Washington and field)"
;\Ionitorlng ohscrvations to International Frequency Registration Board:
FCC . _, . . . ._
ComTwcrdal companies _
TotaL _
J\.fonitoring item::; indexed:
Identlfications _
Surveys _
4(\, 118(J 60,140
4,100 6,014
1,526 1,622
452 481
21 23
0
,
5 5
2.004 2,I4<J
~-
'=---=
:3,681 1,001
7,:HO 12,256
1,')0,000 118,004
11:;,393 25,813
---_.-----
166,393 143,907
71,545 84,256
105,730 40,938
]77,275 125, ]{14
484159--58----12
154
.
REPORT OF TIlE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
llfQnitoringinterferen~complaints
1957 1958
United States Air Forcc~__~_
United States Army_______~_
United States Nayy _
United States Coast Guard _
Oivil Aeronautics Admlnistration . __
Other Goyernment ag:encies
Law enforcement agencies .
Commercial airlines_ _ _
Commcr('ial concerns _
ForeIgn goyernments _
Total major interference Cl\Sf'S •
MIscellaneous (minor ink'rferencecases)_~_
Orand total. _
Field inspection activity
-----
323
9'J
82
91
36
'1
48
ll'
,.,
15
1, ;).5(,
3, S04
5,3fiO
447
55
100
127
36
53
43
86
6liO
•
1.612
4,002
5,614
CJll~Sof .'ltation or servieR,
i Uniwd Staft's slJips ) Fordg-n~lJjps
-1;,;-rI9"-I~;;-I-~
------·~-c-'-~pu180ruship stations ,-----~----1----
Kumber 01 uuthorizl'dstations_ ------....- II 1,755 16,908 1
1
__ I
Number of iJlf;jlf'ctions madE':
Vi"ssds suhjr.rt to title Ill, pt. II. .____ 1 317 1J1~I 5
Veqsp\ssubjrcl. to title lII, pL II!.. .____ ' .'i7 l;\lS{ ... I
lrofP!gn vessels nnder f'afety of Life at~('aConvention_ ."'" I ----.- ;9- _1
1
--- 313,< I, _ 233
Vessds 1l1l<lerGr('~\tLakes Al!."rCl'[J[l·ut .•-- --- _. _.- "" I o'
Portable lifeboat equipment. at Coast GuarrI requesL_ I, tiH 91;2
Tot.u.12_ 4,540 ! 318 236
Number of dl'flch'ney notk'('.'l sel'vrd_
Numbn of violatlonscorrt>ctt~dlllJrin,~itl~Jll'(:tiOJl3._
Number of certificates of compliance· issued
l'oluntaru ship,~t!!.tions
Number of authorized stations_
Numrn1ro~inspections made_
Number of defteif'ney notices~rvcd__
nnlfldcllsl strltiuJls
Number or ImthvrilN13tations_
Number of jnspec:Uons made_
Number of \'iolation notlees s('n'e(\ __
All ()ther Hulio st1/iOJlS
(excluding ship lind 4mateuT senice)
Number of authorized stations__ ._
Number oCinsp('etions made _
Number of violation notices served _
I
-:::::1
I,Ii2 1,(;;ifJ 94 74
2.9.'12 2.60a 31)S 278
1,n90 a,23631:~219
52. a6() 00,:>4-1
------1
2, GIl 1.773
1,515 9(13 , ---._--- --
I
I
8, OM il,037 I
I,m)? I. liS:
r
593 741 ---,---- --
I
I
149,78117~.8861---
7.200
5,6.';5 ___
J,7(;1 1.6'12
1 Includes estlmatrd 5,000 title III, pt. III vessels.
a Not Including eall backs to v....rify correction of violations.
J For which deficiency noti<les were not served,
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 155
Commercial radio operator licenses
Class of license June 30,
1957
June 30, Increase or
1958 (decl'(',ase)
Radiotelegraph
1st cluss~~* _
2dclas~______ _ _ _
ad class __ . " * _
Tt'mporury limitf'd 2d class 1 _
TotaL . _
I Dlsoontmued.
2Is~uedfor lifetime of operator.
6,619
10,247
2,006
15
61, Ii02
40,803
34, 1i26
1,119,228
29,454
1,304,300
6,396
9,611
1,952
8
61,739
45,216
41,027
1,321,444
13,461.
1,500,BM
(123)
(llM)
(54)
(7)
23"
4,413'
6,501
202,216
(15,003)
196,.564
Antennas
PROBLEMS
The mushrooming of transmitting and recelvmg antennas to
handle the growth of communication over the air is accompanied by
mounting related problems. Many of these are invited by the in 
creasing height of radio antennas; others result from the abandon 
ment of transmitting towers and still others are due to the erection
of tall antennas for receiving purposes only. Their solution requires
the mutual effort of the Federal agencies, the broadcast and aviation
industries, and other interests concerned.
The Communications Act gives the FCC jurisdiction over towers
used for the transmissions of all types of radio stations. For years
the Commission has endeavored to see that these transmitting anten 
nas are located off the air travel routes, and especially away from
the airfields where they would be hazards to departing or arriving
aircraft. Also, it has required the painting and illumination of all
transmitter shafts exceeding 170 feet in height. The reason is that
these towers, being of latticed construction, are less visible than solid
structures such as buildings, water towers, smokestacks, and the like.
The advent of jet planes and still taller antennas pose new air
safety considerations.
Still pending before the Commission is a proceeding stemming
from its 1956 proposal that transmitting towers over 500 feet high be
grouped locally on so-called antenna farms to further minimize
danger to aviation. New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami are
e"amples of voluntary concentration of TV antennas.
The concept of tall antenna grouping is complic:tted by additions,
shifts, or other changes in TV channel assignments. In such cases
the required mileage separation between stations narrows the selec 
tion of tower sites. This me:tns particular problems for the appli 
cant, such as the availability and price of land, zoning restrictions,
access to site, service coverage, aeronautical hazard, etc.
The Commission does not now have control over abandoned trans 
mitting towers, or antennas used for reception only. So, as a first
step, it has asked Congress for remedial legislation to deal with
abandoned transmitting towers.
156
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 157
An increasing number of transmitting towers have been left
standing, and unused, by former licensees. They are located mostly
in small communities. Local authorities generally do not require
their removal, and they remain as potential threats to aircraft, par 
ticularly at night and under other conditions of low visibility. Con 
sequently, the Commission is seeking authority to require their
continued painting and lighting in the interest of air safety.
Also, the growth of community TV antenna systems and the erec 
tion by other groups and individuals of high antennas just for
broadcast reception have brought new air traffic obstruction consid 
erations. As a result, Congress is being requested to require that
high receiving antennas, too, be painted and lighted as an additional
aviation safeguard.
ANTENNA MARKING AND LIGHTING
Part 17 of the Commission's rules requires the painting and illumi 
nation of transmitting towers of 170 or more feet high. These struc 
tures are painted in alternate orange and white bands throughout
their length and have automatic controlled flashing red beacons at
the top and flashing red lights at different levels depending upon
their height.
ANnNNA APPLICATION PROCESSING
Proposals for new or modified antennas which meet the criteria
set forth in rules part 17 are approved by the Commission. All pro 
posals for towers over 500 feet high, as well as others which involve
possible threat to air navigation, are referred to respective regional
airspace subcommittees of the Air Coordinating Committee, for
special aeronautical study and recommendation. The ACC was
created by the President to coordinate and make recommendations
on civil and military aviation matters that affect more than one
agency of the Government.
The number of antenna proposals processed by the Commission
during fiscal 1958 totaled 14,726. Applications received from all
services requiring antenna processing reached 14,758, exceeding the
previous record high of 14,483 during fiscal 1957. The backlog of
pending applications remained practically constant during the year,
increasing from 421 to 453.
Antenna proposals referred by the Commission to the regional
airspace subcommittees for special study decreased from 850 in 1957
to 806 in 1958. A contributing factor was the increasing practice of
prospective applicants for broadcast and common carrier radio serv-
158 REPORT OF THE: FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
ices to submit antenna proposals to the regional subcommittees for
preliminary study before filing formal applications with the Com 
mission. Preliminary clearances by the airspace groups eliminate
necessity for referring such proposals to them later and, conse 
quently, reduces processing time by the FCC.
