§  90.313   Frequency loading criteria.

   (a) Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, the
   maximum channel loading on frequencies in the 470-512 MHz band is as
   follows:

   (1) 50 units for systems eligible in the Public Safety Pool (see
   § 90.20(a)).

   (2) 90 units for systems eligible in the Industrial/Business Pool (see
   § 90.35(a)).

   (b) If a licensee has exclusive use of a frequency, then the loading
   standards in paragraph (a) of this section, may be exceeded. If it is a
   shared channel, the loading standards can be exceeded upon submission
   of a signed statement by all those sharing the channel agreeing to the
   increase.

   (c) A unit is defined as a mobile transmitter-receiver. Loading
   standards will be applied in terms of the number of units actually in
   use or to be placed in use within 8 months following authorization. A
   licensee will be required to show that an assigned frequency pair is at
   full capacity before it may be assigned a second or additional
   frequency pair. Channel capacity may be reached either by the
   requirements of a single licensee or by several users sharing a
   channel. Until a channel is loaded to capacity it will be available for
   assignment to other users in the same area. A frequency pair may be
   reassigned at distances 64 km. (40 mi.), 32 km. (20 mi.) for Channel
   15, Chicago; Channel 20, Philadelphia; and Channel 17, Washington, or
   more from the location of base stations authorized on that pair without
   reference to loading at the point of original installation. Following
   authorization, the licensee shall notify the Commission either during
   or at the close of the 8 month period of the number of units in
   operation. In the Industrial Radio Services, if the base station
   facility is to be used by more than a single licensee, the frequency
   assigned to it will not be reassigned for use by another facility
   within 64 km. (40 mi.) or 32 km. (20 mi.) where applicable for a period
   of 12 months, Provided, That the facility is constructed within 90 days
   from the date of the first grant, meets the loading standards to at
   least 50 percent within 9 months, and meets all loading standards
   within 12 months.

   [ 43 FR 54791 , Nov. 22, 1978, as amended at  47 FR 36649 , Aug. 23, 1982;
    62 FR 18933 , Apr. 17, 1997]