Digital Television Signals Pursuant to the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004, 81491-81498 [2010-32694]
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 28, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
certification, the Commission may take
action on the application.
*
*
*
*
*
(k) * * *
(4) Certifying that for applications for
a license to construct and operate a
submarine cable system or to modify the
construction of a previously approved
submarine cable system the applicant is
not required to submit a consistency
certification to any state pursuant to
section 1456(c)(3)(A) of the Coastal
Zone Management Act (CZMA), 16
U.S.C. 1456.
Note to paragraph (k)(4) —Streamlining of
cable landing license applications will be
limited to those applications where all
potentially affected states, having
constructive notice that the application was
filed with the Commission, have waived, or
are deemed to have waived, any section
1456(c)(3)(A) right to review the application
within the thirty-day period prescribed by 15
CFR 930.54.
[FR Doc. 2010–32490 Filed 12–27–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
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Summary of Report and Order
47 CFR Part 73
[ET Docket No. 06–94; FCC 10–195]
Digital Television Signals Pursuant to
the Satellite Home Viewer Extension
and Reauthorization Act of 2004
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
In this document the
Commission amends its rules to include
measurement procedures for
determining the strength of a digital
broadcast television (DTV) signal at any
specific location. These procedures will
be used for determining whether
households are eligible to receive
distant DTV network signals
retransmitted by satellite carriers,
pursuant to the provisions of the
Satellite Television Extension and
Localism Act of 2010 (STELA).
DATES: Effective January 27, 2011,
except for amendment to § 73.686(e),
which contains information collection
requirements that are not effective until
approved by the Office of Management
and Budget. The Commission will
publish a document in the Federal
Register announcing the effective date
for that amendment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ira
Keltz, Office of Engineering and
Technology, (202) 418–0616, e-mail:
Ira.Keltz@fcc.gov, TTY (202) 418–2989.
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SUMMARY:
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Federal Communications
Commission, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a
summary of the Commission’s Report
and Order, ET Docket No. 06–94, FCC
10–195, adopted November 22, 2010
and released November 23, 2010. The
full text of this document is available for
inspection and copying during normal
business hours in the FCC Reference
Center (Room CY–A257), 445 12th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. The
complete text of this document also may
be purchased from the Commission’s
copy contractor, Best Copy and Printing,
Inc., 445 12th Street, SW., Room, CY–
B402, Washington, DC 20554. The full
text may also be downloaded at:
www.fcc.gov.
People with Disabilities: To request
materials in accessible formats for
people with disabilities (braille, large
print, electronic files, audio format),
send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call
the Consumer & Governmental Affairs
Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), 202–
418–0432 (tty).
ADDRESSES:
1. In accordance with the provisions
of the STELA, the Commission amends
its rules to include measurement
procedures for determining the strength
of a digital broadcast television (DTV)
signal at any specific location. These
procedures will be used for determining
whether households are eligible to
receive distant DTV network signals
retransmitted by satellite carriers,
pursuant to the provisions of the
Satellite Television Extension and
Localism Act of 2010 (STELA). The
Report and Order implements DTV
signal measurement procedures
proposed in the Commission’s Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (SHVERA NPRM),
75 FR 46885, August 4, 2010, and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(STELA FNRPM) in this proceeding with
minor modifications. The rules adopted
herein were developed based on our
recommendations in the SHVERA
Report and comments received in
response to the SHVERA NPRM and the
STELA FNPRM. They largely rely on
existing proven methods the
Commission has already established for
measuring analog television signal
strength at any individual location, as
set forth in § 73.686(d) of the existing
rules, but include modifications as
necessary to accommodate the inherent
differences between analog and digital
TV signals. The new digital signal
measurement procedures include
provisions for the location of the
measurement antenna, antenna height,
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signal measurement method, antenna
orientation and polarization, and data
recording.
