In spectrum reclamation proposal, broadcasters want to know: How much?
Dec 4, 2009 3:47 PM, By Michael Grotticelli
From a technical perspective, the challenges of either reducing individual stations’ bandwidth or “repacking” stations while allowing them to retain 6MHz of spectrum could prove more than problematic — taking into account signal interference and market coverage issues. Collectively, broadcasters now use about 294MHz of spectrum for digital television (including both standard- and high-definition channels).
“We believe that we are part of the solution, particularly as it applies to wireless use,” Donavan said. “The business value proposition of over-the-air television far exceeds what would be a one-time snapshot value. We want to work with the Broadband Task Force. In fact, we have for years believed that you can use television spectrum, especially in rural areas for the provision of an over-the air wireless broadband service.”
He added that providing broadband to areas that need it most could be accomplished on a region-by-region basis. “To create a national clearing approach forces the government at some point to force some broadcasters off the air or dramatically change their facilities.”
One proposal for reclaiming spectrum includes the use of SD “subchannels” now used by some broadcasters for ancillary weather, sports and entertainment programming. Paul Gallant, a financial analyst with Concept Capital, said such multicasting of subchannels has not achieved the windfall it was predicted to provide stations when broadcasters were given the digital spectrum. As such, he surmised that stations could part with some of their spectrum without a negative effect.
At the Progress and Freedom Foundation, Kostas Liopiros, a principal at tech consultancy firm Sun Fire Group, said the UHF spectrum is being looked at for its ability to carry wireless signals through walls and other rural terrain hurdles. Contiguous blocks of spectrum are also preferred. He called the repacking of spectrum “a very messy and laborious process,” and said the ATSC standard was designed to carry four to six SD channels, so there is room for flexibility.
Still, the question remains how much spectrum the government will require for its ambitious broadband plan.
“We’re trying to find out specifically what the Broadband Task Force is contemplating in terms of taking back spectrum,” MSTV’s Donovan said. “[We need to know] how much? Because that determines the policies that one follows. To date, that has been a very nebulous number.”
Another interesting note: In trying to determine the value of the spectrum, attorney Hane said that Verizon Wireless alone controls more spectrum than all the broadcasters combined in any given market, yet is not bound by any FCC regulations the way that broadcasters are.
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