The problem faced by regulators was how to eliminate interference and allocate frequencies to radio stations efficiently.

The World Administrative Radio Conference, a meeting of most of the world's governments to allocate frequencies for new uses, will take place in 1992.

But the F.C.C., which allocates frequencies, wants the public safety agencies to make better use of the ones they have, or to share them with other users.

Proposals to allocate frequencies at or near 500 kHz to amateur radio use resulted in the creation of the 600-meter amateur radio band.

Many have long said no - that fairness dictates allocating frequencies on merit, or by lottery.

How to allocate frequencies is a public policy issue comparable to how to make the best use of public land, an issue as old as the nation.

In a recent telephone conversation with the CAA I was connected with the department that allocates frequencies for such beacons.

To allocate frequencies in such an operation is very difficult.

Among other things, the board allocates broadcasting frequencies and operators' licenses.

Allocating new frequencies outside existing television bands would delay the advent of HDTV service, the commission said.