2. On December 2004, Congress
enacted the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of
2004 (SHVERA), which amended the
Copyright Act and the Communications
Act to further aid the competitiveness of
satellite carriers and expand program
offerings for satellite TV subscribers
while protecting localism. The SHVERA
included new provisions for distant
digital signal reception and amended
section 339 of the Communications Act
and section 119 of the Copyright Act to
provide three methods by which a
subscriber can establish eligibility to
receive such signals. First, a subscriber
would be eligible to receive the distant
digital signal of a particular network if
his or her household was predicted by
the Satellite Home Viewer Act (SHVA)
ILLR model to be unserved by the overthe-air analog signal of any affiliate of
that network (not necessarily the local
affiliate). Second, a subscriber whose
household was predicted to be served
by a local station’s analog signal could
request an on-site signal strength test to
determine if his or her household is
unable to receive that station’s digital
signal. Third, a satellite subscriber
could receive distant digital signals if
the television network station granted a
waiver to allow satellite retransmission
of the relevant network from a distant
station.
3. Section 204 of the SHVERA also
directed the Commission to conduct an
inquiry regarding whether the
Commission’s digital TV signal strength
standards and signal measurement
procedures for determining if a
household is ‘‘unserved’’ by local signals
should be revised. Section 204 of
SHVERA further directed the
Commission to provide Congress with a
Report on its findings and
recommendations for any revisions that
might be necessary for implementing
DTV measurement standards and
procedures. Pursuant to this
requirement, the Commission issued a
Notice of Inquiry and, on December 8,
2005, issued the SHVERA Report to
Congress that, in relevant part, stated
that the Commission generally believes
that the digital television measurement
procedures should be similar to the
Commission’s current procedures for
measuring the field strength of analog
television stations in § 73.686(d) of the
rules, but with certain modifications to
address the differences between analog
and digital TV signals. The Commission
also stated that no changes are needed
to the digital television field strength
standards and/or planning factors for
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purposes of determining whether a
household is eligible to receive
retransmitted distant network television
signals.
4. The Commission subsequently
adopted the SHVERA NPRM, 75 FR
46885, August 4, 2010, in which it
proposed measurement standards for
digital television signals as
recommended in the SHVERA Report.
The Commission specified that it would
rely on the proposed DTV measurement
procedures for evaluating DTV signal
strength pending the adoption of final
rules. These interim procedures have
been in effect since adoption of the
SHVERA NPRM in April, 2006, and to
date the Commission has not received
any reports of problems or difficulties
with their use.
5. The Satellite Television Extension
and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA)
retains the SHVERA framework of three
methods for establishing subscriber
eligibility to receive distant digital
signals: Predictive model; on-site
testing; and waiver. Following the
STELA’s enactment, the Commission
adopted the STELA FNPRM to address
provisions of the STELA regarding the
second method, digital signal
measurement procedures. The
Commission explained in the STELA
FNPRM that the STELA raised three
new issues not addressed in the
SHVERA NPRM: (1) Which station
signals are to be measured; (2) what type
of antenna is to be used in performing
on-location testing; and (3) which
program stream from a station in the
local market is to be measured. The
Commission sought comment on these
issues and more generally to refresh the
record in response to the SHVERA
NPRM.
6. Stations to be Tested. The
Commission adopts its proposal that
measurements for distant network signal
eligibility only include stations located
within the same DMA as the satellite
subscriber’s household. The STELA
differs from the SHVIA and SHVERA in
that it specifies that only ‘‘local’’
stations, i.e., stations located within the
same DMA as the subscriber’s
household, are to be considered in
determining a subscriber’s eligibility.