The Joint Industry-Government Tall Structures Committee com 
pleted its study of changes in criteria for determining whether pro 
posed antenna structures will require special aeronautical study.
Pursuant to that committee's recommendations, the Commission in 
cluded the revised criteria as part of the pending proceeding in
docket 11665 which proposes to amend part 17 to require applicants
contemplating towers more than 500 feet in height to specify "anten 
na farm areas" or existing antenna structures or to demonstrate
why their antennas cannot be so located.
Statistics
Statistics on application processing by the Commission's Antenna
Survey Branch follow:
Applications processed by Antenna Survey Branch
Services
Pending Received Cleared
July 1, in ASB by ASB
1957
Pending
June 30,
1958
750 74. 51
248 246 7
806
""
2<l
1 1 0
20 20 0
I, R25 1, S46 ..
12, 264 12, 235 331
669 615 38
14,758 14,726 458
Broadcast:
A1-1 ._ 47
FM~.• ._______ 5
TV~_.• •• 53
InternatIonaL .____________________________ 0
ExperlmentaL • • I__~_'O-1-__---=-1__---=-"-1 _'
Total broadcast_________________ 105
Safety and Special Radio servlces ••• . 302
Common carrIer •._._~__~~~____14
------1---1---
Totals____________________________________________ 421
Proposals referred to regional airspace suboommiUees
Services
Broadcast:
AM _
FM~.. __~~• __~_
TV~•~_
InternationaL _
Expt'rimentaL __ •.~• ••_. _
Total broadeast__ •~__ • • _
Safety and Special Radio Services _
Common carrier • • • • _
Tot8ls ••_••••_. •__ •• _
Pendin~Sent to Received Pending
at Airspace Airspace from at AirsP800
July 1, durlng Airspace Jlmo 30,
1957 year during 1'58
year
30
18'
188 40
0 26 21 5
44 127 147 24
0 0
.
0 0
0 1 1 0
63 343 357 69
"
4" 423 40
3
"
40 11
'34
606 820 120
REPORT OF TIlE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 159
TALL TV TOWERS
Tall TV transmitting towers continue to increase both in number
and height. As of August 15, 1958, there were 66 existing towers of
a thous,and feet or higher. This height can be appreciated when it
is realized that the Washington Monument stands 555112 feet. Most
of these TV towers are for VHF transmission.
Construction permits for 17 TV towers in excess of 1,000 feet
were outstanding. Applications for 15 additional towers over that
height were pending. The tallest antenna in operation is 1,610 feet,
which is equivalent to the combined height of the Washington Monu 
ment and Empire State Building and makes it the world's tallest
manmade structure.
A list of operating tall TV structures follows: Height is given in
feet above ground. Some towers accommodate more than 1 station,
such as, the antennas of 6 TV stations in New York City which are
grouped atop the Empire State Building.
Station Location Channel Height
~~lj~~~===:==============:=}~::~~~~c~;~xo~i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~{ Ii l
~i~t~~~~::::~~~~:::~:::~~~~}~~:::.~~-c::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::{ 11
~~~~-TV~~~=============----=\N YkNY I l )
WOR-TV ====_ ew or •.l. --------.-----.----------------- 9
WPIX__________________________ 11
WRCA-TV_____________________ 4
KOCA Enid, Okla__________________ 5
WTEN Vail Mills, N. y~___________10
WMT-TV~Cedar Rapids, 1owa__ .__________________________ 2
WJBF~________________ Augusta. Oll~__________8
~;r6X:.TV===:================~~~~~~~~~~_-_-.~===============================1~
WTTV~_Bloomington, 1nd__________________ 4
KMOX-TV St. Louis. Mo~______4
WBZ-TV Boston,Mas~~_____4
~~E,tlJ:===~=================~~r~~tg;orT.ci.a------=-========================_____g
i*i~~~~~~~~:~~~~~~~~~~:~==~=}~i~~pv~~~k~e:~;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--------~~~~~{ If}
KVOO-1'V _ Tulsa, Okla___ 2
WRAL-TV •• RaleIgh, N. C___________________________________ 5
KSD-TV St. Louis, Mo ._________________ 5
KTBS-TV ._.~___Shreveport, L3___________________ 3
KTBC-TV~_Austin. Tex~• . '1
~gi};~-T-V_-_====================}Tulsa, Okla~•~{1~}
.;~~Iy'!'i'v=====================}PhlladelPhI9, Pll {~}
~rgu:lv~=====================~,l~:k'":;,'~1:-----~================:============1~KTVO ._____ KirkflviJIe, Mo .____ _ 3
W AOA-TV Atlanta, Oa .. 5
WH10-TV Dayton. Ohlo.~_7
~'~~~T-V_-_-_-_-_-_=================ifal~~~iti.'e~Dak===================-~
KWWL-TV Waterloo, 1owl\_______________________ _ 7
KAKE-TV Wichita, Kans_ .________ 10
KCRG-TV~~•• Cedar Rapids, 1ow3_____________________________ 9
WREC-TV_.Ml'm~bis.Teuu .__________ 3
WBB-TV~__ •__ • __ ••__~__ Atlanta, 03~_2
KFJZ-TV. .__ Fort Worth, Tex~~______11
WHBQ-·TV__ . •__ Memphis, Tenn
A
_________ 13
1,610
1,572
1.521
1,604
1,4.65
1,356
1,'"
1,35.'i
I,m
1,282
1,249
1,225
1,214
I, Ul9
1,100
1,195
1,179
1,175
1,175
1,160
1,159
1,151
1,137
1,133
1,116
1,113
1,105
lr!01
1,100
1,096
1,088
1,085
1,083
1,079
1,079
1,077
1,076
1,074.
1,073
160 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Station Location Channel Height
WSOC-TV.___ Char!ottr, N. C _
KARD-TV .___ Wichita, Kans... . _
W8AZ-TV~__Huntington, W. Va__ . • _
WTAE-TV • _ Pitf.sbnrgh, Pa _
WWJ-TV_. . ._ Detroit, Mich _
WJBK-TV Detroit, Mlch _
WNEM-'l'V___________ Day Citv. :\Iieh _
WFLA-TV . ._ _ Tampa. Fla. _
KCJB-TV :Minot, N. Dak _
KCMO-TV Kansas City, Mo " _
~IT~~l~\;:~_-_-__~~==============}Mi!waUkee, Wis-- ------------ --------- {
WKAR-TV 1___________ East LansIng, :Mich _
WHUM-TV 1 Reading, Pa _
WTMJ-TV~'1llw[l,'Jkee,Wis . _
-~~~~-~\r~_-_-_-_~~======___ _~~~i~l~~~~_~·_~~~~-.._-~=-===_======_=: =::.--- ---
\V AVY-'l'V Portsmouth, Vu____ _. _
KMBC-TV ._____ Kansas City, :\-10 . ._
lVLWL______Tndiaflllpoli~,Tnd . _
WJLI'yI-'l'V Lansing, .\ti<'h . -..
WFBM-TV__ Indianapolis, Tnd .. __
WFMJ-TV_____ Youngstown, Ohio _
KCRT Great Bend, Kans_ _ "
KOLN-TV_________ _I Lincoln,~ebr- - _.---------.------------
WFRV-TV. _ _ __ Grern BllY, \VIS _
WREN-TV _ BuITalo,1'\ Y __ _ _ _
WISH-TV_________ _ _ Indianapolis,Ind . " _
I Now off air,
9
3
3
4
4
2
5
8
13
5
In
60
(II
4
II
3
10
9
13
6
6
21
2
10
,\
4
8
1,073
1,071
1,069
1,066
1, "'"
1,057
1,056
1,055
1,053
1,045
1,044
1,037
1,036
1,035
1,032
1,029
1,026
1,025
J, 1J24
1,0'13
1,019
1,01(i
1,006
1,002
1,002
1,001
1,001
Construction permits have been granted but construction IS not
completed on these additional tall TV towers:
~?tt1~=::::::::::::::::::::}~:Il~n~;I~:~~~~~~-----------~~~~~::~::.
