How Will the Repacking Timeline Affect the Tower Industry?

The net proceeds of the AWS-3 spectrum auction have the industry, and FCC, curious as to how much the 2016 incentive auction will bring in. That’s not the only question surrounding the auction. Another big concern is the time frame for repacking and deploying the new spectrum: 39 months. Will the FCC take submitted comments into consideration and lengthen the time frame? NATE finds this timeline particularly worrisome. In a letter to the FCC back in April, Todd Schlekeway, NATE Executive Director, wrote, “The challenge for broadcast and tower owner companies is how this repacking will roll out. Broadcasters will need help and guidance to reclaim their repacking costs. These costs must include temporary broadcast operations and structural analysis considerations. Most towers also will require modification to meet new standards, rigging plans which are now required, sequence and timing around ratings periods, crew selection, and insurance requirements.” Unfortunately, it’s likely that under-trained and unqualified individuals and contracts will take on these projects. “This will undoubtedly lead to an increase in accidents and fatalities similar to what occurred in 2006 as more and more contractors rushed to take advantage of TV stations’ need for tower-related services leading up to the 2009 analog sunset,” Schlekeway explained. NATE believes this 39-month time frame is unrealistic and could jeopardize worker safety. The Association submitted their comments to the FCC for consideration.