Under the SHVIA, Congress defined an
‘‘unserved household,’’ with respect to a
particular television network, to mean
‘‘a household that— cannot receive
* * * an over-the-air signal of a primary
network station affiliated with that
network * * *’’ This definition was not
altered in the SHVERA. However, in the
STELA, Congress modified the
definition of an ‘‘unserved household’’
to mean a household that ‘‘cannot
receive * * * an over-the-air signal
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containing the primary stream, or * * *
the multicast stream, originating in that
household’s local market and affiliated
with that network * * *’’ Under the
rules for analog TV measurements, a
testing entity had to measure the signals
of all stations affiliated with a specific
network. However, under the STELA, a
testing entity is to consider only the
signals of those network-affiliated
stations that are located in the same
DMA as the satellite subscriber. Thus,
the Commission proposed in the STELA
FNPRM to modify its proposed rules for
measurement of DTV signals for
purposes of determining eligibility for
delivery of distant network signals by
satellite providers to incorporate this
change. The Commission did not
receive any comment on this issue and
accordingly adopts its proposals
without change. The Commission noted
that, consistent with section 204(b)(2) of
the STELA, this rule change could
reduce burdens on both testers and
consumers as fewer stations would need
to be tested, potentially resulting in
lower costs for consumers and saving
time.
7. Indoor Measurements. The
Commission adopted its proposal to
continue to rely on an outdoor signal
intensity test for purposes of
determining subscriber eligibility to
receive distant network signals. The
current measurement rules for analog
signals specify the use of an outdoor
antenna, consistent with the provisions
of the SHVERA. The STELA modified
the statute’s wording to replace the term
‘‘conventional, stationary, outdoor
rooftop receiving antenna’’ with the term
‘‘antenna.’’ In light of the amended
statutory language, we invited comment
on the potential use of moveable indoor
antennas in our digital signal
measurement procedures, but for several
reasons declined to propose rules for
indoor measurements. First, in the
SHVERA Report, the Commission
concluded that many factors, including
the performance expected of an indoor
antenna, the placement of the antenna,
and the location within a structure or
room where the antenna is located make
it difficult to develop an indoor
television signal measurement
procedure that will provide accurate,
reliable and repeatable results. There are
no standard models or planning factors
for indoor reception, and in particular
there is no standard antenna
specification for such reception. The
wide variation in indoor viewing
situations makes it difficult to specify a
standard model that meaningfully
relates to any typical indoor viewing
location. In addition, the performance of
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indoor antennas available to consumers
varies significantly. Second, signal
strengths typically vary significantly at
different locations within a room and in
different rooms such that it is not
apparent where the measurement
antenna should be placed. In light of
these considerations, the Commission
requested comments in the STELA
FNPRM on alternative approaches for
making eligibility determinations in
situations where consumers are not able
to use an outdoor antenna to receive
local television signals. It also noted
that the signal intensity standard in
§ 73.622(e)(1), which specifies the signal
level that constitutes service, assumes
an outdoor antenna, as it relies on the
methodology of the Commission’s OET
Bulletin No. 69, which in turn relies on
the DTV planning factors, including an
outdoor antenna The Commission is not
persuaded by the Broadcasters’ assertion
that the STELA requires the
Commission to continue to rely on an
outdoor antenna for conducting
measurements. Instead, it believes that
the change in statutory language simply
affords that Commission latitude to
consider all types of antennas. As
observed in the SHVERA Report, the
Commission has always assumed that
households will use the type of antenna
that they need to achieve service; if an
indoor antenna is insufficient for a
particular household, it will generally
rely on a rooftop antenna. Nothing in
the STELA reflects that Congress wished
to alter that assumption. On the
contrary, the STELA specifies use of the
digital television signal strength
standard in § 73.622(e)(1) of the rules,
which is derived from the assumptions
in the digital television planning factors
set forth in OET Bulletin No. 69,
including the assumption of use of an
outdoor antenna. The Commission does
not believe that Congress would have
incorporated this assumption into the
STELA if it intended use of an indoor
antenna standard.
8. The Commission also finds that
continued use of an outdoor antenna
standard for signal strength
measurements is the best means of
achieving the directives for digital TV
signal strength measurements set forth
in the STELA. The STELA specifies use
of the digital television signal strength
standard in § 73.622(e)(1) of the rules as
the threshold metric against which to
compare measurements to determine
whether households are ‘‘served’’ or
‘‘unserved.’’ That signal strength
standard is important because it serves
to define the service boundary or
‘‘service contour’’ of a digital television
station and the threshold at which a
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station’s service is considered to be
available in areas within that service
contour. That standard, in turn, is
premised on use of an outdoor antenna
through the digital television planning
factors set forth in OET Bulletin No. 69.