WSM-TV______ Nashville, Tl'IllL _
KRRB •• EI Dorado, Ark. . __ ..•..•••.•"
WDAY-TV__ Fargo, N. Dak_ _ .. __
KCPP St. LOllis, Mo___ _ . _
KCMT. Alexandria, Mlnn .._._
KMNF . _ II.'1ankat0, MillIL . __
WISC-TV, Madis'lll, Wis_____ _ _
~~~~;fv~::::::==::=:====:::~~~~\t~·lX~=::~~------------------------
\VLWA ,_________________ Atlanta, Ga.. .. _._ _ _
r.:f$I~~~':.~::==:: =::::::~~=:~:Jtl~~~il~~lo=:~=~~~---=~==:..
~.?l:-==:=:=::=::::::::~:=Mi~~~I~f?c~I~::_:_==~=::::---------------,------
WSPD Toledo, Ohio . _
Station Locution Channel Height
----
(
,
1,530
4
10 1,522
4 1.369
10 1,3.'>3
6 1,206
11 1,159
7 1,130
12 1,116
3 1,104
7 1,076
7 1.071
II 1,042
11 1,042
2 1,021
8 1, 017
12 1,002
13 1,002
The highest antennas proposed in pending TV applications are
those of WHAS-TV, for a 1,859-foot tower on channel 11 at Louis 
ville, Ky., and ViTLBT, for 1,529 feet on channel 3 at Jackson, Miss.
An application by WSLA, channel 8, Selma, Ala" which, among
other things, proposed increasing its antenna height to 1,993 feet,
was denied by the Commission on September 3, 1958.
DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS
Directional antennas are special towers which enable radio stations
to control their service direction or pattern. They have long been
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 161
used in point-to-point communicu,tjon to bea.m transmissions to par 
ticular reception areas.
As AM broadcast stations began to increase on shared frequencies,
it became necessary to employ directional antenuas to minimize inter 
ference between them, especially at night. By this means, an AM
broadcaster can reduce radiation in certain directions-over the
water or wasteland or toward another station-and concentrate it on
the particular areas he wants to serve. Since 1937, directional an 
tennas have helped new stations squeeze into the congested AM
broadcast band. Arrays of directional antennas can produce "figure
8" and more complicated service patterns. One AM broadcaster em 
ploys nine such towers and keeps au extra one handy.
Only a few FM and TV stations have had to resort to directional
antenuas. However, its further use by those services is in prospect.
Radio Station Calls
THEIR PURPOSE
With millions of radio stations furnishing a variety of communica 
tion services throughout the world, it is necessary that their trans 
missions carry distinguishing calls. The latter are known as "call
signs." In the case of broadcast stations, which use letters only, the
term "call letters" is frequently used.
These calls have a threefold purpose. First, they identify the
nationality of the station. Then they identify the type of station.
And, further, they identify the particular station. In some non 
broadcast services in our country, the combination of letters and
numerals also indicates the area in which the station is located.
Since the early days of wireless telegraphy-which started with
marine use-it has been essential that each radio station have a
distinctive call. Under international agreement, the alphabet has,
since 1927, been apportioned among the nations for basic call use.
The United States, for example, is assigned three letter&-N, K, and
W-to serve as initial call letters for the exclusive use of its radio
stations. It also shares the initial letter A with some other countries.
The letter N is assigned largely to the Navy and Coast Guard, while
the letters K, W, and A are assigned to other domestic stations, both
Government and non-Government.
THEIR ASSIGNMENT
The Communications Act makes the Federal Communications
Commission responsible for assigning calls to all radio stations in
this country, with military exceptions. This is done on an individual
station basis except in the case of Government stations, where blocks
of appropriate calls are assigned for their use.
In general, call assignments are made from available call-letter
groups. In other words, each service has a reserve of calls available
for new stations, and assignments are made in the order in which a
station is authorized to operate in its respective service.
162
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 163
BROADCAST CALLS
An exception is the case of program (AM, FM, and TV) broad 
cast stations. Since the start of broadcasting these stations have
had the privilege of requesting particular call letters other than the
initial letter. There has been a preference for letter combinations
embodying initials of names, places, or slogans. Examples are:
KNBC, San Francisco (National Broadcasting Co.); WCBS, New
York (Columbia Broadcasting System); KABC, Los Angeles
(American Broadcasting Co.); WABD, New York (Allen B. Du 
Mont); WNYC, New York (New York City); WGN, Chicago
("World's Greatest Newspaper"); WCFL, Chicago (Chicago Fed 
eration of Labor); WACO (Waco, Tex.); KAGH, Crossett, Ark.
("Keep Arkansas Green Home"); WTOP, Washington ("Top of
the Dial") ; KFDR, Grand Coulee, Wash. (Franklin D. Roosevelt) ;
WMMN, Fairmont, W. Va. (Matthew M. Neely) ; WXGI, Richmond
(ex-GI); WQED, Pittsburgh (initials of Latin phrase applicable to
education).
However, such requests can be accommodated only from letter
combinations not yet assigned. If a new broadcast station makes no
specific request, it is assigned an appropriate call by the Commission.
Since 1946 the Commission has reserved no broadcast call letters on
request prior to the granting of a construction permit.
Broadcast stations in this country are assigned call letters begin 
ning with K or W·. Generally speaking, those beginning with K
are assigned to stations west of the Mississippi River and in the
Territories and possessions, while those beginning with Ware as 
signed broadcast stations east of that river. During radio's infancy,
most of the broadcast stations were in the East. As inland stations
developed, the Mississippi was made the dividing line between K and
W calls. A few existing calls at variance with this system are due
to the fact that their holders received them before the allocation
plan was adopted.
In the early days, broadcast stations could be assigned three-letter
calls. As their number increased, it was necessary-about the time
of World War I-to add a fourth letter. The 4-letter combinations
make about 50,000 assignments possible (if W, K, and N calls are
included).
The advent of FM and TV in 1941 did not mean new call letters
for all such stations. Since many FM and TV stations are operated
by AM licensees in the same place, the general practice has been for
the associated FM or TV station to simply add "-FM" or "-TV," as
the case may be, to the call letters of the AM station. A TV transla-
164 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
tor station call sign contains the initial letter (K or W) followed by
its assigned channel number and two letters assigned in order (not
on request).
AMATEUR CALLS
Four-letter calls were not sufficient to take care of the large
number of amateur radio stations. So a special system of letter and
numeral combinations had to be worked out for the self-styled
"hams."
Treaty limits amateur calls to not more than six symbols. An
amateur call comprises a prefix (beginning with W or K), a digit,
and a suffix. A simple example is WIAA. The prefix (W) indi 
cates the nationality (in this case one within the continental limits
of the United States). The digit (1) indicates location in 1 of the
10 radio districts (in this case New England). The suffix (AA)
identifies the individual station. For outlying areas, the prefix K
followed by another letter is used. Thus, KL7AAF would indicate
an amateur station in Alaska.
Assigument of amateur calls is on a regular basis from yet unused
calls rather than ou " request basis. The Commission's files bulge
with supplications for special calls to match initials, etc. Many
"hams" yearn for two-letter calls, the pride of oldtimers. Though
appreciating their interest, the Commission cannot grant most of
these requests. Its assignment system was designed to be fair to all
amateur and precludes individual favoritism.
Though amateur calls are for the purpose of identifying the station
rather than the operator, the holder likes to regard his call as some 
thing personal. Often it appears on his correspondence, as well as
a marker for his automobile. There is nothing to prevent this
practice, and gravestones even bear cherished calls of amateurs who
have sent their final signoff signal.
EXPERIMENTAL CALLS
Experimental radio stations are generally assigned calls beginning
with the letter K, followed by another letter designating the radio
district, followed by the number 2, followed by the letter X to indi 
cate experimental, followed by a group of not more than two letters
to identify the particular station.
OTHER CALLS
The call signal assignment pattern for other classes of radio sta 
tions can be summarized thus:
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 165
smtion Call
Coastal telegraph (United States and 3 letters.
