Sec.  73.712   Equipment tests.

   (a) During the process of construction of an international broadcasting
   station, the permittee, having obtained authorization for frequencies and
   hours as set forth in the Note to  Sec. 73.702(d) may, without further authority
   of the FCC, conduct equipment tests for the purpose of such adjustments and
   measurements as may be necessary to assure compliance with the terms of the
   construction permit, the technical provisions of the application therefor
   and the rules and regulations. Such tests shall use voice identification and
   test tones only. No programming shall be conducted during equipment tests.

   (b) The Commission may notify the permittee to conduct no tests or may
   cancel, suspend, or change the date for the beginning of equipment tests
   when  and  if  such  action  may  appear to be in the public interest,
   convenience, and necessity.

   (c) Equipment tests may be continued so long as the construction permit
   shall remain valid: Provided, however, That the procedure set forth in
   paragraph (a) of this section must be repeated prior to the conducting of
   such tests in each season after the season in which the testing began.

   (d)  The authorization for tests embodied in this section shall not be
   construed as constituting a license to operate but as a necessary part of
   construction.

   [ 28 FR 13696 , Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at  37 FR 25842 , Dec. 5, 1972.
   Redesignated and amended at  38 FR 18894 , July 16, 1973;  47 FR 40174 , Sept.
   13, 1982]