Utilizes FM broadcast technology that has been proven for decades making startup costs for new entrant broadcasters more attainable.
Proven Technology
Protections
Protections are put in place to assure that existing full-service Channel 5 and 6 TV stations will not be impacted.
Localism
Assurances that early adopters of the new spectrum will be established local nonprofit organizations.
Diversity
Opens up new opportunities for various ethnic and other communities currently underrepresented by radio and TV broadcasting.
For prospective full-power FM broadcasters
If adopted by the FCC, WIDE-FM will reserve 20 channels in the expanded band from 76~88 MHz. Listeners will need to get a new radio that can tune not just WIDE-FM but also the regular FM band. REC's plan is to initially offer 3,500 new full-power FM radio licenses from communities as large as New York City and as small as Healy, Alaska. More opportunities will be available after the initial filing opportunity.
For prospective Low-Power FM broadcasters
For some nonprofit educational organizations, a full-power FM station may be too much radio to handle at once. America currently has about 2,000 Low Power FM (LPFM) stations in the 88~108 MHz band. In many parts of the country, especially in major cities, the ability to get a new station is limited. REC's plan for LPFM in the WIDE-FM band calls for a group of channels that are dedicated for LPFM use and provides three different power and height service classes to meet community need. Less interference and more coverage.
For large scale special event organizers
For organizers of annual and semi-annual large scale special events that plan to attract a simultaneous attendance of over 5,000 persons, especially for those events that will allow camping, REC has presented the concept of Extremely Low Power (ELP) broadcasting. ELP is designed for small areas (about 2 miles) to provide public safety information, general event information and entertainment to attendees, staff and volunteers. This is a perfect solution for music festivals, golf tournaments, scouting jamborees, conventions and religious retreats.
For sports leagues and teams
REC Networks has reopened the conversation originally started by the NHL over 20 years ago to permit the use of extremely low power (ELP) FM radio transmitters in stadium and arena environments. Services provided to listeners can include play-by-play announcing, out-of-town play-by-play broadcasts, public address announcements, emergency public safety information, multi-lingual play-by-play and other information that would not only be entertaining to the listener, but also assist those with disabilities to get the most out of their team experience.
For AM broadcast stations
As many new electric vehicles are not including AM radio as an option and due to the reception issues that AM stations have been experiencing over the past couple of decades, AM broadcasters have found that simulcasting their station on FM is a good solution. Unfortunately, FM translator coverage in the 92-108 MHz band has been limited, may involve directional antennas and very prone to interference from full-service FM stations. REC proposes to allow AM broadcast stations to be able to propose simple nondirectional FM translator stations in the WIDE-FM spectrum.
WIDE-FM Means Urban Opportunity
For the first time in decades, local organizations in major metropolitan areas will have an opportunity to get their own voice on the radio.
New York City
The diverse voices of the Big Apple will finally have an opportunity to be heard on 5 wide coverage channels, local channels on Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey, plus many LPFM opportunities.
Los Angeles
4 potential wide area allotments for the Southland as well as suburban allotments for OC, Santa Clarita and the Conejo Valley. Many LPFM opportunities also available.
Chicago
In the region, there will be 3 wide area allotments in Chicago, Gary and Naperville and 5 suburban allotments. LPFM opportunities in Band 6 and likely Band 5 will also be available.
