FCC Freezes Channel 51 Applications
The FCC stopped accepting and processing applications involving TV service on channel 51, a public notice released Monday said. Those with pending Channel 51 applications for TV, low-power TV, TV Translator and Class A service will have 60 days to amend their applications and request a different channel assignment, the notice said. The FCC also said it will begin accepting petitions for rulemaking filed by full-power TV stations that want to move from Channel 51 to another frequency.
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The move came after CTIA and the Rural Cellular Association asked the agency to stop processing applications for Channel 51, which is at the top of the current TV band and the bottom of the 700 MHz spectrum (CD March 17 p11). The freeze is temporary, the public notice said, remaining in place while the FCC considers other issues raised in the CTIA-RCA petition. Furthermore, the commission will continue accepting applications for minor modifications to stations on Channel 51 “where the applicant can demonstrate that waiver of the freeze is necessary to permit the station to make changes to its existing facility for technical or other reasons to maintain quality service to the public,” the public notice said.
Facilities that are damaged, facing local zoning restrictions or victim of a severe weather event may be eligible for such waivers, the notice said. About 75 applications are pending for Channel 51 facilities, according to an appendix to the notice. However, the commission did not address CTIA and RCA’s request that the FCC dismiss those applications that are not amended by the deadline, it said.
"The general freeze is an important first step in easing the interference environment between Channel 51 broadcasters and 700 MHz A Block wireless licensees,” said Brian Josef, CTIA assistant vice president. “The application freeze and accompanying amendment window recognize the efforts by the wireless industry to continue deploying innovative mobile broadband services in the 700 MHz band, while permitting flexibility for TV stations to continue operating on alternate channels.” Rural Cellular Association President Steve Berry called the freeze a positive development. “By removing a source of potential uncertainty for Lower A Block 700 MHz licensees, the FCC has taken an important step to unlocking the promise of the 700 MHz band,” he said. “The FCC should immediately seek interoperability of the Lower 700 MHz band, and merge Bands 12 and 17 to spur mobile broadband investment and development."
NAB spokesman Dennis Wharton said the NAB is disappointed by the decision: “We are reviewing our options.” It would be a shame to see Channel 51 stranded between TV service and 700 MHz licensees said Greg Herman, CEO of low-power TV operator WatchTV. “We've got to find a way with a prevailing technology to allow everyone to use the spectrum,” he said. “Maybe that way is again looking toward flexible use of the spectrum so Channel 51 can be used without interfering with the 700 MHz auction winners,” he said. -- Josh Wein, Howard Buskirk