To provide for meaningful comparisons
between that standard and digital TV
signal strength measurements, the
Commission finds that it is appropriate
to specify use of an outdoor antenna, so
that the signals whose strengths are
being measured have the same qualities
as the signal specified in the standard.
9. Multicast Signals. The Commission
adopted its tentative conclusion not to
make any special provisions for
multicast signals in our modified digital
signal strength measurement
procedures. The Commission’s tentative
conclusion in the STELA FNPRM was
based on the recognition that the testing
protocol measures a station’s signal at
the subscriber location and that all
program streams are equally available
on a signal. Whether the station’s signal
includes one or more program streams
or networks does not necessitate a
change in the test employed because the
presence of multiple streams has no
bearing on the signal intensity or
receivability, i.e., the bit stream of a
single TV signal can be decoded into
multiple program streams, but there is
only a single TV signal to measure. The
Commission stated its belief that the
tester, the satellite carrier and the
network affiliate involved in the
conduct of the test will be able to
identify the network affiliates in the
broadcast signal. If the signal is found
to be available at the subscriber location
at the requisite intensity, then any and
all of the networks in that signal will
likewise be available. If the station’s
signal is not found to be present at the
requisite intensity, the subscriber will
be unserved with respect to any and all
networks broadcast on the streams in
that signal, unless the subscriber
receives a signal of sufficient strength
from another local station affiliated with
the same network or networks. Only the
Broadcasters commented on our
tentative proposal, stating that multicast
streams should be treated equally.
Accordingly, the Commission adopted
its tentative conclusion not to make any
special provisions for multicast signals.
10. DTV Signal Measurement
Procedures. The Commission adopted
the proposal in the SHVERA NPRM to
continue using the same rules for
measuring DTV signals as the
Commission uses for measuring analog
TV signals, with the modifications
identified. Under the current rules,
measurements are to be made as close
as possible to the specific site where the
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household’s receiving antenna is located
or in the case when there is no receiving
antenna at the site, measurements are to
be made at locations as close as possible
to a reasonable and likely spot for the
antenna. Further, the current rules
require that five cluster measurements
be taken, each at least 3 meters apart,
and if possible, the first testing point
should be the center of a square whose
corners are the four other locations.
EchoStar commented that these
requirements make good sense and
provide a fair degree of flexibility to the
tester to adapt to the subscriber’s
location. However, EchoStar asked for
clarification that it is not necessary to
choose locations in the shape of a
square, but only that the testing
locations be as close as possible to the
likely antenna site. Similarly DirecTV
and Dish Network argue in response to
the STELA NPRM that the current
cluster measurement is needlessly
involved. As an alternative, they state
that the locations should be in an area
encompassed by a square, circle, or
semicircle, as possible, with 3 meter
separation and with one measurement
in the center representing the nominal
television receive location. No other
parties commented on this issue. The
Commission clarifies that the existing
rule provides that measurements should
be made in the form of a square ‘‘if
possible,’’ but does not require that the
square pattern be used. Testers have
always had the flexibility to adjust the
measurement locations in order to
conduct them in a safe and
economically feasible manner while still
obtaining the most accurate
measurements possible. Thus, the
Commission does not believe any
additional clarification or change on
this issue is necessary. The Commission
also adopted its proposal that
measurements of DTV signals be taken
by elevating the antenna to 6.1 meters
(20 feet) above the ground for one story
buildings and to 9.1 meters (30 feet)
above the ground for structures taller
than one story. Again, this procedure is
identical to the current rules for analog
TV signal measurements and is
consistent with the DTV planning
factors. EchoStar, arguing that this
height requirement may lead to lengthy
tests as the antenna has to be raised,
lowered and reset repeatedly, asks that
the Commission allow measurements to
be made at a lower height and then
corrected to reflect the signal strength at
20 or 30 feet. It suggests that such a
change may increase the pool of
qualified testers who have the necessary
equipment to conduct signal strength
tests. In opposition, the Broadcasters
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assert that the rationale underlying the
Commission’s height rules—to simulate
the roof-top antenna mount of a 20 foot
one-story house, or a 30 foot tall twostory house—applies equally to digital
and analog signals. The Commission
agrees with the Broadcasters. This rule
was devised as a way to account for
most households in the country while
maintaining an easy-to-administer
standard and the Commission is not
persuaded that it should modify it now.
