The FCC has figured out a way to determine construction deadlines for full power and Class A television stations that are moving to new channels after the incentive auction. The Commission said on Friday it’s going with the proposal released earlier and adding some changes. The agency is sticking to the 39-month repack deadline and its methodology will be used after the FCC knows final channel assignments.
The agency declined NAB’s suggestion that stations not be assigned to construction phases until they’ve completed tower studies, saying that could “negatively affect the incentive for broadcasters to begin preparing for the transition in earnest.”
“Launching an organized, phased schedule at the earliest opportunity will provide broadcasters, equipment manufacturers and other vendors and consultants, wireless providers, and television viewers with certainty and stability,” said the FCC.
In addition, to minimize consumer disruption during the 39-month transition period, and to promote the efficient use of tower crews, all stations within a DMA will be assigned to no more than two transition phases. CCA supported this while American Tower proposed stations on the same tower be assigned the same transition phase. The Commission rejected these proposals saying that would thwart the “Phase Assignment Tool’s” ability to balance competing goals.
The ban on communications and forward auction applicants remains in place, at least for now.
After the staff completes processing the CP applications filed during an initial 90-day window, the Media Bureau will issue public notices announcing two, 30-day filing windows for stations looking for alternate channels and/or expanded facilities.
January 30, 2017
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