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Under stiff opposition from the nation’s broadcasters, the Federal Communications Commission has dropped a proposal to reallocate a significant chunk of the UHF broadcast television spectrum to wireless communications companies.
As Stop the Cap! recently reported, the wireless industry sought the reallocation to broaden the bandwidth available for wireless broadband services. The proposal would have paid broadcasters to adopt a new “cell tower”-like model of repeater antennas to provide broadcast television in more localized areas, reducing distant signal reception. This would permit stations to be packed closer together with less chance of interference with each other. Broadcasters reacted angrily to the proposal, suggesting it would limit reception and the launch of additional channels and communications services available from their new digital television service. It would also cause a nightmare for consumers less than a year after the end of most analog television transmissions.
For now, the FCC will adopt a voluntary strategy allowing stations to relinquish spectrum and receive compensation.
The wireless industry was not happy with the decision, and the industry’s trade and lobbying group weighed in.
“The record overwhelmingly demonstrates there’s a need for additional spectrum for mobile broadband services,” said CTIA President and CEO Steve Largent. “We continue to believe that all spectrum should be on the table for potential reallocation, including the almost 300 MHz allocated for broadcast television use, which is spectrum most favorable to mobile broadband. We look forward to working with the Commission and the broadband team to consider mechanisms to put spectrum to its highest use.”
Other stories of interest:
- Wireless Advocates Want to Poach Frequencies Assigned to Local TV Stations
- Video: FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski Announces Net Neutrality Proposal
- New FCC Chairman Wants Broader, Cheaper Broadband Access & More Competition
- New Report Says Wireless Broadband Providers May Have to Implement Usage Caps… But They Already Have
- Verizon Wireless’ LTE Next Generation Wireless Broadband: ‘Long Term Expensive’ Usage-Based Billing On The Way
“We look forward to working with the Commission and the broadband team to consider mechanisms to put spectrum to its highest use.” Should further read… “so that we can leverage that previously free to the tax payer spectrum to line our private corporate pockets with your money while depriving you of those free services you currently enjoy without paying us for them.”
It’s so obvious that this is an attempt to eliminate that pesky free competition from the market place.