Travelers Information Radio Stations
Travelers Information Station
917
New class of radio station called Travelers Information Station
established, to operate on frequencies 530 and 1610 kHz. Stations
will be non-commercial, localized near air, train and bus terminals,
public parks. highway interchanges, bridges, tunnels, etc. They
will use low power transmitters feeding "leaky" cable or conven 
tional vertical antenna systems. Signal coverage confined to 3 km.
F.C.C. 77-414
BEFORE THE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of
Amendment of Parts 2 and 89 of the Rules Docket No. 20509
to Provide for the Use of Frequencies 530,
1606, and 1612 kHz by Stations in the Local
Government Radio Services for the
Transmission of Certain Kinds of
Information to the Traveling Public
Amendment of Parts 2 and 73 of the Rules RM 2704
to provide for Use of Frequencies 530, 1606,
1612 kHz by Community Access Non-
commercial Stations for Locally·Produced
Public Affairs, Musical, Dramatic and
Cultural Programming
REPORT AND ORDER
(Proceeding Terminated)
(Adopted: June 10, 1977; Released: June 20, 1977)
By THE COMMISSION: COMMISSIONER HOOKS DISSENTING; COMMIS 
SIONER QUELLO DISSENTING AND ISSUING A STATEMENT; COM 
MISSIONERS WASHBURN, FOGARTY AND WHITE CONCURRING IN
THE RESULT.
1. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Docket N 0_ 20509 was
adopted by the Commissi0t:l June 4,1975.
1
In that Notice, the Commis 
sion proposed regulations which would establish a new category of
station to be called a "Travelers Information Station" (TIS) to operate
on 530 kHz, 1606 kHz and 1612 kHz. For reasons given herein, the two
frequencies 1606 kHz and 1612 kHz are being deleted and replaced
with a single frequency 1610 kHz. Accordingly, the frequencies 530 and
1610 kHz are being allocated in this proceeding for the proposed use.
The rules adopted herein will establish an efficient means of communi 
cating certain kinds of information to travelers over low power radio
transmitters licensed to Local Government entities. No commercial
operation of these stations is intended or permitted.
140 FR 25601. June 17, 1975.
67 F.C.C. 2d
918 Federal Communications Commission Reports
2. Interested persons were invited to file comments by August 18,
1975, and reply comments by September 5, 1975. Pursuant to motions
filed by Halstead Communications, the National Association of Broad 
casters and the United States Department of Transportation, the pe 
riod for filing comments was subsequently extended to October 17,
1975, and for filing reply comments to November 18, 1975. In response
to a motion by Halstead Communications, Inc., the periods for filing
comments and replies were further extended to October 31, 1975, and
December 1, 1975, respectively. Parties filing comments in this pro 
ceeding are listed in Appendix A. For convenience, they are arranged
into the following six groups: (1) broadcasting industry, (2) local/state
government agencies, (3) business associations, (4) equipment manufac 
turers, (5) travel/recreation industry, and (6) individuals.
3. Of approximately 140 comments received, about 50 percent op 
pose and 50 percent support the proposed rules. Supporting the pro 
posal were localfstate governments, various business associations,
equipment manufacturers, travel/recreation industry, and various pri 
vate individuals. Opposition was primarily from the broadcasting in 
dustry.
BROADCAST INDUSTRY COMMENTS
4. Strong opposition to the proposal was expressed through com 
ments received from individual radio stations and associations repre 
senting broadcast interests. Their principal arguments are that the
proposed radio service (a) would duplicate information carried over
existing broadcast stations, (b) would have an adverse economic impact
upon broadcasters, (c) would be a waste of tax revenues, (d) has no
established need, and (e) is legally questionable.
Duplication of broadcasting service
5. It is asserted by broadcasters that Travelers Information Sta 
tions will only duplicate information now carried on all broadcast radio
stations; that comprehensive weather reports, reports of traffic condi 
tions, names of gasoline stations, restaurants, and lodging conveyed
through advertising, and other pertinent traveler's information are
presently being broadcast to the public by commercial radio stations;
that, in exchange for the placement of their call signs on state highway
signs, certain radio stations broadcast all pertinent information to trav 
elers on a periodic schedule; that information in the form of road maps,
road signs, billboards, yellow pages, directories forlo~ging,service
stations, etc. is available to any traveler; and that there 1S no nee,d for
the proposed service which would be duplicative of presently aVallable
sources of traveler's information.
6, It is noted that commercial AM broadcast stations are intended to
serve the communities to which they are assigned and, depending on
the class of station, outlying areas as well. For example,
Class I stations operating with powers not less than 10 kw and not
greater than 50 kw on clear channels are designed to render primary
and secondary service over extended areas and at relatively long dis 
tances. Programming on commercial stations for the most part consists
of music news weather forecasts, traffic bulletins generally during
peakco~mutingtime periods, and other announcements of interest.to
listeners anywhere within the station's coverage area. In contrast, lll-
67 F.C.C. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 919
tended programming on Travelers Information Stations would nor 
mally consist of a continuously repetitive voice message of short dura 
tion containing specific information pertinent only to travelers within
a very limited reception area. Experimental stations such as presently
operating at the Los Angeles International Airport, exemplify the ser 
vice a TIS station would provide. Tape-recorded advisories. inter 
spersed with "live" bulletins, concerning specific airline tenninal loca 
tions and their nearest parking lots; alerts when traffic is congested;
estimated time of delay; etc., are transmitted continuously from 7 A.M.
to 11 P.M. on 530 kHz to motorists. The station utilizes a terminated
"leaky" cable antenna positioned in the center median of the approach
road and along major roads within the terminal area. Due to the cable's
non-propagating characteristic, the signal is confined to a distance of
approximately 40 meters radial to the cable.
7. Consequently. because commercial broadcast stations serve not
only travelers, but the public in general over a large geographical area,
it is not realistically expected or even feasible that broadcast stations
provide continuous local infonnation of interest only to travelers at
specific locations (e.g., a highway intersection, an airport entrance and
parking facility. a county park, etc.) within their general area of cover 
age. As the broadcasters allege, it is conceivable that a TIS might
duplicate some information commercially broadcast. Likewise, a broad 
cast station might duplicate some information a TIS might transmit.
This point is illustrated in separate comments submitted by the Cali 
fornia Public-Safety Radio Association. Inc., RTV management, and
Locrad, Inc. In a traffic alert system, they contend, both services,
broadcast and TIS. should complement each other for greater effec 
tiveness. Using the Los Angeles airport experimental station again as
an example of this proposed radio service, information regarding un 
usual traffic jams leading to the airport is broadcast periodically by
commercial broadcasters over the entire Los Angeles area and specific
directions to expedite the movement of traffic in the immediate vicin 
ity of the airport is transmitted by the airport's experimental station.
8. It therefore would appear to be beneficial to the traveling public
if, at times, related information, even though occasionally duplicative,
were to be transmitted locally via TIS and area-wide by commercial
broadcasters.· However, it should be clearly understood that it is not
the intent that TIS facilities duplicate,information now available on
area-wide, commercial broadcast stations. In fact, we feel the amount
of duplication will be insignificant.