Further, no evidence was presented
showing that a reduction in the required
antenna height requirement would
significantly increase the pool of
available testers.
11. Measurement Instrumentation.
The Commission adopted rules
requiring that the tests measure the
integrated average power over the
signal’s entire 6 megahertz bandwidth
and recommending that the
measurement instrumentation use an
intermediate frequency (i.f.) bandwidth
of 100 kilohertz unless the
instrumentation is specifically designed
to use an alternative i.f. bandwidth.
Additionally, the rules continue to
require testers to use good engineering
practice, including proper choice and
use of instrumentation to ensure
accurate results. The Commission had
proposed that the tests measure the
integrated average power over the
signal’s entire 6 megahertz bandwidth,
and that the intermediate frequency (i.f.)
bandwidth of the measuring
instrumentation be no greater than 6
megahertz so that the measurement
method would conform to the format of
the DTV signal. Commenters
unanimously agreed with our proposal
to measure total integrated power over
the 6 megahertz bandwidth, but
Broadcasters sought more specificity
regarding the restriction of the i.f.
bandwidth. They stated that a large i.f.
bandwidth, such as 6 megahertz, could
produce inaccurate results and
recommended that the Commission
require an i.f. bandwidth of less than
100 kHz. The Commission does not
believe the Broadcaster’s concern is
significant as most measurements could
not be taken using a 6 megahertz i.f.
bandwidth because such a setting is not
available on most measurement
instruments. While we believe most
instruments are capable of i.f.
bandwidth settings of 100 kHz or less,
some may not have this capability,
which could potentially reduce the
number of parties that have the
equipment needed to perform these
measurements. Further, measurement
instruments with an i.f. bandwidth
greater than 100 kHz can yield accurate
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results if used properly. Accordingly,
the Commission amended it’s proposal
to recommend, but not require an i.f.
bandwidth of 100 kHz.
12. The Commission also adopted its
remaining proposals regarding
measurement procedure: To use a
shielded transmission line; to match the
antenna impedance to the transmission
line at all frequencies measured; to
employ a suitable balance when an
unbalanced line is used; to measure
transmission line loss for each
frequency; to use a horizontally
polarized antenna; and to orient the
testing antenna so that its maximum
gain (over an isotropic antenna) faces
the strongest signal coming from the
transmitter being tested. All of these
procedures are identical to those
currently used for analog TV
measurement. No parties commented on
these proposals. The Commission
continues to believe that these
procedures are appropriate for
measurement for digital television
signals and thus, it adopts them as
proposed.
13. Measurement Antenna. The
Commission adopted rules to provide
testers flexibility to choose either a halfwave dipole or a gain antenna when
conducting DTV measurements. In the
SHVERA NPRM, the Commission
proposed to allow use of either type of
antenna for testing the signal strength of
DTV signals. In making this proposal,
the Commission recognized that both of
these types of antennas are permitted for
analog TV signal measurements. Under
this regime, the on-site tester will have
flexibility to determine the best antenna
to employ when conducting field
strength measurements.
14. The Commission rejects the
Broadcasters’ arguments against use of
dipole antennas. Half-wave dipole
antennas and gain antennas each have
various advantages and disadvantages.
For accuracy, half-wave dipole antennas
generally must be retuned for each
frequency when making measurements.
However, half-wave dipole antennas can
be calibrated easily and reliably. Gain
antennas do not require retuning and
can boost the signal in the direction
they are pointed while reducing
interfering signals from other directions.
On the other hand, gain antennas can be
a little more difficult to calibrate
precisely and maintain in calibration.
