If you use an antenna to watch free over-the-air TV you will likely need to rescan as nearly 1,000 OTA TV stations will be changing frequencies today to make room for 5G Internet. You can check on Antenna Web to see what channels in your area will be moving.
Note: The rescan for some channel in areas affected by Hurricane Dorian will be delayed until September 11.
A few years ago, the FCC auctioned off locals forcing many channels to switch channel numbers. This auction freed up space for things like 5G. Now the time has come for many local TV stations to switch channel numbers. Starting now through the next year or so, 1,000 TV stations will be changing their TV channels with many of them making the change this fall – meaning you will need to rescan your antenna to stay up to date. If not, you may notice some channels vanish until you rescan.
If you need help rescanning your antenna, contact the FCC help desk call center by dialing 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322) and pressing “6.” The call center is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Eastern time, seven days a week, so consumers throughout the country can get assistance during evening and weekend hours.
You never know, you may find some new free OTA TV channels. Not that long ago I rescanned my TV and found two new channels: Laff and Comet, giving me access to great comedy and sci-fi content that I had been missing out on for some time.
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