The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Report and Order (CS Docket No. 99-250)
that expanded eligibility for licenses in the Cable Television Relay Service (CARS) to all Multichannel Video Programming Distributors.
Now, Private Cable Operators (PCOs), Direct Broadcast Satellite Operators (DBS), Open Video Systems (OVS),
and others who provide multiple channels of video programming can join Cable Television Systems and Wireless
Cable Systems (MDS, MMDS) in using CARS microwave frequencies to support their video programming distribution.
for more details...
CARS stations are point-to-point or point-to-multipoint microwave
systems used by cable and MMDS (wireless cable) operators to receive signals from remote
locations. Alternatively, CARS can also be used for the distribution of programming to
microwave hubs where it may be physically impossible or too expensive to run cable to
these hubs. CARS stations cannot be used to directly distribute programming to subscribers
and can operate on the following shared frequency bands:
12.70 - 13.20 GHz
17.70 - 18.58 GHz
6875 - 7125 MHz (MOBILE only)
6425 - 6525 MHz (MOBILE only)
1990 - 2110 MHz (MOBILE only)
The Eligibility Requirements for a CARS station are outlined in Section ยง78.13 of the
rules. Applications for CARS licenses are filed electronically using COALS Electronic Filing, or on the FCC Form 327 and should include the
FCC Form 159 (Fee Filing Form) (follow this link for instructions for
the Form 159, which can be downloaded or read on-line), accompanied by the appropriate
fee. (The fee for 2006 is $245.00. Paper applications should be mailed to the following address:
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MEDIA BUREAU
P. O. BOX 979089
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
If you have any questions about CARS, please call(202)418-7001.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A CARS LICENSE (47 CFR Section 78.13)
A license for a CARS station will be issued only:
(a) To the owner or one who is responsible for the management and operation of a cable
television system.
(b) To a cooperative enterprise wholly owned by cable television owners or operators.
(c) To a cable network-entity qualified under the Communications Act of 1934 (i.e.
showing that frequencies are available for the proposed operation, and that the public
interest, convenience, and necessity will be served by a grant.
(d) Licensees and conditional licensees of channels in the Multipoint Distribution
Service (MDS) and Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), or entities that
hold an executed lease agreement with an MDS or MMDS licensee or conditional licensee or
with an Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) licensee or permittee.
(e) Licensees, construction permittee, and applicants of channels in the ITFS if:
(1) station is authorized or wish to be authorized for point-to-point operation
(2) grant would allow displacement of any E or F channel of the ITFS point-to- point
operation by MDS or MMDS applicant, licensee, or conditional licensee.
CABLE TELEVISION RELAY SERVICE (CARS) LICENSES
