What’s stopping another person/company from transmitting on the same radio frequency as an established radio channel?

Question

What’s stopping another person/company from transmitting on the same radio frequency as an established radio channel?

In: Technology

Answer 1

As others have noted, nothing *stops* you.

I tech for a small FM station. We transmit using a lot of power from a big antenna on the top of a big hill. This gives us coverage because, well, physics and geography. If you got a little transmitter of say 100W and used an antenna on your house, you’ll win over us for a radius around your house, a few blocks. But not over the majority of our coverage area.

And if noticed, and the subject of complaints, the authorities will come and track the transmitter down. And take it out of service by confiscation.