Broadcasters Coalition: FCC Should Reclaim at Least 120 MHz

Positive news for the first responders who will benefit from the nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN), the Expanding Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition stated in recent comments filed with the FCC that the number of broadcast stations willing to auction their spectrum is currently at 39 and rising. 

The coalition stressed that the FCC should reclaim at least 120 MHz for wireless broadband, and should reallocate that spectrum for wireless broadband.  Moreover, it states the FCC can and should also raise billions of dollars in surplus funds for the NPSBN and deficit reduction.

The coalition, whose members currently remain anonymous due to competition and operational purposes, formed from the National Association of Broadcasters' focus on ensuring that participants who are not willing to sell are protected. 

In a meeting that same day, Coalition representatives encouraged the Commission to adopt rules and procedures that will be attractive to broadcasters and maximize the number of willing sellers.  Recommendations in the comments stated the FCC should not limit wireless bidders or which stations can share spectrum.  The currently proposed requirement is that those sharing spectrum will have to come from the same market, but the coalition recommends this requirement be relaxed.  Furthermore, it suggests that the FCC should measure a station's viability by its impact on the Commission's ability to clear up spectrum, rather than enterprise value, signal strength, etc.

Reply comments on the FCC's framework for broadcast incentive auctions are due in March.

Read more at BroadcastingCable.com.