Alaska).
Coastal telephone:
United States 31etters.
Alaska~3 letters, 2 digits.
Aviation (land) 3 letters, 1 digit.
Fixed 3 letters, 2 digits.
Land (other than aviation and coast) 3 letters, 3 digits.
Mobile telegraph (other than ship and 4 letters, 1 digit.
aircraft).
Mobile telephone (other than ship and 2 letters, 4 digits.
aircraft).
Ship telegraph 4 letters.
Ship telephonc 2 letters, 4 digits.
Aircraft telegraph_ _____________ _______ 5 letters.
Aircraft telephone Plane registration number.
Lifcboat8 and liferafts (telegraph) _______ Call of parent ship or aircraft plus
2 digits.
GEOGRAPHIC PATTERN
The call signs of fixed, land, and radionavigation stations (except
coast stations) indicate their geographic locations as follows:
C£l!$ Loe tion
KAA to KBZ Colomdo, Iowa, J(all$aS, Minnesota, Missouri, Ne-
W AA to WBZ braska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
KCA to KDZ Connecticut, Maine, MassaChusetts, New Hampshire,
WeA to WDZ Rhode hland, and Vermont.
KEA to J(FZ_____ _~ewJersey and New York.
WEA to WFZ
KUA to KBZ Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, and
\\'GA to WHZ Pennsylvania.
KIA to KJZ Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, North Caro-
WIA to \VJZ lina, SOllth Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
KKA to KLZ Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,
WKA to WLZ Oklahoma, and Texas.
KMA toK~Z~California.
WMAtoW~Z
KOA to KPZ Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada" Oregon, Utah,
"'OA to WPZ Washington, and \Vyoming.
KQA to KRZ Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
WQA to WRZ
K8A to KTZ~~_Illinois,Indiana, and Wisconsin.
WSA w \rTZ
Kl'A to KVZ Pacific a.reas.
K\rA toKZZ~AJaska.
WWA t,o WWZ~_Atlantic-Caribbeanareas.
166 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
DISTRESS CALLS
Prior to the turn of the century there was no special radiotelegraph
call for sea emergency. Only pioneer operator simply sent the
letters "HELP" in code. In 1903 Italy suggested "SSSDDD" as
an international radio emergency call. By 1904 a number of ships
<mgaged in the Atlantic trade were equipped with "wireless," as
radio was then known and they recruited land telegraph operators
for sea duty. The latter resorted to the landline general call "CQ,"
meaning "attention all stations." In 1904 the Marconi company
added the letter "D" to signify distress.
Meanwhile, German ships had been using "SOE" and, in 1906, that
country recommended those letters as an international distress call.
However, this combination was deemed unsatisfactory for radio 
telegraphy because the final dot was often obliterated by static or
other interference. The American delegation to an international
conference suggested "NC," which is the call for help in flag
signal.
The end result was that "SOS" came into use in 1906 by interna 
tional agreement, though "CQD" continued to be employed by Brit 
ish ships for some years thereafter. "SOS" does not literally mean
"Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship," as is sometimes claimed, any
more than "CQD" meant "Come Quick, Danger." Such calls are
based upon the speed and clarity with which they can be trans 
mitted by radiotelegraph.
For radiotelephone purposes, the international distress call is the
word "Mayday," which corresponds to a French term meaning
"help me." This was a British proposal approved by an interna 
tional convention in 1927. It has since been used by military as
well as by civilian sea and air craft equipped with radiotelephony.
For obvious reasons, the Communications Act specifically bans
transmission of false distress signals.
Research and Laboratory
TECHNICAL RESEARCH
General
There are a number of engineering problems before the Commis 
sion which apply to all radio services and require study so as to keep
abreast with progress in the art and to provide for new uses of the
radio spectrum insofar as possible. These problems are in various
fields, such as radio wave propagation, uniform technical standards
for the various services, control of interference from electrical and
electronic devices, and study of the interference potential of the
various licensed services.
The Communications Act also requires the Commission to study
new uses for radio and provide for the experimental operation of
new radio devices.
VHF and UHF Propagation Research
As a result of the widespread interest in VHF and UHF television
allocations, much work has been done in obtaining information on
the operation of TV stations in these bands. The industry, through
the Television Allocations Study Organization (TASO) and the
Association of Maximum Serv.ice Telecasters (AMST), assist"d by
the COImnission's field and laboratory organizations, made numerous
engineering surveys and measurements of field strengths of stations
in different parts of the country, and provided material to the Com 
mission from which new information applicable to allocations prob 
lems is being obtained.
Considerable attention is being given to developing improved
systems and standards of measuring the area and grade of service
provided by VHF and UHF stations, and new proposals, such as
"polycasting" and. "multicasting," have been investigated. These
studies have an important bearing on efforts to improve service in
areas where rugged terrain causes "shadows" in coverage.
Field strength recordings were mude of 11 different TV and FM
broadcast stations. Observations and recordings were also made of
British TV stations during months when long-distunce VHF trans 
missions were caused by high sunspot activity.
167
168 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Aillong other topics 'investigated during the year were:
Application of various types of wave polarization to spectrumcon~
servation problems.
Effects of transmitter and receiver antenna heights on TV service.
Interference and service propagation conditions in the gnlf mast
area (TV zone 3).
Interference to 'i'V services by ionospheric scatter stations.
Comparisons of propagation curves proposed by the Central Radio
Propagation Laboratory of the National Bureau of Standards (CRPL)
with standard FCC curves.
AM Broadcast Propagation Research
The alltime high in the number of sunspots during the winter of
1957-58 made it advisable to continue the "sunspot cycle" recording
program beyond the termination date previously planned. The
task of analyzing recordings over a period of time corresponding
to a complete sunspot cycle is well underway.
Research was completed and reported on the suppressIOn per 
formance of directional antenna systems, and on the reliability of
skywave fields.
Government-Industry Cooperation
In order to be informed on the multiude of technical subjects
related to the Commission's work and to cooperate with other
organizations, it is necessary to spend a large. aU10tmt of time par 
ticipating in meetings of the various technical and scientific organiza 
tions of the Government and industry. Those groups include the
Preparatory Committee for the International Hadio Conference, the
International Radio Consultative Committee, the Telecommunica 
tions Planning Committee, the Interdepartmental Council on Radio
Propagation and Standards of the Central Radio Propagation Labo 
ratory, the International Scientific Radio Union, the FCC Radio
Propagation Advisory Committee, the Institute of Hadio Engineers,
the American Institute of Electrical Engineers, the Television Allo 
cations Study Organization, the Anlerican Standards Association,
the Electronic Industries Association, the National Association of
Broadcasters, the Radio Technical Commission for l\Tarine Services,
the R.adio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, and the Air Co 
ordinating Committee.
Equipment Type Acceptance
Type acceptance of transmitters by the Commission is based on its
evaluation of design and measurement data usually furnished by
the manufacturer, but occasionally supplied by the applicant fOl'
license. This information is checked against the techniealspE',cifiea~
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 169
tions of the rule parts for the services in which the transmitter is
intended to be used. Compliance must be shown before type accept 
ance is issued. This procedure encourages use of well designed
equipment which emits signals not containing an excessive amount
of extraneous elnissions which may cause interference to other sta 
tions. Provisions have been made for adequate amortization periods
enabling continued operation of non-type-accepted equipment during
the initial transition to type acceptance requirements.
Type acceptance is one of the Commission's administrative tools
to reduce the possibilities of interference, thus increasing the effi 
ciency of spectrum utilization. This program, in its third year, has
gained industrywide recognition as a means of decreasing the Com 
mission's workload, aiding the processing of applications, and
providing the prospective licensee a reasonable assurance that the
transmitter he proposes to operate conforms with the Commission's
technical standards.
Eight of the Commission's individual rule parts make provisions
for type neceptance of equipment, either as a requisite for licensing,
or as a desirable course of action. Evidencing the g-rowingrecogni~
tion of type aceeptance, during the year over 255 such applieations
were reeeived, compared to 167 in 1957 and 106 in 1956. The major 
ity involved transmitters used in the land or maritime mobileserv~
ices. A list of both type-accepted and type-approved equipmeut is
maintained at the Commission's field offiees and in IVashington,
where it is available for public inspection. Copies may be loaned to
individuals or groups for duplicating purposes.
