🌐 Summary
68 MHz (range 66–72 MHz) is part of TV Channel 4 within the VHF spectrum.
Quick summary: At 68 MHz within Channel 4, television broadcasts utilize lower VHF spectrum characteristics. Receivers tuned to this frequency capture signals that travel farther and penetrate buildings better than higher TV channels.
Primary use: Television broadcasting
Common applications: Broadcast TV
Technology: ATSC 1.0/3.0 (digital TV)
Quick Facts VHF television broadcasting in the low VHF band. These channels (2-6) suffered from electrical noise and interference. Many were cleared for other uses after the digital TV transition.
Source: 47 CFR Part 73
Channel 4: 66-72 MHz
📶 Band & Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (MHz) | 68 |
| Lower Band Edge (MHz) | 66 |
| Upper Band Edge (MHz) | 72 |
| Band Name | TV Channel 4 |
| Spectrum Block | VHF |
| Popular Name | Former VHF TV Ch 2-4 |
| Allocation Status | Active |
| Exclusive / Shared | No (shared allocation) |
| Protected Services | |
| Related Frequencies | 63-73 MHz band |
📜 FCC Rules & Licensing
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Service Type | BROADCASTING |
| FCC Secondary Services | See primary allocation |
| FCC Part Number | Part 73 |
| FCC Rule Section | 47 CFR Part 73 (Broadcasting) |
| License Required | Yes |
| License Type | Broadcasting license (not required for viewing) |
| License Fee Type | Application fee |
| Annual Regulatory Fee | Yes |
| License Term (Years) | 10 |
| Renewal Expectancy | High |
| Auction History | Not auctioned (comparative licensing) |
| Refarming Status | Stable |
| Geographic Restrictions | Border coordination may apply near Canada/Mexico |
| Quiet Zones | No |
| Coordination Required | Frequency coordination required |
| Warnings / Notices | Unauthorized transmission is illegal and subject to FCC enforcement |
⚙️ RF & Technical
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | ATSC 1.0/3.0 (digital TV) |
| Modulation | VSB (analog video) + FM (audio) |
| Typical Bandwidth | 6 MHz |
| Transmitter Type | TV transmitters |
| Receiver Type | Television tuner |
| Typical Power (W) | 1000-50000 |
| Maximum Power Limit | Varies by station class (up to 1000 kW ERP for TV) |
| ERP Limit | Up to 1000 kW ERP (TV stations) |
| Antenna Height Limits | Varies |
| Antenna (Quarter-Wave) | 3.44 ft (104.9 cm) |
| Duplex Mode | Simplex |
| Paired Frequency | Varies by application |
| Channelization | 200 kHz (FM), 6 MHz (TV) |
| Guard Bands (kHz) | Varies |
| Emission Designator | Varies |
| Emission Mask | FCC standards |
| Part 15 Device Limits | Not applicable (licensed spectrum) |
| Spread Spectrum Allowed | No |
| Frequency Hopping Allowed | No |
| Power Control Required | No |
🌤️ Propagation
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Propagation Mode | Line of sight |
| Typical Range (Miles) | 30-60 |
| Day vs Night Differences | Minimal |
| Atmospheric Effects | Minimal |
| Interference Concerns | Standard adjacent channel and co-channel interference |
🛡️ Ecosystem
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Television broadcasting |
| Common Applications | Broadcast TV |
| Can You Listen? | Yes – over-the-air TV (free to watch) |
| Encryption Status | Not encrypted (public broadcast) |
| Popular Radio Models | RTL-SDR Blog V3, Airspy Mini, SDRplay RSPdx, Nooelec NESDR, VHF TV receivers (DTV) |
| License Holders | Television broadcast stations |
| Major Operators | TV broadcasters |
| Government Use | No |
| Military Use | No |
| Public Safety | No |
| Critical Infrastructure | No |
| Amateur Radio | No |
| ISM Band | No |
| Unlicensed Operation | No |
| Consumer Equipment | No |
| Common Devices | Television sets, TV antennas, digital TV tuners |
| Receive Only | No |
| Radio Astronomy | No |
| Satellite Downlink | No |
| Passive Service | No |
| Spectrum Occupancy (Estimated) | Varies |
| Urban vs Rural | Urban focused |
| Deployment Density | Medium |
🌎 International
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ITU Region 2 Allocation | Broadcasting (Television VHF Band I) |
| International Harmonization | ITU Region 2 VHF TV allocation (varies by region) |
| Cross-Border Coordination | No |
| Year Allocated | 1940s (analog TV, transitioned to digital 2009) |
| Legacy Uses | Analog TV (ended 2009) |
| Future Plans | Stable |
🧾 Compliance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Certification Required | No |
| Equipment Authorization Type | Certification required |
| FCC ID Required | No |
| Compliance Testing | FCC equipment authorization required |