FCC wants to reserve UHF channels for unlicensed use, NAB cries foul
WASHINGTON – The FCC has proposed that, after the next incentive auction, one UHF channel in each market be set aside for unlicensed white space devices like wireless microphones.
The move signals an acknowledgement by the Federal Communications Commission that wireless technology is coming to dominate spectrum while conventional television is becoming less of a force.
The FCC notice lays out how the agency sees white space allocation going forward: “We propose that the vacant channel preserved will be in the UHF band in the range of channel 21 and above, and that the specific vacant channel preserved may vary depending on the particular area. We also propose that a party wishing to construct a new, displacement, or modified station on one of these channels would perform a technical study based on the commission’s requirements to determine channel availability and the other operating parameters for the proposed facility and would include this study with its application to demonstrate that white space devices and wireless microphones operating within the same area as the proposed broadcast or BAS station will have access to at least one channel.”
The proposal has gotten the attention of the National Association of Broadcasters and divided the FCC itself.
The NAB issued a statement on the issue: “NAB is reviewing this proposal and will participate actively on this issue. For those concerned with localism and diversity of public airwaves, the prospect of elevating unlicensed users of spectrum over licensed broadcasters in the television broadcast band should cause grave concern. This appears to be contrary to the Spectrum Act, the FCC’s own rules, and sound public policy.”
Commissioner Ajit Pai, who frequently breaks with the majority of the commission, released a statement calling out the FCC for peddling in partisan politics.
“The commission, on a partisan basis, is using the incentive auction proceeding to dole out regulatory presents to favored companies and industries while leaving others worse off. When it comes to the repacked UHF broadcast television band, full-power television stations should receive top priority. Up until this Notice, I wouldn’t have thought that this proposition would have been controversial. After all, the band will be primarily allocated for broadcast television. But today’s Notice suggests a switcheroo, giving unlicensed white space devices priority over full-power television stations in some circumstances.”
