[opendtv] FCC Initiates Third Review of DTV Transition
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:54:07 -0400
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2007
FCC Initiates Third Review of DTV Transition
Commission Takes Steps to Complete the Nation's Transition to Digital
Television
Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") today
began its third periodic review of the conversion of the nation's
broadcast television system from analog to digital television ("DTV").
The DTV transition will increase efficient use of the spectrum, expand
consumer choice for video programming, and increase the amount of
spectrum available for public safety and other wireless services. In its
rulemaking initiated today, the FCC proposes procedures and rule changes
necessary to complete the transition.
In 2005, Congress mandated that after February 17, 2009, full-power
broadcast stations must transmit only in digital signals, and may no
longer transmit analog signals. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
adopted today proposes deadlines and procedures to ensure that
broadcasters complete construction of their post-transition, digital
facilities by the statutory deadline so that service to viewers is not
disrupted.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes the following actions, among
others, to facilitate the transition for full-power television stations:
* Restrict the grant of future extensions of time to construct digital
facilities;
* Offer expedited processing to stations applying for a construction
permit for their post-transition channel based on the new DTV Table of
Allotments;
* Examine the circumstances in which stations may reduce or terminate
analog service to facilitate construction of post-transition facilities;
* Permit stations that have different pre-transition and post-transition
channels to devote their resources to building their post-transition
channel;
* Require stations by December 1st, 2007 to file a form with the
Commission detailing the current status of the station's digital
transition, the additional steps the station must take before the
transition deadline, and a plan for how the station intends to meet the
deadline;
* Establish February 17, 2009 as the construction deadline for stations
with new channel allotments in the upcoming new DTV Table of Allotments.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also seeks comment on other steps the
Commission can take to facilitate the timely construction by stations of
their post-transition facilities. Action by the Commission, April 25,
2007, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 07-70). Chairman Martin,
Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate and McDowell. Separate Statements
Issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate and
McDowell.
MB Docket No.: 07-91
Media Bureau Staff Contact: Evan Baranoff, evan.baranoff@xxxxxxx,
202-418-7142
-FCC-
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