The Commission continues to believe
that both half-wave dipole and gain
antennas will provide reliable, accurate
test results, so long as the tester is
diligent and takes care to ensure that
good engineering practice is followed,
as required by the rules. Both types of
antennas are permitted for testing
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analog signals and the Commission will
similarly permit both for measuring
digital signals. Thus, each tester, based
on experience, availability of
equipment, and local conditions, will be
permitted to decide which antenna
would be best for measuring digital TV
signals.
15. Weather. The Commission adopts
its proposal to prohibit digital television
signal strength measurements being
made during inclement weather.
Inclement weather can generally be
defined as unfavorable atmospheric
conditions such as, but not limited to
heavy rainfall, snowfall accumulation,
high windspeed, or any combination
thereof. As the Commission noted in
making this proposal, while in general
weather conditions do not have an
appreciable effect on the reception of
broadcast television signals, heavy
precipitation and the movement of
major weather fronts through the
measurement area could impact the
signal strength measurements. No
commenter objected to this proposal
and the Commission adopted it as
proposed.
16. Data Recording. The Commission
adopts its proposal to apply the same
recording requirements for DTV signal
strength measurements as are used for
analog measurements. In general, the
existing rules require that the recorded
data contain a list of calibrated
equipment along with a description of
the calibration, a description of the
environment, such as topography,
vegetation, buildings, etc., as well as the
location and value of the actual
measurements. There were no
objections to this proposal and the
Commission adopted the rules in this
regard as proposed.
17. Other Matters. EchoStar observes
that the Commission’s rules define the
digital television service area as the
noise-limited contour based on criteria
that the specified signal level is
predicted to be exceeded at 50% of the
locations, 90% of the time (using
F(50,90) curves and the Longley-Rice
terrain prediction model). EchoStar
proposes that the time variability factor
be adjusted from 90% to 50% (i.e. to the
F(50, 50) level) for comparison to a
median measured value. Similarly,
DirecTV and Dish Network state that the
Commission should either develop a
conversion factor or use a standard
method such as Rayleigh, which
describes an increase in necessary
power from the mean to 99% of 20dB.
The comments do not state how this
conversion would be used, but the
Commission presumes it would be
intended as a correction factor to reduce
the measured signal strength value. The
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Commission notes that it rejected this
same request in the SHVERA Report and
that EchoStar has not provided any new
information regarding this issue.
Accordingly, the Commission will not
make any adjustments to the signal
strength standard.
18. Finally, in the SHVERA NPRM, we
asked if there are steps the Commission
can take in this proceeding that will
facilitate or enhance tester competence
and availability. The Commission did
not receive any suggestions on this
issue. As noted, the Commission has
provided flexibility for the conduct of
DTV measurement tests, such as the
rules requiring good engineering
practice, which provides for testers to
use antennas and measurement
instrumentation with which they are
familiar to endure accurate results. The
Commission believes that by bestowing
this flexibility to testers, it will
maximize the number of qualified
testers available.
Procedural Matters
19. Final Regulatory Flexibility
Analysis: As required by the Regulatory
Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended
(‘‘RFA’’) 1 an Initial Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis (‘‘IRFA’’) was
incorporated in the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) to this
proceeding.2 The Commission sought
written public comment on the
proposals in the NPRM, including
comment on the IRFA. The Commission
received no comments on the IRFA.
This present Final Regulatory Flexibility
Analysis (‘‘FRFA’’) conforms to the
RFA.3
A. Need for and Objectives of the
Report and Order. This Report and
Order (‘‘R&O’’) adopts rules to
implement procedures for determining
the strength of a digital broadcast
television (DTV) signal at any specific
location. These rules implement our
recommendations for DTV measurement
procedures presented in the
Commission’s Report to Congress
(SHVERA Report) pursuant to section
204(b) of the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of
2004 (SHVERA).4 The rules provide
procedures to determine whether
households are eligible to receive
1 See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601 et.
seq., has been amended by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996
(‘‘SBREFA’’), Public Law No. 104–121, Title II, 110
Stat. 847 (1996). The SBREFA was enacted as Title
II of the Contract With America Advancement Act
of 1996 (‘‘CWAAA’’).
