The FCC opened a filing window for pending new rural digital Low-Power (LPTV) and TV translators that were displaced by the broadcast channel repack. These owners and engineers can amend their applications to specify a new channel between 2 to 36. The window is open now, and closes January 31, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
In 2009, the FCC’s Media Bureau began accepting applications for new rural digital/LPTV translators on a limited basis. It later suspended processing those applications because they could potentially be displaced in the incentive auction and television channel repack.
In addition to specifying a new in-core digital channel, applicants may modify their technical specifications provided the changes don’t result in a transmitter site change of more than 48 kilometers from the reference coordinates specified in the original application. To preserve the “rural” filing restriction in the original 2009 window, amended facilities must specify transmitting antenna site coordinates (geographic latitude and longitude) located more than 121 kilometers (75 miles) from the reference coordinates of the cities listed in Appendix A.
The proposed facilities may not cause interference to the predicted service of licenses and valid construction permits for full power television, Class A, and LPTV/translator stations. They also can’t interfere with the predicted service of any previously-filed application for any of these services. Eligible applicants may file an amendment to their pending application; that will be treated as a minor amendment provided it complies with the restrictions. There is no fee for filing this amendment.
December 5, 2019
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