EconO'mic injury to broadcasti11{}
9. In comments representing broadcast interests it is alleged that
the proposed Travelers Information Stations would adversely impact
the economic standing of all broadcast stations. It is contended that a
loss of listenership from broadcast to TIS would compel every broad 
caster to reduce his advertising rate structure. Further to this point,
certain advertisers now using commercial radio (Le., motel/hotel own 
ers, gasoline stations, restaurants, and others) will switch to TIS~ur­
ther contributing to a decline in revenue for each broadcast station.
This loss of revenue, they claim, will lead to irreparable f"mancial in 
jury. As a consequence, each broadcaster would, of necessity, have to
67 F.C.C. 2d
920 Federa! Communications Commission Reports
curtail unprofitable public service programming (i.e., announcements,
traffic conditions, weather reports, etc.), thus impairing his ability to
serve the public. Since economic injury is probable, any broadcast li 
censee, it is claimed, may invoke Section 309(d) and have standing
based on economic injury and file petitions to deny applications.
10. Due to the distinct nature and limited coverage of TIS transmis 
sions, several parties filing reply comments believe the broadcasters'
principal concern that TIS would have an adverse economic impact
upon their operations is misplaced. Because proposed programming is
non-entertainment, extended listening under normal circumstances
would not occur. Further, for motorists, listening time is restricted to
the time in which the vehicle remains within the limited coverage area
provided by low-powered TIS transmitters.
11. The carriage of names of commercial establishments as permit 
ted under proposed Section 89.102(c)(2) is construed by broadcasters to
be a form of advertising. It is alleged that particular gasoline stations,
motels, restaurants, etc. might drop their present purchase of time on
commercial stations in favor of "free" carriage on a highway Travelers
Information Station. Consequently, the recommendation, suggested by
the Booth American Company, to not specifically identify by name a
commercial business offering food, lodging, gasoline, etc. is being
adopted in response to the allegation that TIS would be competitive to
commercial broadcast stations. However, a message specifying the lo 
cation of such establishments will be permitted. An example of such a
message might be- "At exit 10 you will rmd lodging, gasoline and food
services available."
Wasle of tax revenues
12. Several parties allege the proposal would necessitate the expen 
diture of scarce tax revenues contributing to increasing deficit spend 
ing. Frank McLavrin, Vice-President and General Manager of KSRO,
Santa Rosa, California claims it would cost about 300 million dollars to
provide TIS service in the Los Angeles county along 550 miles of
freeway. The Maryland-District of Columbia-Delaware Broadcasters
Association additionally argues that the cost of TIS would be prohibi 
tive_ It claims a cost of $60 million to equip the 30,000 miles of inter 
state highway.
13. Responding to the argument that the implementation of TIS will
consume many tax revenues, Locard, Inc. claims the "cost of any TIS
system would be subject to budget review based on the need. Unless
there is a need· in the public interest it is safe to assume that a TIS
system will not be installed." In reply comments submitted by the
Associated Public Safety Communications Officers, Inc. (APCO) it is
pointed out that the rules governing the Public Safety Radio Services
provide for many communications techniques which are not generally
cost effective. The controlling factor is whether the technique in ques 
tion can be a useful tool in improving public safety. Further to this
point, APCO states that the Commission has previouslyautho~ed
various communications technologies (e.g., automatic vehicle locabon
systems) realizing that they may not be widely used. However, such
communications devices were authorized because the Commission rec 
oguized that they could make a significant public safety contribution in
67 F.C.C. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 921
certain cases. Therefore, we are not swayed by the comments that TIS
will take too large a slice out of governmental budgets. Such judg 
ments are best left to local jurisdictions.
Need for TIS
14. Various parties representing broadcast interests contend there
has been no demonstrated need for the proposed stations. Several
broadcasters indicate that no request to expand present broadcasts for
infonnation pertinent to travelers. has been made through their ascer 
tainment surveys and interviews. The California Broadcasters Associ 
ation contends that the FCC must establish that a need exists for the
radio service because of the economic impact it would have on the
present broadcast system. Continuing this argument, it states, "absent
findings and evidence to sustain a need for the new service, the Com 
mission is precluded as a matter of law from alleging that this new
service is in the public interest." The Indiana Broadcasters Association
echoes this sentiment, stating "the Commission has not cited any un 
fulfilled public need for the proposed service nor any need which out 
weighs the serious and detrimental effect which the Commission's pro 
posal would have on the nation."
15. The allegation by broadcasting interests is not compelling. The
Commission is of the opinion that an established need for this service
has been demonstrated through the submitted comments in this pro 
ceeding and by experience with existing experimental stations. In op 
eration since 1972 for control of automobile traffic, the experimental
station at the Los Angeles International Airport has successfully ex 
panded arterial capacity by reducing the traffic congestion through the
transmission of traffic advisories, according to the airport's General
Manager. Constantly updated, these radio transmissions provide imme 
diate information to incoming automobile traffic. Several users of the
airport's TIS conIlrIIled the station's utility. Another experimental
TIS, licensed to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission in
Philadelphia, Pa., is being used on a bridge leading to an expressway to
convey traffic advisory and emergency information concerning condi 
tions on the expressway to approaching motorists on the westbound
lanes of the bridge. As this system just recently became operational,
no infonnation regarding its perfonnance is available. In Wyoming, the
state highway department is presently installing in the vicinity of an
interstate exchange aradio advisory system to be operated under Part
15 of the FCC's rules. This system will transmit road conditions, travel
restrictions, and weather forecasts to motorists. From the many poten 
tial applications of travelers information stations discussed in other
comments, it is apparent that a definite desire and need exist for this
service.
16. In supporting the proposed rules, various parties indicated that
stations of this nature will serve the public interest and convenience.
Individual local police and transportation departments stated that TIS
will provide a more viable alternative for controlling traffic, as road
signs are necessarily restrictive in message length and usually not
visible during inclement weather. About fIfty comments submitted
from various local government civil defense, disaster planning and con 
trol, highway, conservation, and park agencies indicate a definite de 
sire and need for a traveler's infonnation radio service to augment
67 F.C.C. 2d
922 Federal Communications Commission Reports
their present means of conveying information to the traveling public.
It is apparent that many of those commenting would use this service
to transmit travel related emergency messages concerning natural di 
sasters (e.g., forest fires, floods, etc.), traffic accidents and hazards, and
related bulletins affecting the immediate welfare of citizens. There 
fore, we believe that a definite need and public interest for TIS has
been documented in this proceeding.
17. Several parties stated that the rules applicahle to TIS contain no
provision for giving notice of the filing of applications and that there 
fore they are violative of Section 309 of the Communications Act. 2
That section, however, requires public notice and a thirty-day waiting
period only in the case of applications in certain services, listed in
§ 309(b). TIS's do not fall into any of those categories. Although
§ 309(b)(2)(g) permits the Commission to impose these requirements
on other, nonlisted services, we see no need for doing so in this case
since TIS's will be licensed only on a secondary, non-interference basis
and they win be permitted to provide only a very limited and special 
ized range of services.
