ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV is already rolling out across the nation, offering the possibility of 4K TV, better sound, and more. One of the other selling points of ATSC 3.0 is the ability for it to provide data that could be used to power wireless internet. Now Sinclair has announced plans to offer a wireless internet service that can provide internet almost anywhere.
Sinclair says this system, for now, will target the internet of things providing wireless updates to cards and a host of other devices.
“Data Distribution as a Service is the inevitable next step in the evolution of broadcasting. It allows us to continue providing exceptional and enhanced video programming and, at the same time, repurpose the remaining capacity of our channels to meet the needs of data users nation-wide on market-disrupting terms. The service is part of our future. Building this platform is one of the necessary and exciting steps to that end.” Said Chris Ripley, Sinclair’s President, and CEO.
Sinclair also says this new system will be able to offer enhanced advanced emergency information. This data service could be used to ensure wireless alerts get delivered even if your wireless provider is offline. For example, in 2022, 2/3 of cellphone networks failed in and around Fort Myers during Hurricane Ian. Using this system would have allowed phones to still receive alerts.
Sinclair plans to have this system nationwide by 2024 and is already going live in some markets.