FCC Denies Wifredo Blanco-Pi Experimental AM Booster Request

Before us is Wifredo G. Blanco-Pi’s (Blanco-Pi) August 16, 2011, “Petition for Review,” which we consider under Section 1.115 of our Rules as an Application for Review (AFR). Blanco-Pi seeks review of the Media Bureau’s July 27, 2011, letter decision, in which the Bureau partially granted and otherwise denied Blanco-Pi’s Petition for Reconsideration of the Bureau’s prior denial of the above-captioned application for an experimental broadcast station under former Section 74.102 of the rules (Application). For the reasons discussed below, in this Memorandum Opinion and Order we dismiss in part, and otherwise deny the AFR.

About the order, FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai said, "This Order resolves a narrow question: Under the particular facts in front of us, does the applicant qualify for a broadcast radio experimental license to build an AM synchronous booster station in Guayama, Puerto Rico? For the reasons set forth by the Commission, I agree that the correct answer is no. Given its unique factual context, this Order should not deter any AM broadcasters who wish to perform legitimate experiments with AM synchronous boosters from coming to the Commission. If broadcasters wish to test whether synchronous transmission systems can help improve signal quality within their coverage area, I believe that the Commission should facilitate such experiments as we search for ways to revitalize the AM band."