Use of Radio by Utilities

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gineers and inspectors who govern the licensing of operators and are responsible for seeing that the commission's regulations are enforced. When considering the installation of a radio system therefore, it is wise to obtain a copy of Part 11 of the commission's rules, which are available from the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D.C., at a cost of 10^ per copy. The name and address of the nearest FCC district engineer is also helpful. Before a radio system can be constructed, an FCC permit must be obtained and the frequency band of operation chosen. • There are essentially two bands which are available for mobile use the 30 to 50 me. (megacycle) band and the 152 to 162 me. band. Of the two, the lower frequency band has the advantage of greater coverage. Normally, one can expect a range of from 30-50 miles on this band depending upon antenna height, power of transmitter and terrain to be covered. The disadvantage of the lower frequency, however, is that it is subject to so-called skip interference. During periods of severe skip interference, for example, a South American station may be picked up with a louder signal than the mobile units operating within their normal range. The 152-162 me. band, on the other hand, affords practically no skip interference and only reduced local interference from storms and other electrical disturbances. The disadvantage of this band is that it offers an operating range that is lower by approximately 10-15 miles than that of the lower band. Because of the annoying amount of skip interference, the FCC is attempting to place as many users as possible on the higher band. Anyone wishing to operate on one of the lower frequencies, therefore, must first convince the commission that the coverage offered by the higher frequency band would be inadequate. When a band of operation has been selected, field tests can be conducted, under FCC license, to determine, among other things, what the number, location and power of the stations should be. To obtain a test license,