Permitted message content
18. Many comments emphasize that the proposal is unclear regard 
ing what message content would be permitted for transmission over
TIS facilities. Comments representing broadcasting interests fear that
the content of "official notices and related communications" might con 
ceivably be used as a platfonn by civil officials and/or politicians. NBC
predicts that news would eventually be transmitted under this clause,
providing further competition to commercial broadcasting.
19. The Maryland-District of Columbia-Delaware Broadcasters As 
sociation states that the "proposal to permit the transmission of 'offi 
cial notices and related communications' is the most disturbing of all
suggested functions," and say "the proposal is fraught with the danger
of abuse by local incumbent politicians, who would be attracted by the
potential of using such a medium for unrestrained propaganda." NAB
asks "what will limit this service to not being an outlet for political
interests and disguised commercials," and argues that "stricter guide 
lines are needed on the programming service." Further to this point,
Mid America Media raises the following questions-
"Is such information to be limited to the name, address, and type of facility. or may
the message include information such as the number of beds, recreational facilities,
and prices of motels and hotels? Also, it.isap~ntthat local. authorit!es :will be
required to pick and choose among potential sel"Vlces to be mentioned. Willdisgrun~
tIed businesses not included in the station's message have some right to raise the
question of fairness and discrimination before theCo~ssion'?Whati~to 'prevent
this proposed service from being used to reward politIcal and econOIIllc friends of
local admini.strations and to punish their adversaries'? These questions strongly
suggest that the Commission is creating for itself the same regulatory quagmire it
found itself in when confronted with the "public access" theory of the Fairness
Doctrine."
20. From the majority of submitted comments it is apparent that
there is a lack of understanding regarding what information mayor
may not be transmitted over TIS's. Consequently we have revised the
:;: NAB and the Iowa Broadcasters AssOciation apparently asswne that the notice provisions of
Section 1.962 of the Rules, which implements § 309 with respect to applieations in the Safety and
Special Radio Services, will apply, but feel that they are inadequate.
67 F.C.C- 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 923
l
definition of a Travelers Information Station in Section 89.3(a) by
deleting the phrase "official notices and related communications" to
preclude the possible transmission of an unwarranted message. More 
over, in Section 89.102(c)(2), a restriction prohibiting the identification
of the commercial name of any business establishment is included in
response to broadcasters' comments to insure that Travelers Informa 
tion Stations not be competitive to commercial broadcast operations.
However, we are permitting the trade name identification of carners
at air, train, and bus terminals to facilitate announcements concerning
particular departures andlor arrivals and parking areas. For other lo 
cations, general announcements of the availability and location of ser 
vices for the traveling public will be pennitted.
Eligibility requirements
21. As proposed, Section 89.251 of the Commission's Rules would
restrict the eligibility of applicants for Travelers Information Stations
to territories, possessions, states, other governmental subdivisions in 
cluding counties, cities, towns and similar governmental entities includ 
ing districts and authorities. This rule specifically excludes park au 
thorities from obtaining a license. Consequently, several park
authorities commented that it would be more expedient and logical if
they, who would be responsible for the TIS, were to apply for and hold
the license. Others who view the proposal as a means by which to
establish a new business would have the eligibility rule expanded to
include private entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce. non-tax sup 
ported institutions and agencies, and non-profit regional or area tourist
promotion and development agencies. E. F. Johnson Company argues
that "'this broadening of eligibility would give manufacturers more of
an incentive to commit the necessary large amounts of capital required
for the research, development and production of equipment."
22. The Commission is of the opinion that this radio service, as pro 
posed, should be non-commercial and restricted to local governments
so that it does not evolve into a "quasi broadcasting" service. As in 
tended, TIS is to be a source of localized information pertinent only to
the traveler in the immediate proximity of the station. An expansion of
Section 89.251 to include local and state government park authorities
as licensees seems appropriate. However, further expansion of eligibil 
ity is being denied.
Permissible locations
23. As discussed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, in providing
for the establishment of these stations, it is the Commission's purpose
to provide for the communication of certain kinds of information that
will principally serve the traveling public. Moreover, as previously dis 
cussed, these stations are intended to serve the traveler in the imme 
diate vicinity of the station. To ·accomplish these objectives, we are
restricting the transmitting sites of each station to a location within an
area that would be mainly frequented by travelers. These areas. as
specified in Section 89.102(c)(l)(iv). shall be air. train, and bus tenni 
nals, public parks and historical sites, interstate highway interchanges,
bridges, and tunnels. Furthermore, in instituting this rule we are spe 
cifically precluding an applicant from setting up a "network," or "rib-
67 F.C.C. 2d
924 Federal Cornrnunications Commission Reports
bon" of transmitting stations along a highway for the purpose of con 
tinuously attracting a motorist with what could be superfluous
information.
Electromagnetic interference
24. Several parties state that TIS's would cause electromagnetic in 
terference to broadcast stations within their service areas and that
permitting such interference would be a modification of the licenses of
the broadcast stations. They further state tbat Section 316 of the Com 
munications Act requires a hearing before any such modification can
be made. The new rules provide, however, that TIS's will be licensed
only on a secondary basis. that is, they can operate only so long as they
do not cause harmful interference to primary stations (which include
AM broadcast stations). See § 2.106(g)(3) of the Rules. The new subsec 
tion 89.102(l)(iii) emphasizes the secondary status that TIS's will have
and the fact that the station authorizations can be suspended, modified,
or withdrawn at any time to resolve interference conflicts. To prevent
interference conflicts from arising, the proposed 1606 kHz allocation
has been deleted because of the harmful sideband interference that
may have resulted from such stations to broadcast stations operating
on 1600 kHz. Also. a number of restrictions are being imposed (in
§ 89.102(c)(3) ) on TIS applicants. The applicant must certify that the
transmitting site will be at least 15 kilometers from the daytime pro 
tected contour of any broadcast station operating on an adjacent chan 
nel (Le., 540 kHz or 1600 kHz). Since the range of TIS is expected to
he considerably less than 15 kilometers. no harmful interference should
result to the broadcast station within its protected contour. With re 
gard to the second and third adjacent frequencies (Le., 550 kHz, 560
kHz, 1580 kHz. and 1590 kHz) no specific separations are being re 
quired since any harmful interference is de minimis. However,
§ 89.102(c)(3) does require that an applicant for a TIS license certify
that he has considered possible interference effects on broadcast sta 
tions operating on these frequencies and that, to the best of his knowl 
edge, he does not foresee any harmful interference.
25. To further limit the potential to cause interference, each Travel 
ers Information Station will be limited to a coverage zone, as further
discussed in paragraphs 30-32. not to exceed 3 km (Le., for cable.
maximum length: 3 km; for vertical monopole: 1.5 kIn radius. or 3 km
diameter) by restricting the field strength. We are of the opinion that,
'Considering the likelihood of interference to broadcast stations, these
steps should prevent interference situations from developing without
unduly burdening TIS applicants. If interference does nevertbeless
arise the secondary status of the TIS means that it will be required to
go ofr the air at once. Therefore, no broadcast licensee will be required
to suffer harmful interference, and no modification of a broadcast li 
cense will occur. Consequently the application for a TIS license will not
give rise to a right of a hearing under Section 316, before it can be
granted.