The following table shows, as of ,Tune 30, 1958, the quantity of
type-aecepted transmitters for the various radio services:
St>rviceT~'peManu-
accepted facturers
Power range Frequency range
--'~-"~~+~-I'~-I-~~---I-------
TV brmvlcast-_ " _
.\ural broad('-a;;t _
Xonbroadcast _
TotaL_
26
243
1,350
1,619
3 0.1 to 100 kw
17 0.1 to liOkw " _
791I.~U.t'1 6.5 kw __
84 0.2w. to lOOkw _
54 to 890 mc.
0.•54 to IDS mc.
1.6 to 12,000 me.
O,M to 12,000 mc.
These aggregate figures are less than the totals for the various
radio services because many transmitters are type accepted for use
in more than one service.
Technical Standards
As part of a continuing program for keeping the technieal stand 
llrds ahreaHt of the current state of the art, Commi&,-;ion work during
the year indllded further studies of tranHul,ittel' and reeeiver per-
4l41;)fJ·:iK---l:~
170 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL CO=CATIONS COMMISSION
formance characteristics, particularly equipment used in the land
mobile and broadcast services.
Investigations were conducted to provide the Commission with
technical information on "subliminal telecasting" or "extrasensory
TV," referred to in the "Broadcast" chapter.
A study was made of the possible use of cross-polarized trans 
missions by TV broadcast stations as a possible method of reducing
interference between stations. Another interference reduction ex 
pedient, precise offset frequency, also received study.
Revised standards specifying spurious emission limitations were
prepared for stations aboard ships. Harmonics and other extra 
neous radiation can cause interference and reduce efficiency of spec 
trum use. Accordingly, recommended standards on spurious emis 
sions were drawn up in connection with the preparatory work for
the 1959 International Radio Conference and the International
Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR).
A summary of the United States TV standards (monochrome and
color) was prepared by the Commission and presented by its repre 
sentatives at a study group meeting of CCIR in Moscow, Russia.
Systems Studies
The study of emission bandwidth continued, with particular ref 
erence to the more complex emissions such as used on microwaves.
Bandwidth is a vital factor in deciding frequency allocation needs
for the various stations and services. More precise methods for
determining bandwidth are sought in order to avoid inadvertent
overlaps or gaps between emissions throughout the spectrum. Re 
sults of these studies were likewise used in preparatory work for
the 1959 Geneva conference.
Frequency stability requirements for the respective classes of
stations received extensive attention. Considered were the need for
spectrum efficiency, economic factors, and thc technical state of the
art regarding frequency control of transmitters. Recommendations
based on these studies were furnished the CCIR and the preparatory
committees for the Geneva conference. This is important in spec 
trum allocations because the space allocated to a station must take
into account the extent of frequency deviatiOli due to instability.
Intermodulation interference to certain VHF ship radiotelephone
channels caused by TV broadcast signals waS studied in cooperation
with the Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services, result 
ing in recommendations as to ways of preventing such interference.
Single Sideband
Considerable time was given to the development of standards
looking toward the early use of single sideband radiotelephone com-
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 171
munication on frequencies below 25 megacycles. Single sideband
radiotelephony, commonly referred to as "SSB," promises spectrum
economy and equipment efficiency. Because of its relative com 
plexity, final adoption requires intricate coordination of standards
and rules affecting the various radio services using the high frequency
spectrum.
Specialized single sideband operation has been experimented with
by broadcast and land mobile stations. The resulting engineering
data have been useful in evaluating the possible advantages of the
system to the various radio services and, particularly, in preparing
standards for use jn the mobjIe service by both Government and
non-Government users. :",'1
Experimental Radio Services
The Experjmental Radjo Servjces js the vehjcle provjded by
the Commjssion to fulfill its obHgation under the Communications
Act to encourage the experimental uses of frequencjes.
Typical of experimental operations are studies of upper atmos 
phere physics. Several of these investigations are to determine the
height of the various reflecting layers in the ionosphere, which infor 
mation js used in making HF propagatjon forecasts. Others jnves 
tigate scatter phenomena-both "forward scatter," which is blossom 
ing as a new mode of long range communicatjon usjng VHF, and
"back scatter," which js finding some use in determjnjng the cover 
age of HF signals at large djstances.
Auroral phenomena and "meteor burst ionjzation" are also bejng
studied experimentally. Meteor burst communication holds pro 
mise of superseding VHF scatter communicatjon. The latter js a
method requiring tremendous amounts of power and supersensitive
recejvers, whereas meteor burst, operating in spurts when favorable
patches of jonization are present, uses relatively low power. Many
of these studies are being ""rrjed on as a part of United States
participation iu the International Geophysical Year,
HF and the VHF propagation characteristics are not the only
aspects of wave propagation under study. One experimental per 
mjttee js jnvestjgating propagation characteristics at 8 kilocycles,
which is a frequency just below the commonly accepted lower bouu 
dary of the radio spectrum. The autenna used for this study js a
section of high voltage powerline several miles in length.
Other authorizations are used to investigate circuit characteristics,
single sideband and narrow band FM techniques and split channel
equipment characteristics. Still others provide communication for
nonradio research projects, like a study of a rocket in flight where
172 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
radio facilities are used to transmit data, such as stress measure 
ments or temperature, to some ground statiou for recording.
The experimental rules also provide for the development of new
radio services, as well as new techniques and applications in existing
services. One permittee is seeking to develop a lightweight low 
power emergency transmitter for use aboard small ships. The Decca
radionavigation system for aircraft is being tested on behalf of the
Airways Modernization Board under an experimental license.
The Commission issues contract developmental authorizations for
evolving new radio equipment for Government agencies. Thus,
many of the important military developments in electronics are
accomplished through FCC-licensed experimentation carried on by
colleges, universities, manufa.ctul'ing concerns, and private labora 
tories.
Another function of the experimental radio services is to provide
short-term authorizations for field-strengthS\1l'y\:~ysand equipment
demonstrations to prospective purchasers of new radio equipment.
The demand for this type of operation has increased approximately
400 percent in a little over 4 years and is still climbing. Experi 
mental applications processed during the year totaled 2,854 as com 
pared with 1,055 in 1952 and authorization increased from 369 to 834-
The biggest problem in administering the experimental services is
finding frequencies which can be used for experimentation without
disrupting any regular radio service. Specific frequencies which
were formerly al10cated exclusively for experimental purposes have
long since been commandeered for important regular radio services.
As a result, experimental operations must be on a shared basis with
various radio services. This has two effects.I~"'irst,the original co 
ordination takes more pj}'ort than was required in the past. Spcond,
it is frequently necessary to check several alternatives when the ap 
plicant's initial proposal t"t.u'ns out to be unworkable. This results in
agreater~effortin t.he processing and coordination of experimental
applications.
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Devices
Connnunication services are not the only occupants of the radio 
frequency spectrnm. Probably the most important of the non 
communication uses is the group of industrial, scientific, and medical
devices, commonly referred to as "181\1" equipment.
The medical devices are chiefly diathermy and the ultrasonic
machines used for therapeutic purposes. Industrial devices include
a wide variety of electronic heaters running the gamut of the radio
frequency spectrum from below 10 kilocycles, llsed for heat treating-·
large gears and automobile crankshafts, t.hrough the VIlF spectrnm
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 173
used for "sewing" plastics and making plywood and furniture, etc.,
to the microwave region now being explored for use in processing
the newer plastics such as "teflon." Other devices include radio
frequency generators for removing superfluous hair (epilators), radio
frequency stabilized arc welders, electronic food-cooking ovens both
for commercial use and for the home, linear accelerators used to
sterilize medical products and to preserve food, and accelerators for
atomic research and production.
These devices all generate and use radio frequency energy. As a
consequence, some of this energy is radiated and some is conducted
into the powerlines. Both the radiated energy and the conducted
energy can cause serious interference to radio communication unless
precautions are taken to limit the amount of energy that leaks out.
