In reply comments to the FCC, the NAB and MSTV said there is no reason the US cannot have a top-flight digital television system and a top-flight national broadband system, and pointed out places in the spectrum where broadband could be located – even suggesting controlled service in the television band.
NAB/MSTV said that promoting efficient use of broadband’s already-allocated 500 MHz of spectrum was an important step, as is exploring the use of frequencies above 3.7 GHz.
The organizations also reiterated the suggestion that the “white spaces” between television stations be allocated, not for a “wild west” plethora of unlicensed devices, but for fixed license rural broadband service.
“The Commission should reject the plan presented by the commercial wireless interests and develop instead a National Broadband Plan that both preserves the public’s digital broadcast service and creates a world-class broadband network,” NAB stated.
RBR-TVBR observation: We understand that television seems 20th Century, and that the new administration has set up its FCC to move 21st Century broadband as quickly as possible. But the reality is that television is now 21st Century as well, and needs to maintain its turf to continue to compete effectively and fulfill its obligation to serve the public interest.
