LP100 service is authorized for a maximum of 100 watts ERP (effective radiated power) calculated based on an antenna Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 100 feet. This results in a 60 dBu contour of 3.5 miles in radius.

LP10 service is authorized for 1 to 10 watts ERP (effective radiated power) calculated based on an antenna Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 100 feet. This results in a predicted 60 dBu contour of 1 to 2 miles in radius.

These services are authorized for noncommercial use only and are designated as Non-Commercial Educational (NCE). Therefore, commercial advertising is not allowed. Sponsorships and underwriting are allowed following the standard NCE rules for this including no "call to action."

Current owners of broadcast licenses cannot obtain an LPFM license without turning in their current broadcast license. However, you can file for a license and then return the other license(s) prior to initiating LPFM service.

The original LPFM rules stated that only one license will be granted to a licensee, nationwide, for the first two years that this service is offered. After two years a total of 5 stations can be licensed and after three years a total of 10 can be licensed nationwide, by a single licensee.

LPFM stations can be used for Traveler Information in a TIS-style operation. Due to the limitations imposed on ownership, it is expected that TIS use will be the exception rather than the rule.

If more than one application is submitted for the same frequency in a community they will be deemed to be "competing." The winning applicant will be determined through a point system based on local ownership, local origination of programming and an organization's presence in the community.

A successful applicant will have 18 months to construct the station and begin operation.