The FCC only authorizes 50 watts @ 30m HAAT for LP-100 stations located within 125 km of the Mexican border.

This change is in accordance with the United States/Mexico Agreement on FM Broadcasting that was drafted prior to the creation of the LPFM service. Even though the agreement does address "LPFM" stations, this also addresses translators. Basically it states that all "LPFM" stations operating within 125 km of the common border with Mexico will be permitted to radiate no more than 50 watts in the direction of Mexico.

Since all LPFM stations are non-directional, there is no question that all LPFMs near the border would be affected.

During the rulemaking processes, REC was already aware that this restriction may apply and we proposed creating an "LPFM Zone" along the region within 125km to the Mexican border where we proposed secondary "D2" 10-watt microstations and a primary "A5" 50-watt service.

In the R&O, the FCC did acknowledge that LPFM stations would be subject to any international agreements but would not elaborate on what they were. The USA/Mex FM Agreement was not available on-line at that time so many who applied were not aware (and nor was REC) that the FCC would definitely enforce a 50 watt limit in the border region.

We feel that the FCC should codify this 50 watt restriction within the border area. We are not requesting distance spacing changes at this time because 50 watts is the minimum power for other LPFMs. We will continue to examine the situation and may file if appropriate. We anticpate a time in the future when the US can negotiate a 100 watt limit for LPFMs along the border. If that ever happens, we need to make sure that existing LPFMs can upgrade at that time.