Sec. 74.604  Interference avoidance.

    (a) Because the Commission does not undertake frequency 
coordination, applicants for new TV broadcast auxiliary authorizations 
are responsible for selecting the frequency assignments that are least 
likely to result in mutual interference with other licensees in the same 
area. Applicants may consult local coordination committees, where they 
exist, for information on frequencies available in the area. In 
selecting frequencies, consideration should be given to the relative 
locations of receiving points, normal transmission paths, and the nature 
of the contemplated operation.
    (b) Where two or more licensees are assigned a common channel for TV 
pickup, TV STL, or TV relay purposes in the same area and simultaneous 
operation is contemplated, they shall take such steps as may be 
necessary to avoid mutual interference, including consultation with the 
local coordination committee, if one exists. If a mutual agreement to 
this effect cannot be reached, the Commission must be notified and it 
will take such action as may be necessary, including time sharing 
arrangements, to assure an equitable distribution of available 
frequencies.
    (c) For those interference disputes brought to the Commission for 
resolution, TV broadcast auxiliary channels will have the following 
priority for purposes of interference protection:
    (1) All fixed links for full service broadcast stations and cable 
systems.
    (2) TV and CARS pickup stations.
    (3) Fixed or mobile stations serving translator or low power TV 
stations.
    (4) Backup facilities; TV pickup stations used outside a licensee's 
local service area.
    (5) Any transmission, pursuant to Sec. 74.631(f), that does not 
involve the delivery of program material to a licensee's associated TV 
broadcast station.
    (d) Interference between two stations having the same priority shall 
be resolved in favor of the station licensed first on a particular path.

[ 48 FR 17091 , Apr. 21, 1983]