**87.6 FM**
**Definition:**
87.6 FM is a frequency on the FM radio band commonly used by various radio stations worldwide. It is situated at the lower end of the FM broadcast spectrum and is often allocated for community, low-power, or specialized radio services depending on national regulations.
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# 87.6 FM
## Overview
87.6 FM refers to a specific frequency on the FM (Frequency Modulation) radio band, which ranges from 87.5 to 108.0 MHz in most countries. Positioned near the lower boundary of the FM spectrum, 87.6 MHz is utilized by a variety of radio broadcasters globally, including community radio stations, low-power FM (LPFM) stations, and sometimes commercial broadcasters depending on the regulatory environment of each country.
The use and allocation of 87.6 FM vary significantly by region, influenced by national telecommunications authorities and international agreements. In some countries, this frequency is reserved for special purposes such as tourist information, emergency broadcasts, or niche programming, while in others it is part of the general FM band available for commercial and public radio stations.
## Technical Characteristics
### Frequency and Bandwidth
The FM radio band typically spans from 87.5 MHz to 108.0 MHz, with channel spacing varying by country—commonly 100 kHz or 200 kHz increments. The 87.6 MHz frequency lies just above the lower limit of this band, making it one of the first assignable frequencies in the FM range.
FM radio signals modulate the frequency of the carrier wave to encode audio information, providing high-fidelity sound with resistance to noise and interference compared to AM (Amplitude Modulation) radio. The bandwidth of an FM channel is generally about 200 kHz, allowing for stereo sound and additional subcarrier services such as Radio Data System (RDS).
### Transmission Power and Coverage
Stations operating on 87.6 FM often vary in transmission power. In many countries, this frequency is allocated to low-power stations, which typically transmit at power levels ranging from a few watts up to 100 watts. Such low-power transmissions limit the coverage area to a few kilometers, making them ideal for community radio, campus radio, or localized broadcasting.
Higher power stations on 87.6 FM are less common but may exist in certain regulatory environments. The effective coverage area depends on factors such as transmitter power, antenna height, terrain, and atmospheric conditions.
## Global Usage and Regulation
### United States
In the United States, the FM broadcast band officially starts at 88.1 MHz, and frequencies below this are generally not assigned for standard FM broadcasting. However, some low-power or special-use stations may operate near 87.7 MHz, which corresponds to the audio carrier frequency of analog television channel 6. This unique situation allows some „Franken-FM” stations to broadcast audio on 87.7 MHz, which can be received on FM radios.
The 87.6 MHz frequency is not commonly used for licensed FM broadcasting in the U.S., and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) does not typically allocate this frequency for standard FM stations.
### Australia
Australia is notable for its use of the 87.6 MHz frequency for low-power FM broadcasting. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) permits low-power open narrowcasting (LPN) services to operate on frequencies including 87.6 MHz. These stations often serve niche audiences, such as tourist information, ethnic communities, or special interest groups.
The power limits for LPN stations on 87.6 FM are generally low, often restricted to 1 watt or less, which confines their coverage to small geographic areas such as a single town or neighborhood.
### Europe
In Europe, the FM band typically starts at 87.5 MHz, making 87.6 MHz a valid frequency for broadcasting. However, the allocation and use of this frequency vary by country. Some nations reserve the lower end of the FM band for community or experimental stations, while others allocate it for commercial broadcasters.
The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) provides guidelines for FM broadcasting, but individual countries maintain sovereignty over frequency assignments. As a result, 87.6 FM may be used by a variety of station types, including community radio, campus radio, and small commercial stations.
### Asia
In many Asian countries, the FM band also begins at 87.5 MHz, allowing 87.6 FM to be used for broadcasting. The specific use depends on national regulatory bodies. For example, in countries like Japan and South Korea, the FM band is standard, and 87.6 MHz may be assigned to local or community stations.
In some cases, 87.6 FM is used for specialized services such as tourist information or emergency broadcasts, especially in areas with significant transient populations or where other communication infrastructure is limited.