2 Implementation of the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004, 20 FCC
Rcd 2983, Appendix C (2005) (NPRM).
3 See 5 U.S.C. 604.
4 See SHVERA Report, supra n.1.
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distant DTV network signals
retransmitted by satellite
communications providers. In December
2004, Congress enacted the Satellite
Home Viewer Extension and
Reauthorization Act of 2004,5 pursuant
to which, the Commission conducted an
Inquiry 6 (SHVERA Inquiry) and on
December 9, 2005, released the SHVERA
Report. In relevant part, the SHVERA
Report stated that the Commission
intended to conduct a rulemaking
proceeding to specify procedures for
measuring the field strength of digital
television signals at individual
locations.7 The Report also stated that
the digital television measurement
procedures should be similar to the
current procedures for measuring the
field strength of analog television
stations in § 73.686(d) of the rules, but
with certain modifications to address
the differences between analog and
digital TV signals.8
Wherever possible, the adopted
digital signal strength measurement
procedures rely on the existing, proven
methods the Commission has
established for measuring analog
television signal strength at any
individual location.9 We also note that
the SHVERA statute provided that
testing of digital signal strength for this
purpose could have begun as early as
April 30, 2006.10
5 See
id.
In the Matter Of Technical Standards For
Determining Eligibility For Satellite-Delivered
Network Signals Pursuant To The Satellite Home
Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act, ET
Docket No. 05–182, Notice of Inquiry, 20 FCC Rcd.
9349 (2005), (SHVERA Inquiry).
7 See SHVERA Report, supra. note 4.
8 Id.
9 See generally, 47 CFR 73.686(d).
10 47 U.S.C. 339(a)(2)(D)(vii) provides trigger
dates for testing. Generally, subscribers in the top
100 television markets will be able to request a
digital signal strength test after April 30, 2006 and
subscribers in other markets will be able to request
a test after July 15, 2007. Only network stations that
have received a tentative digital channel
designation that is the same as such stations’
current digital channel, or that have lost
interference protection, are subject to the April 30,
2006 commencement date for signal strength
testing. Network stations in the top 100 markets
without tentative channel designations on their
DTV channels, as well as all network stations not
in the top 100 markets, will be subject to signal
strength testing beginning July 15, 2007, unless the
Commission grants the station a waiver. 47 U.S.C.
339(a)(2)(D)(vii)(I)(aa)(bb).
Waiver requests by stations subject to the testing
commencement date of April 30, 2006 were
required to be submitted by November 30, 2005. To
be grantable, waiver requests must provide ‘‘clear
and convincing evidence that the station’s digital
signal coverage is limited due to the unremediable
presence of one or more of the following: (1) The
need for international coordination or approvals;
(2) clear zoning or environmental legal
impediments; (3) force majeure; (4) the station
experiences a substantial decrease in its digital
signal coverage area due to the necessity of using
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B. Summary of Significant Issues
Raised by Public Comments in Response
to the IRFA. There were no comments
filed that specifically addressed the
IRFA.
C. Description and Estimates of the
Number of Small Entities to Which the
Rules Adopted in this Notice may apply.
The RFA directs agencies to provide a
description of and, where feasible, an
estimate of the number of small entities
that will be affected by the proposed
rules.11 The RFA generally defines the
term ‘‘small entity’’ as having the same
meaning as the terms ‘‘small business,’’
‘‘small organization,’’ and ‘‘small
governmental jurisdiction.’’12 In
addition, the term ‘‘small business’’ has
the same meaning as the term ‘‘small
business concern’’ under the Small
Business Act.13 A small business
concern is one which: (1) Is
independently owned and operated;
(2) is not dominant in its field of
operation; and (3) satisfies any
additional criteria established by the
Small Business Administration (SBA).14
The rules adopted in this Report and
Order modify previous proposals to
measure the strength of digital
television signals at any particular
location, as a means of determining
whether any particular household is
‘‘unserved’’ by a local DTV network
station and is therefore eligible to
receive a distant DTV network signal
retransmitted by a Direct Broadcast
Satellite (DBS) service provider.