Frequency assignment
26. Recommendations to use frequencies other than those proposed
were submitted by several parties. These are-
67 F.C.C. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 925
- use of SeA subcarrier on commercial FM broadcast stations
- allocation of one or two receive":only channels in the Citizens
Radio Service
- shared use of 162.40 and 162.55 MHz, channels now used by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (N.O.A.A.) to
transmit weather advisories.
In addition, Motorola urges a reconsideration of proposed assignments
1606 and 1612 kHz. It states that "future automobile radio designs will
incorporate frequency synthesizers. Because the AM table of fre 
quency assignments is predicated on 10 kHz spacing, the proposed
frequencies 1606 and 1612 kHz will be incompatible with the emerging
frequency synthesizer technology." Consequently, Motorola recom 
mends the adoption of 530, 1610, and 1620 kHz.
27. As previously stated, this proposed radio service is intended to
serve a 3 km zone with generally repetitive information pertinent to
travelers. Consequently, the use of the SCA subcarrier
3
would not be
a practical alternative as the coverage area served by most FM sta 
tions normally exceeds 3 km. Because FM stations provide wide area
coverage, it would not be feasible to transmit simultaneous travelers
information repetitively for several local areas. The proposal to use
frequencies allocated to the Citizens Radio Service cannot be consid 
ered since the basis and purpose of that service, pursuant to Section
95.1 of the Commission's Rules, makes no provision for the type of
proposed communications to be carried on TIS. To take a frequency
away from the Citizens' Band (CB) would go against our finding that
CB needs more channels. To share frequencies 162.40 and 162.55 MHz
would again not be practical as these stations provide wide area cover 
age. Furthermore, such a frequency usage would necessitate the trav 
eler to acquire a special receiver for reception of such transmissions;
also, disruption to N.O.A.A. weather advisories would result from such
sharing. Consequently, these suggestions are dismissed.
28. The proposed frequency 1612 kHz is being shifted to 1610 kHz
principally for two reasons:
First, it is intended that this service be received primarily by motor 
ists using automobile AM broadcast receivers. Based on a study 4 of
Highway Advisory Information Radio prepared for the Federal High 
way Administration, it was found that using a representative sample
of existing receivers approximately 10% more could tune the 1610 kHz
frequency compared to 1612 kHz. Since a greater number of travelers
with existing AM automobile receivers would be able to receive such
transmissions at the lower frequency, 1610 kHz is chosen for TIS
allocation.
Second the 1610 kHz frequency is aligned with the 10 kHz spacing
maintained between stations in the broadcast band permitting the us-
3Because of constraints imposed on the reception of SeA subcarriertrans~ionsby, Section 605
of the Communications Act the uSe of such transmission for Travelers Information Statton presents
legal as well as practicalp~blems.See KMLA Broadcasting Corporation v. 20th Century Cigu-rette
Vendonl et al., 264 F Supp 35. (C.D. Cal 1967).
4. Study and DevelQpment Qf Highway AdVisory Information Radio, Report No. FHWA-RD-74-73,
December 1974, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C. 2OWO.
67 F.C.C. 2d
926 Federal Communications Commission Reports
age of synthesizer technology in future receiver designs as recom 
mended in comments submitted from Motorola, Inc.
29. The 1620 kHz frequency suggested by Motorola cannot be con 
sidered, as transmissions on this frequency would cause harmful inter 
ference to survey operations conducted by the National Ocean Survey
(NOS) on frequencies 1618.5 and 1619.64 kHz.
TIS's coverage zone
30. Under Section 89.102(c)(4) of the proposed rules, a limit on TIS's
transmitter output power was set at ten watts. There was no restric 
tion placed on antenna type or height. It was stated that an effective
coverage radius of 1.5 km could be expected. However, further analy 
sis reveals that larger radii of coverage may be achieved. The radius
served by a transmitting facility at these frequencies is dependent not
only on transmitter output power, but also antenna geometry and
ground conductivity. For an omnidirectional monopole antenna, higher
gains are obtainable by extending the physical length of the radiating
element. This means that a higher value of field would be measured at
a certain location from an antenna, for example, of length 3/2X com 
pared to one of length X/2, all other factors being equal. Then, under
the proposed rules, taking into account variations in antenna length
and ground conductivity, a radius of coverage up to 40 km could be
expected from a station operating with a ten watt transmitter on 530
kHz located in an area of high ground conductivity with a 1/4 wave 
length radiator.
31. Because a radius of coverage not greatly exceeding 1.5 km is
desired, it is apparent in view of the foregoing, that a restriction to
limit the value of field strength measured at 1.5 km is necessary.
Accordingly, the adopted rules set limits on the measured field
strength at 1.5 km from the transmitting site and also the maximum
antenna height, in addition to the proposed transmitter output power
limit of 10 watts, for a conventional radiating antenna system.
"Leaky" cable antenna
32. Although not specifically mentioned in the proposed rules, a
"leaky" cable antenna system constitutes another means of radiating a
particular area with a usable radio signal. Compared to a conventional
antenna system whose radiated field is primarily space propagated, the
generated field surrounding a "leaky" terminated cable antenna, being
inductive in nature, is not propagated, but restricted to the proximity
of the cable. Within the distance of one wavelength, its cylindrically
shaped field attenuates inversely proportional to higher orders of dis 
tance resulting in a much more rapid rate of field strength decline than
is found in conventional antenna systems. However, at a given distance
from the cable, variations in field strength traversing the length of the
cable are relatively minor in magnitude. Consequently, based on rec 
ommendations in received comments, a field strength limit is also
being adopted for this type of radiator. Furthermore, to ensure against
the possible use of an oversized transmitter with a cable antenna, an
output power limit is herein adopted. Moreover, since it is our inten 
tion that each TIS provide a coverage zone of not more than 3 km, a
67 F.e.e. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 927
limit of 3 km is adopted as the maximum length for a "leaky" cable
antenna.
Systems
33. For the majority of applications that are anticipated, we expect
that a single Travelers Infonnation Station. employing either a "leaky"
cable or a conventional vertical monopole antenna, will adequately cov 
er the intended area of service. However, in certain instances, we
envision that an applicant may seek authorization for a system of
stations for a specified area to meet a particular requirement. As an
example. the experimental .station at the Los Angeles International
Airport. which operates under a single authorization, is presently using
two individual "leaky" cable antennas in tandem, each being supplied
R. F. power from a separate transmitter. The first station (i.e., trans 
mitter plus "leaky" cable antenna) of this two station system is located
along an approach road to the airport and transmits flight arrival and
departure information', as well as information to orient the motorist
regarding traffic conditions within the complex. The second station in
tandem. using a separate "leaky" cable antenna and transmitter, is
located along several major roads within the terminal area and trans 
mits information concerning availability of parking. Accordingly then,
we may issue a single authorization under this service that would
include the licensing of a system of stations (i.e., each station in the
system would be limited to using one transmitter) for a specified area
if the applicant can demonstrate a sufficient justification for such a
need. This statement is set out in Section 89.102 (c)(l)(v) of the Rules.