### Other Regions
In regions such as Africa and South America, the use of 87.6 FM varies widely. Some countries have adopted the international FM band standard, while others have unique allocations. In many developing countries, low-power FM stations on frequencies like 87.6 MHz play an important role in community communication, education, and local culture.
## Types of Stations on 87.6 FM
### Community Radio
Community radio stations are often found on frequencies like 87.6 FM due to the availability of low-power licenses and the desire to serve localized audiences. These stations typically focus on local news, cultural programming, educational content, and music relevant to the community.
Community radio on 87.6 FM provides a platform for underrepresented voices and fosters community engagement. The low transmission power limits interference with larger commercial stations and allows multiple community stations to coexist in different areas.
### Low-Power FM (LPFM)
Low-Power FM stations operate at reduced power levels, often under 100 watts, and serve small geographic areas. Many countries allocate 87.6 FM for LPFM use, enabling organizations such as schools, religious groups, and hobbyists to broadcast without the expense and regulatory burden of full-power licenses.
LPFM stations on 87.6 FM typically have limited reach but can be vital for hyper-local content, emergency information, and cultural programming.
### Commercial and Specialized Stations
In some countries, commercial broadcasters may operate on 87.6 FM, especially where the FM band starts at 87.5 MHz and the frequency is available for general use. Specialized stations, such as tourist information channels, emergency alert services, or event-specific broadcasters, may also utilize 87.6 FM.
These stations often have specific mandates or target audiences and may operate on a temporary or permanent basis depending on licensing.
## Technical Challenges and Considerations
### Interference and Signal Quality
Operating at the lower end of the FM band, 87.6 MHz can be susceptible to interference from adjacent frequencies, especially if channel spacing is narrow. Additionally, atmospheric conditions such as tropospheric ducting can cause signal propagation anomalies, leading to interference over longer distances.
Low-power stations on 87.6 FM must carefully coordinate with regulatory authorities to minimize interference with other broadcasters and services.
### Receiver Compatibility
Most modern FM receivers cover the full FM band from 87.5 to 108.0 MHz, allowing reception of 87.6 FM without issue. However, some older or region-specific radios may have limited tuning ranges, potentially excluding the lower end of the band.
In regions where 87.6 FM is used for specialized or low-power services, listener awareness and receiver capability are important factors in the station’s effectiveness.
## Historical Context
The FM radio band was internationally standardized in the mid-20th century, with the lower limit commonly set at 87.5 MHz. The allocation of frequencies near this lower boundary, including 87.6 MHz, has evolved over time as broadcasting needs and technologies have changed.
Initially, the lower end of the FM band was less utilized due to technical and regulatory reasons. However, with the rise of community radio and low-power broadcasting, frequencies like 87.6 FM have gained importance as accessible channels for diverse and localized content.
## Future Trends
### Digital Radio and Hybrid Broadcasting
The future of FM broadcasting, including frequencies like 87.6 MHz, is influenced by the development of digital radio technologies such as Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and HD Radio. While digital radio offers improved sound quality and additional services, FM remains widely used due to its simplicity and broad receiver base.
Hybrid systems that combine analog FM with digital enhancements may continue to use frequencies like 87.6 FM for analog transmission while providing digital data alongside.
### Spectrum Reallocation
As communication technologies evolve, spectrum reallocation may impact the availability and use of 87.6 FM. Regulatory bodies periodically review frequency assignments to optimize spectrum use, potentially opening or restricting access to this frequency for various services.
The increasing demand for wireless broadband and mobile services may pressure FM spectrum, but community and low-power broadcasters often advocate for the preservation of frequencies like 87.6 FM for local media.
## Summary
87.6 FM is a radio frequency located at the lower edge of the FM broadcast band, used worldwide for a variety of broadcasting purposes. Its allocation and use depend heavily on national regulations, with common applications including community radio, low-power FM stations, and specialized services. While not universally assigned for full-power commercial broadcasting, 87.6 FM plays a significant role in localized and niche radio services, contributing to media diversity and community engagement.
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**Meta Description:**
87.6 FM is a frequency on the FM radio band used globally for community, low-power, and specialized radio broadcasting. Its allocation varies by country, serving diverse local and niche audiences.