We reported on the FCC’s plans to use ATSC 3.0 to offer internet service in May when Commissioner Brendan Carr said “Broadcast internet services are poised to offer a new and competitive broadband pipe. These services can leverage the power and coverage of broadcast television spectrum to deliver high-speed, 25 Mbps internet services.”
The plan was shared at an event co-hosted by NAB. Now, NAB is asking the FCC to revise some rules that could get in the way of agreements between broadcasters and third parties to offer IP services.
“Broadcasters are excited about the potential benefits of the new standard not only to provide the next generation of television service but also to offer new and innovative services to benefit the American consumer,” said NAB Associate General Counsel Patrick McFadden in a letter to the FCC.
As ATSC 3.0 launches, multiple stations are making agreements to broadcast with the same signal. McFadden argues that the current rules are too ambiguous to offer a clear answer about whether that simulcasting practice will continue.
“We note that, in its order authorizing the voluntary use of the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard, the Commission similarly stated it would not apply the broadcast ownership rules in any situation where airing an ATSC 3.0 signal or an ATSC 1.0 simulcast on a temporary host station’s facility would result in a potential violation of those rules,” McFadden said. “Pursuant to that order, such temporary simulcasting arrangements do not constitute a cognizable interest under our attribution rules.”
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