FCC Issues Guide for FM Asymmetric Sideband Operations

Last September, the FCC amended its rules to allow FM stations to conduct asymmetric sideband operations.  In other words, stations may operate sidebands using different power levels.  In its decision, the FCC concluded:

“We therefore authorize digital FM stations, except stations operating on Channels 296 - 300, to originate digital transmissions at different power levels on the upper and lower digital sidebands without having to request experimental authorization, consistent with the requirements set forth herein. As further discussed below, a digital FM station need only notify us of asymmetric sideband operation by filing notification on Form 2100, Schedule 335-FM – FM Digital Notification (Schedule 335-FM) in the Bureau’s Licensing and Management System (LMS) database.”

The FCC has now issued a compliance guideline to help stations that want to use this flexibility.  The guidelines cover:

• Objectives of the proceeding

• Compliance requirements

• Recordkeeping and reporting requirements

• Implementation date

• Internet links to FCC documents

Stations looking to use asymmetric power on their sidebands should review this compliance document.

You can access the FCC’s Compliance Guide here.

You can access the FCC’s Report and Order permitting asymmetric sideband operations here.