Off-air measurements confirm breach of licence terms and conditions for LPFM radio station

Published: 09.09.2008

Recently an LPFM (Low Power FM) radio station was issued with an infringement offence notice for operating above the legal power limit of 500mW e.i.r.p.

Radio Spectrum Management received information that the station appeared to be more powerful than the other stations in the area.  Radio Inspectors conducted off-air measurements which confirmed that a breach of the terms and conditions of the licence was occurring.

The Radio Inspectors then arranged with the radio station for a physical audit of the installation to be carried out.  At the same time, further off-air measurements were conducted.  These showed that the transmitter power had been reduced immediately prior to the audit.  This clearly indicated that the station was knowingly operating over-power.  An infringement notice was issued accordingly.

Licensees should be aware that off-air measurements are considered to be a legally robust methodology to confirm the technical parameters of a transmission. Radio Spectrum Management may use such measurements without needing to conduct a physical audit when investigating a possible breach of the regulations.