LPFM Wide Area Availability Map
The maps on this page show potential locations for a new Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcast station in a future filing window.
About the dots on the map
Unlike our NCE opportunity maps, the LPFM maps show the status of whether a specific location has at least one channel that may meet the minimum distance separation requirements outlined in § 73.807 of the FCC Rules. The color of the dot indicates the status:- GREEN - There is at least one channel that meets all required distances for minumum separation and recommended minimum distance separations to prevent getting interference from other stations.
- LIGHT BLUE - There is at least one channel that meets all required distances for minimum separation, but all channels may receive interference from other stations based on recommended distance separations necessary to avoid interference.
- DARK BLUE - There is at least one channel that meets all required distances for minimum separation on co- and first-adjacent channels but all channels do not meet required distances for second-adjacent channel thus meaning that a showing of non-interference and a request for waiver of the rules would be required. At least one of the channels may only short-spaced second adjacent channel stations that may arrive at the LPFM location with a field strength of 80 dBu or greater, thus increasing the chances of getting a second-adjacent waiver in areas with more nearby occupied structures.
- PURPLE - There is at least one channel that meets all required distances for minimum separation on co- and first-adjacent channels but all channels do not meet required distances for second-adjacent channel thus meaning that a showing of non-interference and a request for waiver of the rules would be required. All short-spaced second-adjacent stations are likely to place a field strength weaker at 80 dBu at the LPFM site thus making the potential for a second-adjacent waiver more difficult, especially in areas with more occupied structures.
- ORANGE - The only channels that may be available are in the reserved band (88.1-91.9) and are short-spaced to a TV Channel 6 facility. The use of this channel will require either a showing of no interference or concurrence by the licensee of the affected Channel 6 station(s).
- RED - There are no channels that meet the minimum distance separation requirements on co-, first- and second-adjacent channels. New LPFM stations are not available at this location.
How to use the map
Using the pull down box below, select the latitude range and then the longitude range you want to check. Each map section covers 2 degrees of latitude by 2 degrees of longitude. Once you pull up a map, you can use the navigation to move to adjacent maps in 8 different directions. This interactive map covers the continental United States, portions of Alaska, all of Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Availability outside of the continental US
- Hawaii - Statewide availability. Second adjacent waivers on most of Oahu. (use interactive map)
- Alaska - No to limited availability in Anchorage. Widely available elsewhere in the state. (use interactive map)
- Puerto Rico - Available with waivers on the west and east coasts Most of PR requires consent from Ch. 6 TV station (REC may be able to work with this, please use lpfm.app). (use interactive map)
- US Virgin Islands - Channels available with no interference and no waivers (green) in almost all areas (use interactive map) - some channels may be unavialable due to British Virgin Islands. - contact REC for assistance.
- Guam - Channels available with no interference and no waivers (green) - contact REC for assistance.
- CNMI - Channels available with no interference and no waivers (green) - contact REC for assistance.
- American Samoa - Channels available with no interference and no waivers (green) - contact REC for assistance.
This map reflects spectrum data as of the close of business on June 21, 2023, the day prior to the announcement of the FCC public notice announcing the Third Generation LPFM Filing Window which will run from November 1 through November 8, 2023.
Modifications that are made after June 21 by FM Translator and LPFM stations prior to September 1, 2023 as well as changes made by full-service FM facilities at any time will not be reflected in these maps. Therefore, even though an area may show with a certain result, this needs to be further checked to assure that availability at the level described still exists.