Part 18 of the Commission's rules sets up standards to control the
amount of energy that can be radiated or that can be conducted into
the powerline. These rules have been in effect since 1947 and have
been successful iu practically eliminating diathermy interference.
However, while interference from industrial radio frequency heaters
has beeu reduced, it has by no means been eliminated.
There are several reasons why this interference problem is still
acute. First, the use of radio frequency heaters is constantly in 
creasing. It is reported that 80 percent of the plastics industry
depends on this type of heating in one form or another. Secondly,
the receivers used for broadcasting and for communication systems
generally arc becoming more and more sensitive; that is, they are
designed to receive weaker signals than were received some 5 years
ago. Thus, even though the radiation from the radio frequency
heater is reduced, if the receiver sensitivity is increased in propor 
tion, the interfering effect remains the same.
Finally, in the last few years, there have been developed a number
of radio systems in which the signal causes some type of automatic
response. Since no operator is present, these systems are par 
ticularly vulnerable to interfering signals. Typical examples are
radiotelemetering and l'adionavigation systenls.
The ISM regulations provide seven frequencies (the ISM fre 
quencies) and associated tolerances on which unlimited radiation is
permitted. On all other frequencies, radiation is strictly limited.
Control over these devices is exercised in two ways. Medical
diathermy, ultrasonic, and many other equipments that are sold as
a package may be type approved by the Commission after testing at
its laboratory. All other devices subject to part 18 must be cer 
tificated by the user or by the manufacturer. The certification
procedure calls for measurements of radiated field strength. The
174 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Commission is studying this measurement procedure with a view to
simplifying its requirements.
Incidental and Restricted Radiation Devices
Aside from ISM devices, there are many other appliances that
use radio frequency energy and are, therefore, capable of causing
interference. This group includes carrier current communication
systems, such as those used by the power companies for communica 
tion, for telemetering data to the control center, and for control pur 
poses such as tripping circuit breakers. Carrier current techniques
are also used for the distribution of broadcast-type programs within
the environs of many educational institutions.
In this same category are radio controllers for garage doors, wire 
less microphones, and recordplayers, radio baby tenders, and radio
controlled toys. Their variety is limited only by the imagination
and ingenuity of their makers.
Finally, there is the matter of receiver radiation. Most radio
receivers today use the superheterodyne circuit, which means that
at least one oscillator, or radio frequency generator, is built into the
set. TV receivers have, in addition, a radio frequency generator to
produce the horizontal sweep and a radio frequency generator to
produce the vertical sweep. If it is a color TV set, there is also a
color carrier frequency generator. All of these generators are
producing radio frequency energy, a part of which invariably leaks
out of the set and is capable of causing interference.
Since 1938 the Commission has had a set of rules designed to
regulate low-power radiating devices. These rules, however, did
not originally apply directly to receivers. In 1955 regulations were
adopted to limit the permissible radiation from receivers that tune
between 30 and 890 megacycles and to require certification that these
receivers comply with the rules. These rules apply only to new
production. As the older receivers are retired from service, receiver
radiation is expected to dwindle in importance.
At present, however, receiver radiation is a serious problem and
requires strenuous efforts to cope with it. Some of this interference
crops up in unexpected ways. For example, an FCC report on
"Television Broadcast Receiver Harmonic Oscillator Radiation In 
terference" shows 19 locations where a second or third harmonic
radiation from VHF television receivers is capable of causing inter 
ference to UHF reception. To resolve such a case in Milwaukee, the
Commission proposed to shift a station on channel 19 to channel 18
which would have a chain reaction of requiring change of some six
other UHF channels in that area.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 175
LABORATORY
The Commission's laboratory is located near Laurel, Md. There
a small staff tests equipments and communication systems in support
of programs carried on by the Commission.
Type Approval of Equipment
The Commission requires that certain classes of electronic appara 
tus be tested in its laboratory before being marketed for widespread
use. These include shipboard telegraph transmitters, lifeboat trans 
mitters, and automatic alarm receivers which are important for the
protection of life and property at Sea. They are tested from the
standpoint of assuring a maximum reliability of operation under
adverse conditions.
Also tested in the Commission's laboratory are new models of
monitoring equipment used by aural and TV broadcast stations to
see that maximum transmission quality is obtained with minimum
interference to other stations.
Another class of devices given laboratory test comprises those
which perform various functions at some risk of causing interferenc..
to licensed radio and TV services, and where the operator or user may
not be qualified to detect their possible interference. These embrace
medical diathermy and ultrasonic equipment, epilators (hair remov 
ers) , electronic neon signs, marine radars, personalized radio trans 
mitters, electronic cooking ovens, and other items.
Issuance of a certificate of type approval by the Commission
follows the successful test of a prototype of a device. The Commis 
sion and the manufacturer may then dispense with the burden of
testing the many production units, provided that these are made
identical in all respects with the one tested. A summary of type
approval test activity during the year follows:
Class of eq.uipment Number Number
tested approved
Class of equipment Number Number
tested approved
Marine radar _
TV broadcast translator _
TV broadcast IDonitor _
AM broadcast frequency
monitor__ • _
AM broadcast modulatlon
monitor _
7
2
,
2
2 MediC91dlathermy _
1 Medical ultrasonic _
3 Epilator. . _
Noon sign. _
2 Electronic oven for home use_
Citizens radio transmitter _
•
10
5
•
1
6
2
8
•
1
, 1
,
1This approval covers sale of the unit under labels of several manufacturers.
Radio Propagation Mea,surements
The laboratory provides the equipment techniques and calibrates
the field strength recorders that are located in a number of FCC
monitoring stations. In this connection, the laboratory made neces-
176 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
sary modifications and adjustments to 7 recording receivers, and
made calibration tests at 3 monitoring stations.
The laboratory facilities and personnel cooperated with groups
of TASO (industry's Television AlJocations Study Organization)
in surveys of TV service in the Harrisburg, Pa., and Springfield,
Mass., areas.
Development ond Calibration of Field Equipment
Also during fiscal 1958, the laboratory developed 10 artificial an 
tennas for use by the Commission's field enforcement officcs in meas 
uring the output capability of ship telephone transmitters. Study
was also made of the problems of an automatic station identification
system for these transmitters. Four especialJy modified frequency
spectrum analyzers were delivered to the monitoring stations, as were
11 receivers modified for use with the spectrum analyzers. Five field
strength meters and six signal generators were c",librated and re 
turned to field offices and monitoring stations.
Study of New Systems and Devices
Studies were made and observations were conducted of emissions
from three AM broadcast stations experiment",lJy transmitting a
form of single-sideband sign",l.
In view of the interest in implications of subliminal television,
some experimental studies were conducted in seeking to determine
the limits to conscious recognition of a flashing TV word message.
Further experimental laboratory studies of TV cochannel inter 
ference were concerned with the problem of simultaneous interfer 
ence to the desired station by signals from two other TV stations
operating on the same channel.
At the request of the Post Office Department, tests were made of
four devices to help determine whether thcy were improperly sold
through the mails.
Standards Activities
The Commission cooperates with other bodies that are engaged in
the development of industry standards of measurement of technical
quantities, and with the development of international agreements on
standards. During the year, laboratory personnel worked with the
Television Allocations Study Organization, Institute of Radio En 
gineers, American Institute of Electrical Engineers, International
Radio Consultative Committee, International Scientific Radio Union,
and the American Standards Association.
Appendix
FIELD OFFICES
The Commission's field activities are largely of an engineering
nature. Its Field Engineering and Monitoring Bureau maintains
24 district offices supplemented by 5 snboffices, 2 marine offices, and
18 monitoring stations. Its Common Carrier Bureau has three field
offices.
A list of all Commission field installations and their locations
follows:
FIELD ENGINEERING AND MONITORING BUREAU
IJistrjet offi<'!e8
L _
2 _
3 _
4 _
5 _
6 _
7 _
8 _
9 _
10 _
11 _
12 _
13 _
14 _
15 _
16 _
17 _
18 _
19 _
20 _
2L _
22 _
23 _
24 _
AddrC88
1600 Customhouse, Boston 9, Mass.
748 Federal Bldg., New York 14, N. Y.
1005 New U. S. Customhouse, Philadelphia 6, Pa.
400 McCawley Bldg., Baltimore 2, Md.
402 Federal Bldg., Norfolk 10, Va.
718 Atlanta National Bldg., Atlanta 3, Ga.; (suboffice) 214 Post
Office Bldg., Savannah, Ga.
