FCC, Media Bureau, Engineering Division, CARS License

CABLE TELEVISION RELAY SERVICE (CARS) LICENSES

CARS stations are point-to-point or point-to-multipoint microwave systems used by cable and MMDS (wireless cable) operators to receive signals from remote locations. Alternatively, CARS can also be used for the distribution of programming to microwave hubs where it may be physically impossible or too expensive to run cable to these hubs. CARS stations cannot be used to directly distribute programming to subscribers and can operate on the following shared frequency bands:

12.70 - 13.20 GHz

17.70 - 18.58 GHz

6875 - 7125 MHz (MOBILE only)

6425 - 6525 MHz (MOBILE only)

1990 - 2110 MHz (MOBILE only)

The Eligibility Requirements for a CARS station are outlined in Section §78.13 of the rules. Applications for CARS licenses are filed on the FCC Form 327 and should include the FCC Form 159 (Fee Filing Form), accompanied by the appropriate fee. (The fee for 2004 is $230.00. Follow this link for the 2004 Media Bureau Fee Filing Guide.) Applications should be mailed to the following address:

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MEDIA BUREAU
P. O. BOX 358205
PITTSBURGH, PA 15251-5205

If you have any questions about CARS, please ccall(202) 418-7001.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A CARS LICENSE (47 CFR Section 78.13)

A license for a CARS station will be issued only:

(a) To the owner or one who is responsible for the management and operation of a cable television system.
(b) To a cooperative enterprise wholly owned by cable television owners or operators.
(c) To a cable network-entity qualified under the Communications Act of 1934 (i.e. showing that frequencies are available for the proposed operation, and that the public interest, convenience, and necessity will be served by a grant.
(d) Licensees and conditional licensees of channels in the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), or entities that hold an executed lease agreement with an MDS or MMDS licensee or conditional licensee or with an Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) licensee or permittee.
(e) Licensees, construction permittee, and applicants of channels in the ITFS if:
- (1) station is authorized or seeks authorization for point-to-point operation
- (2) grant would allow displacement of any E or F channels of the ITFS point-to- point operation by MDS or MMDS applicant, licensee, or conditional licensee.