§  90.219   Use of signal boosters.

   Licensees authorized to operate radio systems in the frequency bands
   above 150 MHz may employ signal boosters at fixed locations in
   accordance with the following criteria:

   (a) The amplified signal is retransmitted only on the exact
   frequency(ies) of the originating base, fixed, mobile, or portable
   station(s). The booster will fill in only weak signal areas and cannot
   extend the system's normal signal coverage area.

   (b) Class A narrowband signal boosters must be equipped with automatic
   gain control circuitry which will limit the total effective radiated
   power (ERP) of the unit to a maximum of 5 watts under all conditions.
   Class B broadband signal boosters are limited to 5 watts ERP for each
   authorized frequency that the booster is designed to amplify.

   (c) Class A narrowband boosters must meet the out-of-band emission
   limits of §  90.210 for each narrowband channel that the booster is
   designed to amplify. Class B broadband signal boosters must meet the
   emission limits of §  90.210 for frequencies outside of the booster's
   designed passband.

   (d) Class B broadband signal boosters are permitted to be used only in
   confined or indoor areas such as buildings, tunnels, underground areas,
   etc., or in remote areas, i.e., areas where there is little or no risk
   of interference to other users.

   (e) The licensee is given authority to operate signal boosters without
   separate authorization from the Commission. Certificated equipment must
   be employed and the licensee must ensure that all applicable rule
   requirements are met.

   (f) Licensees employing either Class A narrowband or Class B broadband
   signal boosters as defined in §  90.7 are responsible for correcting any
   harmful interference that the equipment may cause to other systems.
   Normal co-channel transmissions will not be considered as harmful
   interference. Licensees will be required to resolve interference
   problems pursuant to §  90.173(b).

   [ 61 FR 31052 , June 19, 1996, as amended at  63 FR 36610 , July 7, 1998;
    72 FR 35195 , June 27, 2007]

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