34. To further qualify this concept. another example follows. If an
applicant desires to install two stations, one to be located within the
area of highway interchange "A" and the second within the area of
highway interchange "B," then we would not consider this as an appli 
cation for the licensing of a system of stations under a single authori 
zation, since two distinct and separate areas are specified. In this case,
we would issue a separate authorization for each station.
Emission designator
35. Several comments were received regarding the proposed emis 
sion designator 6A3 (Section 89.102(c)(5». Halstead recommends the
inclusion of AO emission in the rules to allow for the transmission of an
unmodulated carrier on a separate "leaky" cable system in the gap
between two separate "leaky" cable systems providing different mes 
sages. Halstead argues that "from the standpoint of receiver operation,
maintenance of the same signal level would, in effect. mute the auto 
mobile receiver while it is between the two highway cable antenna
systems." Mr. Robertson of Jansky and Bailey requests that 2.2A2 be
pennitted "to provide for the use of tone-coded pulsing to automati 
cally unsquelch specially designed receivers that could eventually be
developed for use with TIS stations." He claims that the "implementa 
tion of such an automatic system would enhance the effectiveness of
some stations and would further help to promote public interest in the
use of TIS." Another party, Richard N. Burden Associates, recom-
67 F.C.C. 2d
928 Federal Communications Commission Reports
mends that uno restriction in bandwidth be required. in the interest of
higher intelligibility and lower costs."
36. For a TIS system employing a cable system. the Commission
concurs with Halstead that the carriage of a unmodulated carrier on a
third. relatively short piece of cable, interspaced between two message
carrying cables providing continuity of signal level for purposes of
muting the receiver would serve a useful function. Accordingly, the
emission designator, AB, shall be permitted, but only for receiver mut 
ing purposes in tandem "leaky" cable TIS installations. At this time.
other emission designators shall not be considered pending further
development and implementation of receivers specially designed to
receive TIS frequencies. Because only voice messages are to be carried
over TIS facilities, the proposed emission designator 6A3 is. maintained
in the attached rules.
Co-ordination of co-channel TIS's
37. In highly populated urban areas we recoguize that the demand
for TIS assignments may well exceed the number permissible due to
the constraints imposed by these rules. Additionally, we acknowledge
that there will probably be cases in which several-jurisdictions, each
with a specific need for TIS, are conlmed within a relatively small
geographic area. In these instances, to more effectively share the lim 
ited radio frequency spectrum allocated for this service with all juris 
dictions having such requirements, we strongly urge that the coverage
area to be served by each TIS be confined to the licensee's area of
jurisdiction and that stations utilizing "leaky" coaxial cable antenna
systems be 'given primary consideration. Co-channel stations utilizing
cable antennas may be located much closer due to cable's unique tech 
nical characteristic in which the radiation is confined within a distance
of generally 30 to 90 meters of the cable.
38. We envision, in~omecases, that it may be desirous for several
area jurisdictions to time share a single TIS using a monopole antenna
system operating with maximum allowable field strength which pro 
vides coverage in a manner agreed upon by those jurisdictions. None 
theless, among neighboring jurisdictions, coordination (see Section
89.102(c)(4)(v) ) for co-channel assiguments shall be used when physical
separation requirements cannot be met so that the public may derive
maximum benefit from this service. Furthennore, since TIS's will be
secondary to Federal Government as well as non-Government services
on these frequencies, as set out in the Table of Frequency Allocations,
all TIS applications will be further co-ordinated with the Interdepart 
ment Radio Advisory Committee.
Alternative recommendations
39. Rather than establish TIS's to transmit travelers information,
various parties suggest that alternative mechanisms be employed to
disseminate such information. KLAD-AM/FM of Klamath Falls, Ore 
gon, suggests that funding be used instead to upgrade existing govern 
ment facilities to provide better information to commercial radio sta 
tions for broadcast use. It urges that a better alternative to TIS would
be the development and use of the present commercial broadcasting
system. The National Radio Broadcasters Association also proposes, in
67 F.C.C. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 929
place of TIS, further development and expansion of commercial broad 
cast services. Specifically, it suggests that governmental information
gathering agencies (ex., Police Dept., Highway Dept., Fire Dept.) pro 
vide special receivers to broadcast stations that would receive motorist
related messages originated from each participating agency. Depend 
ing on the urgency of the message, it could either be "aired" live or
taped for delayed broadcast. Participating broadcast stations would
have to agree to broadcast all messages within a given time period. It
was pointed out that such a system now is used in the Los Angeles
area (known as Sigalert). Two other parties submitted a description of
a traffic information and warning system developed for the West Ger 
many highway system by Blaupunkt, a German electronics firm. Under
this system, designated broadcast stations agree to transmit motorist
related information at specific times. To aid in tuning in such stations
a tone transmitted on a subcarrier of the particular "traffic" station
will be captured by a special decoder built into the auto receiver to
activate an indicating lamp for alerting the driver as to the presence of
a traffic information signal. This feature simplifies identifying stations
transmitting traffic information.
40. While each of these approaches may have some beneficial appli 
cation where broad area coverage is appropriate, none represents a
viable alternative to the proposed use of low power systems to provide
highly localized information of immediate interest to motorists, which
is the use contemplated of TIS systems. Consequently, these sugges 
tions are not being adopted in this proceeding.
41. Two parties suggest significantly different uses for these fre 
quencies. One, the National Black Media Coalition (NBMC) appears to
have interpreted the TIS proposal to be a plan to create three addi 
tional broadcast frequencies. In its statement of opposition, it contends
that the proposal "envisions the allocation, albeit on a secondary basis,
of the first new AM spectrum space for the broadcast of material to
the public at large which the Commission has made since the 1920's
..." (NBMC's comments, p. 4.) It states that the Commission has failed
to consider the needs of the Black minority by opting to assign these
frequencies to local governments. Accordingly NBMC requests the
Commission to issue a further notice of proposed rulemaking that
would result in the most widespread minority ownership of broadcast
stations on 530, 1606, and 1612 kHz.
42. In a separate petition for rulemaking (RM-2704), V. Tohi Kan 
ter. a student at the University of Denver, suggests a similar type of
broadcasting operation on these frequencies.
5
She requests the Com 
mission to initiate rulemaking proceedings to provide for the use of
530, 1606, and 1612 kHz by a Community Access N on-commercial Ser 
vice. Kanter believes the public interest would be better served if 250
watt broadcast stations licensed to non-profit community organizations
(with special attention to minority representation) utilized these fre 
quencies. Programming would "emphasize the public affairs, music,
drama, and culture of the community being serviced." A limited
amount of time during the broadcast day would be set aside for indi-
5Kanter's proposal is compatible with that put forward in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. We
are therefore considering the two proposals together, a possibility mentioned in the Kanter petition.
67 F.C.C. 2d
930 Federal Communications Commission Reports
vidual community members on a first-come-first-serve basis to air
their views on any particular subject.
