VHF Radio Regulations

FCC stamp of approval

The VHF (very high frequency) radio band spans from 30 megahertz to 328.6 megahertz. There are many broadcast communication mediums that use the VHF band to transmit audio, video, and data information. These broadcasters include television stations, FM radio broadcasters, public safety communications, and land mobile stations. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates most of these broadcasters. There are some basic radio regulations for the most prominent VHF broadcasters.

VHF FM Radio Broadcasting Regulations

All FM radio broadcast stations (including low power FM radio stations) must obtain and maintain a license with the FCC to operate legally. Each FM radio station must meet a series of technical requirements having to do with their broadcast facilities, transmitter and antenna. The specific regulatory requirements each FM radio station must fulfill (such as the location, power strength and height of its transmitter antenna) depends upon on the station's designated class (which could be A, B1, B, C3, C2, C1, or C0). Radio stations must also maintain operational logs tracking the proper operation of broadcast equipment. All stations must also participate in the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

VHF Private Land Mobile (Business Radio) Regulations

You have to apply for a "private land mobile" license to use a radio system for private communication to support commercial, educational, philanthropic, medical, or clergy activities. This license differs from a FM broadcast license where radio communication is the end product, as oppose to a tool supporting business operations. You can request a radio frequency in the VHF band, but whether you receive it depends upon which frequencies are available in the "Industrial/Business Radio Pool" in your area. Frequencies in the FCC's Industrial/Business Radio Pool are set aside for private land mobile use. To determine the availability of a secure VHF band frequency for your business radio communications you must contact a certified "frequency coordinator." Frequency coordinators are private organizations authorized by the FCC to recommend the most appropriate broadcast frequency for private land mobile applicants.

VHF Maritime Communications Regulations

The FCC licenses radio stations in the maritime service either by individual ship or by fleet. The only exception to this rule applies to "voluntary ships" not required to carry radio telecommunications equipment under statute, treaty or agreement with the United States. A ship that fit this category has a "by rule" license and only authorized to broadcast between 156 and 162 megahertz on the VHF band. The FCC maintains strict eligibility requirements for obtaining a maritime broadcast license. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent predominately foreign-owned entities from obtaining maritime broadcast licenses.

References

• Jneuhaus: Allocation of Radio Spectrum
• Government Printing Office: Maritime Services
• FCC: Industrial/Business Licensing