Clearing Out Broadcasters

  • March 19, 2001
The government took steps Friday that could speed along the process of converting TV channels 52 through 59 set for broadcast into new services, like wireless high-speed Internet access. This is tied to the bigger process of broadcasters switching from analog to digital television. Once that is complete, all TV stations will be broadcasting only in digital and will occupy channels 2 through 51. All channels above that will be returned to the Federal Communications Commission so that those portions of the airwaves can be used to bring consumers new wireless offerings.

Broadcasters have until 2006 or when digital TV reaches 85% of the market to return their analog channels to the government. In the meantime, they will continue to broadcast in both analog and digital so that consumers can still get a signal even if they don't have a new digital TV.

By law, the commission must start to auction off the airwaves space before the broadcasters clear out. Already the FCC plans an auction of the broadcast channels 60 through 69 in September. Wireless carriers are expected to bid aggressively for those licenses, even though some may have to wait before they can begin using it. Auctions for channels 52 through 59 must occur before September of 2002. Roughly 265 TV stations operating on those channels currently hold those licenses.

- Anya Khait

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