43. Three parties filed comments on this petition: Offshore Naviga 
tion, Inc. and Decca Survey Systems, Inc., both of which furnish com 
mercial radiolocation services; and the National Association of Broad 
casters. All three objected on the basis of the potential for interference
the proposal presented. NAB feels that there is a significant potential
for interference to AM broadcast stations and that therefore, until
interference questions have been resolved, any action along the lines
Kanter proposes would be premature. Offshore Navigation and Decca
were both concerned about possible interference to radio-location fa 
cilities which they operate in the 1605 to 1800 kHz band. Offshore
Navigation also claims that the Kanter petition is deficient in that it
fails to demonstrate a need for the service proposed or that, even if
there were a need, the proposed service would meet it. Decca states
that while the low power (10 watts), and consequent limited range,
proposed for TIS would produce a minimal possibility of interference
to radio-location operations, the 250 watt stations proposed by Kanter
were an €I).tirely different matter.
44. The feasibility of the TIS proposal hinges on the use of low 
power, limited range transmitters which would minimize potential in 
terference to established services on the proposed frequencies. The
power levels proposed for TIS use are not suitable for the broadcast 
type operations which both NBMC and Kanter envision, and the use of
stations powerful enough for such purposes 6 would pose ·serious inter 
ference problems to other services on these frequencies. Internation 
ally, these frequencies are allocated for services other than broadcast 
ing. The International Telecommunications D nion (lTD) regulations
permit operations in derogation of the international allocation table,
but only on condition that no interference is caused to stations operat 
ing in accordance with the table. Also, there are already a number of
domestic assignments on these frequencies to both Government and
non-Government entities. Because of these considerations, TIS's are
very limited in power and will be secondary to other services. As
already mentioned, higher power broadcast-type stations would have a
considerably higher interference potential than the proposed TIS's. It
is highly questionable that broadcast-type stations could operate in a
secondary status. where they could be forced off the air at any time by
an assignment (either foreign or domestic) to a station in a primary
service to which they caused interference. Consequently, the types of
operations proposed by NBMC and Kanter are not practicable on these
frequencies.
45. NBMC also asserts that the Commission violated the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (86 Stat. 770; 5 U.S.C. Appendix 1, § 1 et seq.)
by relying on proposals derived by an ad hoc group for which there
was insufficient public notice of its meetings or membership. and insuf 
ficient participation (and opportunity therefore) by interested public
parties. NBMC seems clearly to have misread the Act. The Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking stated that the group was composed of repre-
6Kanter suggests stations with 250 watt daytime power and 100 watts at night. NBMC proposes
nQ specific power but does state that "the public might be better off with 20 more 1000 w stations
than it would be with 2000 10 w stations...." (Comments, p. 6. nB)
67 F.C.C. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations 931
sentatives of the Commission and other federal agencies, and NBMC
notes the fact (indeed, it is one of its bases of objection). Subsection
3(2) of the Act, which defines "advisory committee" for purposes of the
Act, specifically excludes "any committee which is composed wholly of
full-time officers or employees of the Federal Government." The ad
hoc group was clearly not within the scope of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act, and there consequently could have been no violation of
that statute.
46. In summary, the Commission finds it in the public interest to
adopt the rules contained in the attached Appendix which are essen 
tially as proposed in the Notice. The adopted rules contain certain
modifications to provide interference protection to AM broadcast sta 
tions operating on adjacent frequencies, to clarify the non-commercial
aspect of permitted operations, and to set a'maximum coverage range
for each TIS based on certain technical limitations, and to adopt sepa 
rate TIS standards for cable type systems.
47. Accordingly, pursuant to authority contained in Sections 4(i) and
303 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, IT IS OR 
DERED, That, effective July 29, 1977, Parts 2 and 89 of the Commis 
sion's Rules are AMENDED as shown in Appendix C.
48. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, That the petition for rulemaking
filed by V. Tobi Kanter (RM-2704) IS DENIED.
49. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, That this proceeding is TERMI 
NATED.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION,
VINCENT J. MULLINS, Secretary.
APPENDIX A
The following parties,· arranged into 6 groups for convenience, filed conunents in re 
sponse to Docket No. 20509:
L Broadcasting Industry
Alabama Broadcasters Association
Buckley Broadcasting Corporation
California Broadcasting Association
COImecticut Broadcaster Association
Golden West Broadcasters
Hercules Broadcasting Company
Indiana Broadcasters Association
Iowa Broadcasters Association
KARL, AM radio station, North Platte, Nebraska
KANG, FM radio station, Angwin. Califonria
KCOK, AM radio station, Tulare, California
KDOL, AM radio station, Mojave, California
KEZY, AM radio station, Anaheim, California
KFDF, AM radio station, Van Buren. Arkansas
KFMB, AM radio station. San Diego, California
KIKZ, AM radio station. Seminole, Texas
KIST, AM radio station, Santa Barbara, California
KKZZ-AM, KOTE-FM, radio stations, Lancaster, California
KMAM-AM and KMOE-FM. radio stations, Butler, Missouri
KMMT FM radio station, Mammoth Lakes, California
KNDE; AM radio station, Sacramento, California
KNET, AM radio station, Palestine, Texas
KOWL, AM radio station, South Lake Tahoe, California
KPLS, AM radio station. Santa Rosa,Califomia
KPSI, AM radio station, Palm Springs, California
KRE, AM radio station. Berkeley, California
KSOM, AM radio station, Ontario. California
67 F.C.C. 2d
932 Federal Communications Commission Reports
KSRO, AM radio station, Santa Rosa, California
KSWM, AM radio station, Aurora, Missouri
KSYC, AM radio station, Yreka, California
KTLQ, AM radio station, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
KUHL, AM radio station, Ukiah, California
KWHN-AM, KMAG-FM, radio stations, Ft. Smithe, Arkansas
KWNT, AM radio station, Davenport, Iowa
Mid America Media
Mississippi Broadcasting Association
Missouri Broadcasters Association
National Association of Broadcasters
National Broadcasting Company
National Radio Broadcasters (NAFMB)
Nebraska Broadcasters Association
North Carolina Association of Broadcasters
Northern California Broadcasters Association
Ohio Association of Broadcasters, Inc.
Pacific FM, Inc.
Pacini, Rod, employee of AM radio station KUKl
Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters
Radio 960, Inc. (AM radio station KLAD), Klamath Falls, Idaho
ScholI>eld Broadcasting c.,., IIle-
Valley Broadcasters AssociatiOn
W AAX, AM radio station, Gadsden, Alabama
WIOF, FM radio station, Waterbury, Connecticut
WKRM, AM radio station, Columbia, Tennessee
WKVT, AM radio station, Brattleboro, Vennont
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association
II. Local/State Government Agencies
Allegany State Park and Recreation Commission
Borough of Middlesex, New J erseYi Ofrlee of Civil Defense and Disaster Control
Burlington County, Moorestown, New Jersey, Civil Defense and Disaster Control
California State Communications Division
City of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Office of Emergency Preparation
City of Augusta, Georgia, Civil Defense Office
City of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Office of Civil Defense and Disaster Control
City of HomewoOO, Alabama, Civil Defense Department
City of Los Angeles. Department of Airports
City of Los Angeles, Mayor Tom Bradley
Cobb-Marietta, Georgia, Office of Civil Defense
Department of Anny, Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division
East Bay Regional Park District of Oakland, California
Habersham County, Georgia, Office of Civil Defense
Mercer County, New Jersey, Office of Civil Defense and Disaster Control
New York State Parks and Recreation Commission
Police Department of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
State of Georgia, Department of Transportation
State of Georgia, Statesboro-Bulloch County Civil Defense Office
State of Montana, Governor Tom Judge
State of Missouri, Civil Defense Office
State of Rhode Island, Department of Transportation
Sylvester-North County Civil Defense Office
Township of Chatham, New Jersey, Office of Civil Defense and Disaster Control
Township of Pennsauken, New Jersey, Department of Municipal Disaster Control
United States Department of Transportation
Washllgton State Patrol
Ill. Business Associations
American Traffic Services Association
Association for Broadcast Engineering Standards, Inc_
Association of Public Safety Communications Officers, Inc.
