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Summary: REFARMING
The purpose of this article is to provide some insight to the new FCC rule changes
referred to as refarming.
Refarming is the name given to the FCC Docket 92-235 established in June of 1995.
The goals are to create additional channels (licenses) and to encourage spectrum
efficiency. Through docket 92-235, the FCC is reclaiming approximately 28 MHz of
spectrum at VHF and UHF and reissuing it in 12.5 kHz channel assignments.
There are a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to refarming. However, one
thing is certain, refarming is here. It has been happening since the FCC first started
issuing the new spectrum efficient licenses in October 1997.
UNDERSTANDING THE RULE CHANGES
To better understand refarming, it's helpful to first understand the rules prior to
refarming.
In 1934, two agencies were established to manage the pool of frequencies set aside
for the federal government and non-federal government users. The NTIA or National
Telecommunications and Information Administration, governed by the office of the
President of the United States, regulates the federal government users. The FCC or
Federal Communications Commission is governed by Congress and regulates all non-
federal government users.
The new refarming rules affects both agencies, however, this article will focus on the
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