$//PN, WTB Clarifies Definition of Interference Contour, Paging Rules, DA 96-538//$ FOR RECORD ONLY PUBLIC NOTICE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 1919 M STREET N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 DA 96-538 News media information 202/418-0500. April 5, 1996 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU CLARIFIES DEFINITION OF INTERFERENCE CONTOUR FOR INTERIM PAGING RULES In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released on February 9, 1996 in WT Docket No. 96-18 (Notice), the Commission stated that incumbent paging licensees could add sites to existing systems or modify existing sites during the pendency of the rulemaking proceeding if the addition or modification did not expand the interference contour of the incumbent's existing system. See Notice at para. 140. In a footnote, the Commission referenced a proposal in the Notice to base the interference contour on a median field strength of 21 dBæV/m. Id. at n. 271. Some parties have interpreted this reference as adopting a change in our rules with respect to the interference contour definition for paging systems. We clarify that during the pendency of this rulemaking proceeding, the Commission will continue to apply current rules to define the interference contour of existing paging systems. See 47 CFR  22.537. Therefore, pursuant to the Notice, paging licensees should use the interference contour as defined for their particular frequencies under our current rules to determine whether internal sites may be added or modified. In the case of licensees on 929 MHz exclusive channels, the rules defining interference contours for 931 MHz systems should be used. See 47 CFR  22.537(f). Action by Michele C. Farquhar, Acting Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. For further information contact Mika Savir, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Commercial Wireless Division, at (202) 418-0620.