California Public Safety Radio Association, Inc.
Institute of Broadcasting Financial Management, Inc.
International Association of Firechiefs
International Municipal Signal Association
67 F.G.G. 2d
Travelers Information Radio Stations
National Black Media Coalition
Oroville, California, Chamber of Commerce
IV. Equipment Manufacturers
Earle S. Thall Associates
E. F. JOhnson
General Motors Corporation
Halstead Communications, Inc.
Loc Rad, Inc.
LPB, Inc.
Motorola, Inc.
Richard W. Burden Associates
Robert A. Jones
RTV Management
Snider Corporation
Telesis Corporation
V. Travel/Recreation Industry
Adirondack AttractionS Association, Inc.
White MOlmtains Attractions Association
VI. Individuals
Crull, John B.
Burgess, Larry
Dahl, Nelson E.
Daughrity, Nancy B.
Ellerman, Harold J.
Fierd, Doug
Halshort, Edwina
Hathaway, Arthur
Hieth, Ruth L.
Jones, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth
Knepper, L. R.
Meng, Douglas
Peterson, Alta May
Prowell, Wallace
Quinn, Clark E.
Robertson, Richard G.
Roe, Patricia
Shiffet, Vida Faye
Stuhr, Mrs. C. G.
Taylor, Paula
Uzsarinis, Joseph P.
Wade, Ms. Linda L.
Reply comments in the proceeding were flied by:
Associated Public-Safety Connmmications Officers, Inc.
Association for Broadcast Engineering Standards, Inc.
Booth American Company
KFAC, Inc.
Loc Roo, Inc.
Nationwide Communications, Inc.
RKO General, Inc.
RTV Management
APPENDIX B
The following parties moo comments in response to RM-2704:
Decca Survey Systems, Inc.
National Association of Broadcasters
Offshore Navigation, Inc.
933
APPENDIXC
Parts 2 and 89 of Chapter I of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations are amended
as follows:
67 F.C.C. 2d
934 Federal Communications Commission Reports
A. Part 2 is amended as follows:
(1) In Section 2.1, a definition is added in alphabetical sequence to read as follows:
* * * * * * *
Travelers Information Station. A base station in the Local Government Radio
Service used to transmit noncommercial voice information pertaining to traf 
fic and road conditions, traffic hazard and travelers advisories directions
aVailability of lodging, rest stops and service stations, and descriptions of locai
points of mterest.
(2) In Section 2.106, the Table of Frequency Allocations is amended in colurrms 7
through 11 for the bands 510-535 kHz and 1605-1715 kHz; footnote US14 is
amended and a new footnote US221 is added, as follows:
Band (kHz) Service Class of Station Frequency Nature of Service
(kHz) Nature of Station
7 8 9
,.
11
•
·
• • •
510-535
(U814) (U8221) ••• ••• 530 Travelers Information
·
• • •
·
1605-1715
(U897)
... ...
1610 Travelers Information
(U8221)
· ·
•
·
•
US14 The frequency band-510-535 kHz is not available to non--Government stations except that
the frequency 512 kHz is available for use by non-Government ship telegraph stations as a
working frequency, and except as provided by footnote US221. When 500 kHz is being used for
distress purposes, ship and coast stations may use 512 kHz for calling.
* * * * * * *
US221 Government and non-Government Travelers Infonnation Stations may be authorized on
530 kHz and 1610 kHz on a secondary basis to all authorized stations operating on a primary
basis in the band 510-535 kHz and 1605-1715 kHz, respectively.
• • • • • •
•
B. Part 89 is amended as follows:
(1) Section 89.3(b) is amended to include a new definition, to be inserted alpha 
betically as follows:
Section 89.3 Definitions
(b) Definitions of stations:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Travelers Information Station. A base station in the Local Government Radio Ser 
vice used to transmit noncommercial voice infonnation pertaining to traffic and road
conditions, traffic ha?ard and travelers advisories, directions, availability of lodging,
rest stops and service stations, and descriptions of local points of interest.
* * * * * * *
(2) Section 89.102 headnote is amended and paragraph (c) added to read as fol-
lows:
Section 89.102 Radio Call Box and Travelers Information Station operation.
•
67 F.C.C. 2d
• • • • • •
Travelers Information Radio Stations 935
(c) Travelers Information Stations
(1) The frequencies indicated by footnote 14 in Section 89259(f) may be assigned in the
Local Government Radio Service for the operation of Travelers Information Stations
subject to the following conditions and limitations:
(i) For Travelers Information Station applications only, eligibility requirements as
set forth in Section 89.251 are extended to include park authorities.
(ii) Travelers Information Stations will be authorized on a secondary, non-interfer 
ence basis to authorized services operating on a primary basis and must toler 
ate such interference from those stations as may be necessary.
(iii) A Travelers Information Station authorization may be suspended, modified, or
withdrawn by the Commission without prior notice of right to hearing if nec 
essary to resolve interference conflicts, to implement agreements with foreign
governments, or in other circumstances warranting such action.
(iv) The transmitting site of each Travelers Information Station shall be restricted
to the immediate vicinity of the following specified areas: air, train, and bus
transportation terminals, public parks and historical sites, interstate highway
interchanges, bridges, and tunnels.
(v) A Travelers Information Station shall normally be authorized to use a single
transmitter. However, a system of stations, with each station in the system
employing a separate transmitter, may be authorized for a specified area pro 
vided sufficient need is demonstrated by the applicant.
(2) Travelers Information Stations shall transmit only noncommercial voice information
pertaining to traffic and road conditions, traffic hazard and travel advisories, direc 
tions, availability of lodging, rest stops and service stations, and descriptions of local
points of interest. It is not permissible to identify the commercial name of any
business establishment whose service may be available within or outside the cover 
age area of a Travelers Information Station. However, to facilitate announcements
concerning departures/arrivals and parking areas at air, train, and bus terminals, the
trade name identification of carriers is permitted.
(3) Each application for a station or system shall be accompanied by:
(i) A statement certifying that the transmitting site of the Travelers Information
Station will be located at least 15.0 kIn (9.3 miles), measured orthogonally,
outside the measured 0.5 mV /meter daytime contour of any AM broadcast
station operating on a fIrst adjacent channel (540 kHz or 1600 kHz). If the
measured contour is not available, then the calculated 0.5 mV1m field strength
contour shan be acceptable. These contours are available for inspection at the
concerned AM broadcast station and FCC offices in Washington, D.C.
