IP: FCC Adds More Channel Spectrum For Digital TV

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

From: jspira () basex com




Thursday February 19 2:57 PM EST


FCC Adds More Channel Spectrum For Digital TV


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission has issued
final rules for future digital television broadcasts that include
preserving more channels than the agency's initial proposal.


Under the plan, broadcasters would surrender channels 52 to 69 back to the
government after all signals are transmitted only in digital form in the
year 2006.  Last year, the FCC also proposed a return of channels 2 through
6.


Digital technology is expected to allow broadcasters to squeeze as many as
six channels through an existing channel, or TV stations could offer a
single high-definition signal.  Until 2006, broadcasters are allowed to
also broadcast analog signals.


Broadcasters had complained about giving up the low-end channel signals,
which travel further in certain areas than signals of higher channels.


The National Association of Broadcasters said Wednesday it was pleased with
the new plan.


"We are hopeful that free over-the-air stations will have maximum
flexibility as this transition to digital and high- definition TV occurs,"
association President Edward Fritts said.


The government plans to auction licenses for the returned channels to
communications providers.


FCC Chairman William Kennard said the increased number of channels would
allow more low-power broadcasters to continue operating.  "In many
communities, low-power stations are significant, and in some cases
exclusive, outlets for foreign- language and other programming to
underserved audiences," he said in a statement.


But Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth, one of only two Republicans on the
five-member body, blasted the decision to give broadcasters the extra
channels.


We seem to say that as long as there are benefits to a decision, the costs
do not matter," Furchtgott-Roth said in a statement also noting that
congressional analysts were counting on revenues from the channel auctions
to balance the federal budget.


> From the perspective of fiscal responsibility, it is distressing,"
Furchtgott-Roth added.


He suggested the FCC require broadcasters to give back channels 47 to 51 in
return for allowing them to keep the lower channels.


The FCC did not alter its previous plan to phase in digital broadcasting
over the next five years.


Under the plan, affiliates of the four networks in the 10 largest markets
will begin digital broadcasts by May 1, 1999, and in the top 30 markets by
November 1999.




All other commercial stations will begin digital broadcasting no later than
May 1, 2002, with all non-commercial stations going digital by May 1, 2003.




The FCC still has a plethora of related digital TV issues to resolve,
including what -- if any -- new obligations should be imposed on
broadcasters in the name of serving the public interest.




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