FCC: Proposes Transition Roadmap for Next Gen TV (ATSC 3.0)

While the FCC remains closed, it has published proposed decisions for its October 28^th meeting.  One of those proposals is a proceeding looking at implementing the new ATSC 3.0 standard for television.  This proposed standard would replace the current ATSC standard used by local television stations. 

It is worth noting that in most major markets, local stations have coordinated to provide one channel of ATSC 3.0 Service.  The following New York State television markets have at least one station broadcasting ATSC 3.0:

• Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

• Buffalo, NY

• New York, NY

• Rochester, NY

• Syracuse, NY

Nonetheless, the deployment of ATSC 3.0 has been slower than expected.  One of the main issues has been that the new Next Gen ATSC 3.0 transmission system cannot be received on exiting TV sets with an ATSC 1.0 tuner.

The FCC decision to move forward with a transition plan is a step in the right direction.  According to the Commission:

“The Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would take steps to support and accelerate the nation’s ongoing voluntary, market-based broadcast television transition to Next Gen TV.  We propose to remove regulatory obstacles and give additional flexibility to broadcasters.  In addition, we seek comments on how to minimize the costs and impact of this transition on all stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers, MVPDs, and smaller broadcasters.

What the Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Would Do:

• Tentatively conclude that television stations should be allowed to choose when to stop broadcasting in 1.0 and start broadcasting exclusively in 3.0.

• Tentatively conclude that television stations should be allowed to broadcast in both 1.0 and 3.0 (or “simulcast”) as many are doing today, but with fewer restrictions and requirements on the 1.0 version of their signal.

• Seek comment on certain issues and proposals closely related to these tentative conclusions, including: the use of encryption or digital rights management (DRM) on broadcast signals; a requirement that new televisions be able to receive and display 3.0 signals; and a requirement that traditional pay TV providers carry 3.0 signals to their subscribers.

• Seek comment on other outstanding Next Gen TV issues, including:

  • The sunset of 1.0 service;

  • The status of certain technical standards in FCC rules;

  • Options to offset consumer costs;

  • 3.0 test markets;

  • Accessibility;

  • Emergency alerting;

  • The fundamental use of broadcast spectrum;

  • Privacy;

  • Notice requirements; and

  • The state of the market for essential 3.0 patents.

• Seek comment on any other matters related to the 3.0 transition"

Noticeably absent from the FCC’s NPRM is a proposal to mandate the use of ATSC 3.0 by local stations.  Rather, the Notice proposes a voluntary transition allowing stations to broadcast ATSC 3.0 or the current ATSC 1.0 standard.  This will be a crucial issue that must be resolved by the FCC.  Absent a mandatory standard, it is not clear whether deployment will proceed expeditiously.  Of course, there are important policy issues.  Nonetheless, the new services that can be provided by ATSC 3.0 will be important for local stations to be able to compete with digital services. 

You can see the FCC’s Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking here.

YOU can find more information about the status and benefits of Next Gen TV (ATSC 3.0) here.