Downloads: Example Coverage Area and build out expenses Want to apply for an LPFM? Start here

Low Power FM Radio

BACKGROUND:

On January 20, 2000, the FCC voted to create a class of radio stations designed to serve localized communities by authorizing two new classes of non-commercial service.

Classes include LP10 (1-10 watts) service radius of about 3.5 miles and LP100 (50-100 watts) service radius of about 8 miles.  LPFM licenses will be awarded for frequencies along the entire FM band (88.1 thru 107.9) with tower height up to 30 meters height above average terrain.

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY:

1. Eligible applicants: non-commercial government, private educational, non-profit entities w/ educational purposes.  No existing broadcaster or other media entity can have any ownership interest, or programming or operating agreement with LPFM's.
2. LPFM applications will be filed during a 5 day filing window announced 60 days in advance.  Your application must be filed during the 5 day window to be eligible.
3. Competing applications will be resolved by a selection process covering 3 points: 1) 2 years community presence prior to filing 2) pledge a minimum of 12 hours daily broadcasting. 3) pledge to air 8 hours of locally originated programming daily. (Ties between competitors will result in equal sharing of the 8 year license with up to 8 applicants. example: two applicants would receive 4 years each.)
4. An applicant must broadcast a minimum of 36 hours a week.
5. Licensee's will be limited to local entities certifying they physically reside within 10 miles of the new station.

HOW TO BEGIN:

1. Contact Sterling with as much information as possible. We need to know where you plan to locate your studio and the transmitter/antenna (if not at the studio location). We need to know the name of your corporation, your EIN, your board members with their positions on the board and addresses. What type of programming are you planning? Do you need us to help you understand what is necessary to meet the educational criteria?
2. Call us and we will do a LPFM frequency search for you for free! If the LPFM frequency search results are positive, you can proceed with filing a LPFM application with the Commission. Sterling's fee must be paid in advance of the application preparation. After reviewing the e-mailed results of our LPFM search we've completed for you, it is time to prepare the application. We are able to do this with client provided GPS coordinates of your transmitter site. We will file your application electronically during the FCC window filing period. This work will be guaranteed "acceptable for filing" by the FCC or your money back. This does not guarantee you will receive a Construction Permit, but it does guarantee all work will be completed accurately and filed timely. You will also receive your public file copy with instructions on the process after applications are filed. We will take care of each step of the application process so that you miss nothing.
3. During the previous LPFM windows many "fly by night" engineering companies popped up on the internet and filed many poorly prepared LPFM applications and left the applicants with no or little assistance afterwards. We helped many of those applicants salvage their applications and receive a license. We will not abandon you after the application filing period. We will be available for you during the entire FCC process. With most of our clients our relationship begins with the frequency search and continues as long as our client owns the station. We will help you anytime you need as you make changes, upgrade, expand, or require general ongoing FCC assistance.