Narrower FM band spacing poses increased aviation hazard — KBP

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) has put the National Communications Commission (NTC) on notice that reducing the frequency separation of FM stations in Metro Manila from 800 Khz to 400 Khz will seriously compromise aviation safety in the country.

In a meeting with NTC Commissioner Armi Jane Borje last Feb. 24, the KBP delegation composed of its president Jose Antonio K. Veloso, Engineer Romeo Q. Yabut, KBP technical standards committee chairman Rudolph E. Jularbal, KBP legal committee chairman, and Metro Manila FM operators, apprised the NTC that by narrowing the frequency spacing between FM stations, the resulting inter-modulation products that interfere with radio frequencies used in aviation communication and instruments is geometrically increased. This, according to Yabut, poses a serious danger to aviation safety.

Jularbal of the KBP added that while KBP members are potential recipients of frequencies that can be made available, KBP members themselves are opposing the move since it is inimical to the public interest, safety and welfare.

The KBP urged the NTC to conduct a careful and thorough study on the implications of the reduction of the current 800 Khz separation that is a standard adopted not only by the NTC but also by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), on recommendation of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

"This is not a simple technical issue. The implications are nationwide and far-reaching. There are considerations of public safety, consumer or listening public’s welfare and impact on the economy’s Jularbal said.

The House committee on transportation and communication headed by Rep. Paras is currently reviewing the NTC policies on frequency allocation, in aid of legislation, and has urged NTC to narrow the frequency separation between the frequency separation between FM stations in Metro Manila.