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LPTV Shouldn't Be Displaced by Unlicensed, Pai Tells NRB

Broadcasters face “trying times” at the FCC, said Commissioner Ajit Pai Wednesday in remarks prepared for delivery to the National Religious Broadcasters' President's Council Wednesday. “Is this all a test by the FCC to see if broadcasters have the patience…

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of Job?” he asked. Pai opposes proposals to prioritize unlicensed white space devices over TV stations in the TV band, he said. “When it comes to broadcast television spectrum, broadcasters should have priority. But sadly, the Commission no longer appears to believe this.” Though the incentive auction means some low-power TV broadcasters will be displaced, the FCC shouldn’t exacerbate the problem, Pai said. “If low-power stations are not allowed to continue operating in the UHF band, they will go out of business. That’s just not the case for unlicensed devices.” The FCC should open up spectrum in the 5 GHz band, Pai said. He also spoke about the AM radio revitalization draft order (see 1510070065)