(ii) The applicant is advised that' cross-modulation and intermodulation interfer 
ence effects may result from the operation of a Travelers Information Station
in the vicinity of an AM broadcast station on the second or third adjacent
frequency. Accordingly, the applicant shall certify that he has considered these
possible interference effects and, to the best of his knowledge, does not foresee
harmful interference occurring to broadcast stations operating on 550 kHz, 560
kHz, 1580 kHz, or 1590 kHz. The Commission reserves the right to reconsider
the status of any Travelers Infonnation Station ifsuch interference effects are
caused to broadcast stations.
(4) Technical Standards
(i) The use of 6A3 emission will be authorized, however AO emission may be used
for purposes of receiver quieting, but only for a system of stations employing
"leaky" cable antennas.
(ii) A frequency tolerance of 100 Hz shall be maintained.
(iii) For a station employing a cable antenna, the following restrictions apply:
(a) The length of the cable antenna shall not exceed 3.0 kro (l.9 miles).
(b) Transmitter RF output power shall not exceed 50 watts and shall be adjust 
able downward to enable the user to comply with the specified field strength
limit.
(c) The field strength of the emission on the operating frequency shall not exceed
2 mV/m when measured with a standard field strength meter at a distance of
60 meters (197 feet) from any part of the station.
(iv) For a station employing a conventional radiating antenna(s) (ex. vertical mono 
pole directional array) the following restrictions apply:
, (a) The antenna height above ground level shall not exceed 15.0 meters (49.2
feet).
67 F.C.C. 2d
936 Federal Communications Commission Reports
(b) Only vertical polarization of antennas shall be permitted.
(c) Transmitter RF output pOwer shall not exceed 10 watts to enable the user to
comply with the specified field strength limit.
ed) The field strength of the emission on the operating frequency shall not exceed
2 illV1m when measured with a standard field strength meter at a distance of
L50 kIn (0.93 miles) from the transmitting antenna system.
(vEeparation requirements.
(a) For co--channel stations operating under different licensees, the following
minimum separation distances shall apply:
(1) 0.50 km (0.31 miles) for the case when both stations are using cable antennas.
(2) 7.50· km (4.66 miles) for the case when one station is using a conventional
antenna and the other is using a cable antenna.
(3) 15.0 lan (9.3 miles) for the case when both stations are using conventional
antennas.
(b) For a system of co-channel transmitters operating under a single authoriza 
tion utilizing either cable Or conventional antennas, or both, no minimum sepa 
ration distance is required.
(c) An applicant desiring to locate a station that does not comply with the sepa 
ration requirements of this section shall coordinate with the affected station.
(5) Each application for a station or system of stations for a specified area shall be
accompanied by a supplementary statement showing compliance with the technical
standards contained in this section and additionally:
(i) A map showing the geographical location of each transmitter site and an esti 
mate of the signal strength at the contour of the desired coverage~a.For a
cable system, the contour to be shown is the estimated field strength at 60
meters (197 feet) from any point on the cable. For -a conventional radiating
antenna, the estimated field strength contour at 1.5 kIn (0.93 mile) shall be
shown. A contour map comprised of actual on-the-air measurements shall be
submitted to the Commission within 60 days after station authorization or
completion of station constnlction, whichever occurs later. A sufficient number
of points shall be chosen at the specified distances (extrapolated measurements
are acceptable) to adequately show compliance with the field strength limits.
(li) For each transmitter site, the transmitter's output power, the type of antenna
utilized; its length (for a cable system), its height above ground, distance from
transmitter to the antenna, and the elevation above sea level at the transmit 
ting site.
(6) In Section 89.109, a new subparagraph (j) is added to read as follows:
§ 89.109 Modulation requirements.
* * * * *
• •
(j) Each transmitter in a Travelers Information Station shall be equipped with an
audio low-pass Iliter. Such filter shall be installed between the modulation limiter
and the modulated stage. At audio frequencies between 3 kHz and 20 kHz this
filter shall have an attenuation greater than the attenuation at 1 kHz by at least:
60 log 10 (f/3) decibels
where ''f'' is the audio frequency in kHz. At audio frequencies above 20 kHz, the
attenuation shall be at least 50 decibels greater than the attenuation at 1 kHz.
(7) In Section 89.124, subparagraph (k) is amended as follows:
§ 89.124 Single sideband radiotelephone technical specifications.
* :+: * * * * '"
(k) Except for Travelers Infonnation Stations in the Local' Government Radio Ser 
vice, A3.J emission for radiotelephone is mandatory in all new radio-telephone
systems operating on frequencies below 25 MHz on or after September 8, 1972,
and in all other non-exempted systems 5 years after that date.
(8) In Section 89.255, a new subparagraph (d) is added to read as follows:
§ 89.255 Points of communication.
•
* * *
•
* *
(d) Travelers Infonnation Stations are authorized to transmit certain information
(see Section 89.102(c)(2) of this Part) to members of the traveling public.
(9) Section 89.259(f) table is amended to read as follows:
Section 89.259 Frequencies available to the Local Government Radio Service.
* * '" * * * '"
67 F.G.G. 2d
(f)***
Travelers Information Radio Stations 937
Frequency or band Class of station(s) Limitations
(MHz)
.530 Base 13
1.610 do
13
•
. .
(g)***
(13) This frequency is available for use only by Travelers Information Stations.
DISSENTING STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER JAMES H. QUELLO
in Re: Travelers Infonnation Station Facilities
I cannot agree with the Commission majority that there is any de 
monstrable need to establish a new class of radio service to transmit
travelers aid information. I find a substantial difference between "de_
monstrable need" and demonstrable desire or interest.
The majority is of the opinion that an "established need" for this
service has been demonstrated through experience with existing ex 
perimental stations. I simply do not view this proposed service as
perfonning any needed function that cannot be better performed by
(1) existing broadcasting stations or (2) by alternative means. Con 
versely, the proposed services tend to discriminate in favor of those
vehicles equipped with functioning AM receivers capable of receiving
a signal at the extreme edges of the broadcast band. Thus, such dis 
crimination would seem to mitigate against the sole use of the- pro 
posed services in instances in which safety might be considered a
factor.
I am fully aware of the practical aspects of providing informational
reports to the public by radio stations, particularly during heavy drive
time periods. Radio stations in the larger and more urban areas partic 
ularly scramble to provide the most comprehensive weather reports,
traffic condition reports, emergency traffic situations, etc.·Such re 
ports cover a substantial area geographically and the listener is able to
receive the infonnation in sufficient advance time to make use thereof.
In contrast, travelers information stations would be of very limited
range. In fact, the range would appear to be so limited as to be of little
value in aiding the motorist in anticipating hazardous situations. As for
non-safety-related services, I am not convinced as to their public inter 
est value over more traditional alternatives.
In closing, I again emphasize the lack of showing that there exists an
actual "need" for the travelers information stations service and that
such broadcast service would so uniquely respond to these needs as to
be in the pUblic interest. Absent such showing, I must dissent.
"u. s.GO~,[E:'ITPRHITD10 Ol'l'IOE ; 19780 - 261-653 (18)
67 F.C.C. 2d