312 Federal Bldg., Miami 1, Fla.; (marine office) 409-410 Post
Office Bldg., Tampa 2, Fla.
608 Federal Bldg.! New Orleans 12, La.; (suboffice) 419 U. S.
Courthouse and Customhouse, M-obile 10, Ala.
324 U. S. Appraisers Bldg., Houston 1I, Tex.; (suboffice) 301 Post
Office Bldg" Beaumont, Tex.
Room 40J, States General Idle Insurance Bldg., Danas 2, Tex.
1425 U. S, Post Office and Courthouse Bldg" Los Angeles 12, Calif.;
(suboffice) 15-C U. S. Custmnhouse, San Diego 1, Calif.; (marine
office) 326 U. S. Post Office and Courthouse, San Pedro, Calif.
323-A Customhouse, San Francisco 26, Calif.
507 U. S. Courthouse, Port.land 5, Oreg.
806 Federal Office Bldg., Seattle 4, 'Vash.
521 New Customhouse, Denver 2, Colo.
208 Uptown PORt Office and Federal Courts Bldg., St. Paul 2, Minn.
3100 Federal Office Bldg., Kansas City 6E, Mo.
826 U. S. Courthouse, Chicago 4, Ill.
1029 New Federal Bldg., Detroit 26, Mich.
328 Post Office Bldg., Buffalo 3, N. Y.
502 Federal Bldg., Honolulu 13, Hawaii.
322-323 Federal Rldg., San Juan 13, P. R.
53 U. S. Post Office and Courthouse Bldg., Anchorage, Alaska:
(suboffice) 6 Shattuck Bldg., Juneau, Alaska,.
Room 106, 718 Jackson Place N"r., 'Vashington 25, D. C.
177
178 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Primary MQnltQring Station
Allegan, Mich.
Grand Island, Nebr.
Kingsville, Tex.
Millis, Mass.
Santa Ana, Oalif.
Laurel, Md.
Livermore, Calif.
Portland, Oreg.
Powder Springs, Ga.
Lanikai, Oahu, Hawaii
Secondary Monitoring Station
Searsport, Maine
Spokane, Wash.
Douglas, Ariz.
Fort LaUderdale, Fla.
Ambrose, Tex.
Chillicothe, Ohio
Anchorage, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
Price
$0. 70
.30
.15
.25
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU
New York, N. Y., 90 Church St.
St. Louis, Mo" 815 Olive St.
San Francisco, Calif., 180 New Montgomery St.
PUBLICATIONS
The Commission's printed publications are available from the
Superintendent of Documents, ·Washington 25, D. C., at nominal cost.
They are not distributed by the Commission.
Included are weekly compilations of Commission decisions; also
copies of rules and regulations governing the different classes of
radio and other services. Each rule part covers a particular service.
On the back page is a form which, when filled out and forwarded to
the Comniission, entitles the purchaser to receive any subsequent
changes to the part or parts purchased until a complete revision is
printed.
A list of these printed publications follows:
Titk
Communications Act of 1934, with amendments and index, revised to May
1, 1954 •
w
_
Packet No.2, l'emed pages from May 1954 to September 1955 _
Packet No.3, revised pages from September 1955 to February 1956__
Packet No.4, revised pages from February 1956 to December 1956__
Federal Communications Commission reports (bound volumes of decisions
and reports exclusive of annual reports):
Vol. 5, Nov. 16, 1937, to June 30,1938__ • .___ 1. 50
Vol. 6, July 1, 1938, to Feb. 28, 1939_____________________________ 1. 50
Vol. 11, July 1, 1945, to June 30,1947 • __ 3.75
Vol. 12, July 1,1947, to June 30,1948 3.50
Vol. 13, July I, 1948, to June 80
1
1949 4.25
Vol. 14, July 1, 1949, to June 30,1950 '- 4. 75
Vol. 22, pamphlets of selected decisions and reports, Jan. 1, 1957, to
June 30, 1957 (I)
Vol. 23, pamphlets of selected decisions and reports, July 1, 1957 to
Dec. 31, 1957 (I)
Vol. 24, pamphlets of selected decisions and reports, Jan. 1, 1958, to
Juue 30, 1958_ _________ __________ ____ _ ________ (I)
Vol. 25, pamphlets of selected decisions and reports, July 1, 1958 to
----------------------------------------------------------~)
I Annual subscription price of the weekly pamphlets is $6. with $2.76 additional for foreign mailing. A
:small supply of individual pamphlets will be available on a first-come-llrst-served basis. The price will
vary according to the number of pages but the average price wlll be 15 cents. Subscriptions cannot be
backdated to Include back Issues and back Issues will not be stocked for sale as sucb.
REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Title
Code of FCC regulations as published in Federal Register, 1958 edition:
Pts. 1 to 29 .
Pls. 30 to end .
Annual reports of the Commission:
17th Annual Report-fiscal year 195L _
18th Annual Report-fiscal year 1952 _
19th Annual Report-fiscal year 1953 _
22d Annual Report-fiscal year 1956 _
23d Annual Report-fiscal year 1957 _
24th Annual Report-fiscal year 1958 _
(Reports for years unlisted are out of print and unavailable.)
Statistics of the communications industry:
For the year 1943 _
For the year 1945 _
For the year 1946 _
For the year 1947 _
For the year 1948, sees. A and B _
For the year 1950, common carrier only _
For the year 1951, common carrier only _
For the year 1952, common carrier only _
For the year 1953, common carrier only _
For the year 1954, common- ea:rrieronly _
For the year 1955, common carrier only _
For the year 1956, common carrier only _
Public Service Responsibility of Broadcast Licensees (Blue Book), 1946__
Study Guide and Reference Material for Commercial Radio Operator
Examinations, May 1955 edition _
Network Broadcasting Report, Committee on Interstate and Foreign
Commerce, 85th Cong., 2d sess., H. Rept. No. 1297, Jan. 27,1958 (FCC
Staff J'etwork Study Report) _ _ _..
Rules and regulations:
Pt. 0, Organization, Delegations of Authority, etc., October 1954 edi-
tion _
Pt. 1, Practice and Procedure, February 1958 edition _
Pt. 2, Frequency Allocations and Radio Treaty Matters; General
Rules and Regulations, July 1957 edition. Lists frequency alloca
tions by services, and international treaties and other agreements
relating to radio _
Pt. 3, Radio Broadcast Services, January 1956 edition:
