Wheeler looking to predict interference, protect LPTV

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Tom WheelerLooking ahead to the FCC’s October Open Meeting, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler hopes to start a proceeding that will settle interference prediction issues and look at ways to preserve as much LPTV/translator service as possible.


IN a blog post, Wheeler said, “Perhaps the most notable spectrum innovation being advanced by the Commission is the world’s first voluntary incentive auction, which will use market forces to repurpose spectrum in the TV band so that the spectrum can be used by wireless providers.”

He continued, “Today, I shared two proposals related to this historic auction. The first is a draft Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address aggregate broadcaster-to-broadcaster interference during repacking, and also settle the methodology for predicting interference between broadcast and wireless operations in the same or adjacent channels in nearby markets during and following the auction.”

Addressing the LPTV/translator issue, he said, “In the second item, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking relating to LPTV stations and TV translators, we explore various actions the Commission can take to mitigate the potential impact of the incentive auction and the repacking process on these stations. LPTV and TV translator stations provide diverse and local programming for viewers, especially in rural and remote locations, and we intend to do what we can to promote their continued viability.”