Covers major broadcast services; includes engineering standards,
also TV allocation table _
Fig. M-3, Estimated AM Ground Conductivity of the United
States (set of 2 maps) _
Broadcast engineering charts, graphs, and figures from Pt. 3_
Pt. 4, Experimental and Auxiliary Broadcast Services June 1955 edi-
tion _
Pt. 5, Experimental Radio Services, March 1953 edition _
Pt. 6, International Fixed Publio Radiooommunioation Servioes, De-
cember 1956 edition~_
Pt. 7, Stations on Land in the Maritime Services, December 1957 edi-
tion _
2 In the process of printing; B.vB.llable at SuperIntendent of Documents at a later date.
179
Price
$7.50
4.75
.40
.40
.50
.50
.50
('J
.35
.50
.55
.75
1. 00
.50
.40
.50
.50
.50
.50
.50
.40
.75
2.00
.15
.25
.25
1. 50
3. 50
1. 00
.15
.10
.05
.25
180 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Tille
Rules and regulations-Continued
Pt. 8, Stations on Shipboard in the~Iaritin1eServices, December 1957
edition _
Pt. 9, Aviation Services, December 1955 editioll _
Pt. 10, Public Safety Radio Services, December 1957 editioll _
Pt. 11, Industrial Radio Services, August 1956 editioll _
Pt. 12, Amateur Radio Service, September 1956 editioll _
Pt. 13, Commercial Radio Operators, December 1954 editiou _
Pt. 14, Public Fixed Stations and Stations of the Maritime Services
in Alaska, December 1957 editioll _
Pt. 15, Incidental and Restricted Radiation Devices, August 1957
edition _
Pt. 16, Land TntllSportaUon Radio Services, September 1955 edition_
Pt. 17, Construction, Marking, and Lighting of Antenna Structures,
June 1953 editioD _
Pt. 18, Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Service, November 1957
editioll _
Pt. 19, Citizens Radio Service, September 1958 editioll _
Pt. 20, Disaster Communications Service, September 1955 editioll _
Pt. 21, Domestic Public Radio Services, September 1956 editioIl _
Pt. 31, Uniform System of Accounts for Class A and Class B Tele-
phone Companies, January 1957 editioll _
Part. 33, Uniform System of Accounts for Class C Telephone Com-
panies, May 1948 edition _
Pt. 34, Uniform System of Accounts for Radiotelegraph Carriers, Oc-
tober 1949 editioIl _
Pt. 35, Uniform System of Accounts for Wire Telegraph and Oeean-
Cable Carriers, October 1949 editioll _
Pt. 41, Telegraph and Telephone Franks, December 1947 editioll _
Pt. 43, Reports of the Communication Common Carriers and Certain
Affiliates, September 1953 editioll _
Pt. 45, Preservation of Records of Telephone Carriers, October 1950
edition~_
Pt. 46, Preservation of Records of Wire Telegraph, Ocean-Cable, and
Radiotelegraph Carriers, October 1950 edition _
Pt. 51, Occupational Classification and Compensation of Employees
of Class A and Cltiss B Telephone Companies, October 1951 edition_
Pt. 52, Classification of Wire-Telegraph Employees, July 1944 edition_
Pt. 61, Tariffs, Rules Governing the Construction, Filing and Posting
of Schedules of Charges for Interstate and Foreign Communications
Service, August 1946 edition__~':'----------------------
Pt. 02, Applications to Hold Interlocking Directorates, April 1957
edition~_
Pt. 63, Extension of Lines and Discontinuance of Service by Carriers,
October 1957 edition~__
Pt. 64, Miscellaneous Rules Relating to Common Carriers, July 1948
editioll _
Pt. 66, Applications Relating to Consolidation, Acquisition, or Con-
trol of Telephone Companies, January 1957cdition~_
3Out of print.
~'l'emporarily available. without cbarge, from tlle Commission.
Priu
$0. 35
· lO
.15
.20
.15
.15
.10
.05
.10
.05
.10
· lO
.05
.20
.25
(3)
.20
.25
.05
.05
· 10
.10
.05
(')
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REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 181
The Commission has available various nonprinted information
material concerning its fields of activity. Though none of these can
be supplied in quantity, a single copy may be obtained upon individ 
ual request to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission,
Washington 25, D. C.
It is unable to furnish lists of radio stations but, upon request,
will supply a fact sheet about commercial sources of such lists, also
OUf> on communications publications and services.
PAST AND PRESENT COMMISSIONERS
Following is a list of past and present members of the Federal
Communieations Commission; their terms of service as Commissioners
and Chairmen; and their politieal affiliations and States of legal
residence when appointed'
Commi&.dcmers PoUlica State Terms ofIfeTtJ!ce
*Eugene O. Sykes_________ Dem__
Miss_____
July 11,1934-Apr. 5, 1939
Chairmnfi___________
---------
July 11,1934-Mar.
8, 1935
*Thad H.
BrowIL _________
Hep __
Ohio_____
July 11, 1934-Junc 30, 1940
Paul A. \Vnlker __________
DcnL_ Okla....• July
11, 1934-June 30,1953
Acting Chairman_____
---------
Nov. 3,1947-Dcc. 28, 1947
Chl1irman ___________
---------
Feb. 28,19b2-Apr. 17,1953
Norman S.
Casc__________
Rep __
It.
L ____
J Illy 11,1934-Jnne 30,1945
Irvin Stewart ____________
Dcm__
Tex~_____
July 11,1934-Junc 30, 1937
*Georgc Henry
Payne______
Rep __
N.
y.oo __
July 11, 1934-.Jnne 30, 1943
*Hampson Gary Dem__
Tex._., ___
July 11,1934-Jan. 1,1935
'" Anning S.
l'nill_ Dcnl_ N. Yoo __ . Jan.
17,1935--July 23, 19:17
Chairman ____
---~-----
Mar. 9, 193o-,luly 23, 1937
T. A. M.
Craven _____ Dcm__
D. C _____
Aug. '25,1937-Junc
30, 1944
*Frank R
Mc1\inch ___
DCllL_ X. Coo __ . Oct. 1,1937-Al1g.
:~1,1939
Chnirmllll ___________
---------
Oct. 1, 1937-Aug. :J1,1939
*Frederick 1. Thompson____ Dern Ala Apr.
13,1939-Julle 30,1941
James La,vrence Fly __ DCIll_ Tcx____ Sept.
1,1939--:'\ov. 13, I Y44
Chf\irmnn _____
--------
Bert. 1,1939-Kov. 13,1944
*RilY C.
WakefiiJd ____ Hcp __
C"liL Mar. 22, 1941-,June 30,1947
Clifford .r.
Durl" __________
DeIlL_ Ala '\"o\". 1,1(;)401-,Jl1no
:30,1948
E"-fll K.
.rctt __ Iud_
Md .. Feb. 15, 1944-Drc. 31,1947
Interim ChairrnaIL ___ Nov.
16, 1944-Dec. 20, J944
Panl A.
Porter____. ______
Dem
Ky____
Dec. 21. 1944-Feb. 2,1), 194-f)
Chairman ___________
Dec. 21, 19H-Feb. 25, 1946
Charles R.
Denny ________
DCIlL_ D. C Mar. 30, 194[}---Oct.
31,1947
Acting Chairlnan _____ Feb.
2G, 1946-Dec. 3, 1946
Ch.(l.irnl~HL____De{~.
4, \ 94n-Oct. 3\,1947
*Willian H. Wills Rcp __ Vt,Jul~':2:3, 194,1)-- Mnr.
ti, 194ti
Rosel II. Hyde___
Rpp __
Idaho_ ApJ'. 17\1940..
Chairman ___
Apr. IS, 1953-Apr. j8,1954
Actillg C1111innall. Apr. 19, 19,r'.i4-0l't.
3, 10S4
Edward M. WcbstCL __ Ind D.
C __
Apr. 10,1947~.Jull()30, 19M)
Robert F ..Jones ___ Rq)_ ObitL S(;pt.
5, 1947-:t pt. 19,1952
"Deceased.
182 REPORT OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
CommiBlfiooerll Politic, StaU TermIJ of 8etTJke
*VVayne Coy______________
Dem__
Ind______
Dec. 29,1947-Feb. 21,1952
Chairman ___________
---------
Dec. 29,1947-Feb. 21, 1952
George E. StLrling________ Rep __ Maine___
Jan. 2, 1948-Scpt. 30, 1954
Frieda B. Rennock_______ DeIO__
N. Y _____
July 6, 1948-June 30,1955
Robert T. Bartley ________ Dem__
Tex______
Mar. 6, 1952-
Eugene H. MerrilL _______ Dem__ Utah_____
Oct. 6, 1952-Apr. 14,1953
John C. DoerfeL _________ Rep __ Wis______
Apr. 15, 1953-
Chairman___________
---------
July 1,1957-
Robut E. Lee____________
Rep __
IlL______
Oct. 6, 1953-
George C. McConnaughey_ Rep __
Ohio_____
Oct. 4, 1954-Junc 30. 1957
Chairman___________
---------
Oct. 4, 1954-June 30, 1957
Richard A. Mack_________ D€m__
Fla______
July 7,1955-Mar. 3, 1958
T. A. M. Craven_________
DenL_
Va_______
July 2, 1956-
Frederick W. Ford________ Rep __ W. Va___
Aug. 29, 1957-
John S. Cross____________ Dent__
Ala______
May 23, 1958-
-Deeeased.
0