Therefore, DBS providers will be
directly and primarily affected by the
proposed rules, if adopted. In addition,
rules adopted will also directly affect
those local digital television stations
that broadcast network programming.
a side-mounted antenna; (5) substantial technical
problems that result in a station experiencing a
substantial decrease in its coverage area solely due
to actions to avoid interference with emergency
response providers; or (6) no satellite carrier is
providing the retransmission of the analog signals
of local network stations under section 338 in the
local market.’’ The Act further provides that ‘‘under
no circumstances may such a waiver be based upon
financial exigency.’’ Waiver requests by stations
subject to the testing commencement date of July
15, 2007 had to be submitted to the Commission no
later than February 15, 2007. See Public Notice DA
No. 05–2979 (rel. Nov. 17, 2005). See generally, 47
U.S.C. 339(a)(2)(D)(vii)–(viii).
11 5 U.S.C. 603(b)(3), 604(a)(3).
12 Id. 601(6).
13 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the
definition of ‘‘small business concern’’ in the Small
Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
601(3), the statutory definition of a small business
applies ‘‘unless an agency, after consultation with
the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration and after opportunity for public
comment, establishes one or more definitions of
such terms which are appropriate to the activities
of the agency and publishes such definitions(s) in
the Federal Register.’’
14 15 U.S.C. 632.
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Therefore, in this FRFA, we consider,
and invite comment on, the impact of
the proposed rules on small digital
television broadcast stations, small DBS
providers, and other small entities. A
description of such small entities, as
well as an estimate of the number of
such small entities, is provided in the
following paragraphs.
Nationwide, there are a total of
approximately 29.6 million small
businesses, according to the SBA.15 A
‘‘small organization’’ is generally ‘‘any
not-for-profit enterprise which is
independently owned and operated and
is not dominant in its field.’’ 16
Nationwide, as of 2002, there were
approximately 1.6 million small
organizations.17 The term ‘‘small
governmental jurisdiction’’ is defined
generally as ‘‘governments of cities,
towns, townships, villages, school
districts, or special districts, with a
population of less than fifty
thousand.’’ 18 Census Bureau data for
2002 indicate that there were 87,525
local governmental jurisdictions in the
United States.19 We estimate that, of this
total, 84,377 entities were ‘‘small
governmental jurisdictions.’’ 20 Thus, we
estimate that most governmental
jurisdictions are small.
Cable Television Distribution
Services. The ‘‘Cable and Other Program
Distribution’’ census category includes
cable systems operators, closed circuit
television services, direct broadcast
satellite services, multipoint
distribution systems, satellite master
antenna systems, and subscription
television services. Since 2007, these
services have been defined within the
broad economic census category of
Wired Telecommunications Carriers;
that category is defined as follows: ‘‘This
industry comprises establishments
primarily engaged in operating and/or
providing access to transmission
facilities and infrastructure that they
own and/or lease for the transmission of
voice, data, text, sound, and video using
wired telecommunications networks.
Transmission facilities may be based on
15 See SBA, Office of Advocacy, ‘‘Frequently
Asked Questions,’’ https://web.sba.gov/faqs/
faqindex.cfm?areaID=24 (revised Sept. 2009).
16 5 U.S.C. 601(4).
17 Independent Sector, The New Nonprofit
Almanac & Desk Reference (2002).
18 5 U.S.C. 601(5).
19 U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the
United States: 2006, Section 8, page 272, Table 415.
20 We assume that the villages, school districts,
and special districts are small, and total 48,558. See
U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the
United States: 2006, section 8, page 273, Table 417.
For 2002, Census Bureau data indicate that the total
number of county, municipal, and township
governments nationwide was 38,967, of which
35,819 were small. Id.
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a single technology or a combination of
technologies. Establishments in this
industry use the wired
telecommunications network facilities
that they operate to provide a variety of
services, such as wired telephony
services, including VoIP services; wired
(cable) audio and video programming
distribution; and wired broadband
Internet services. By exception,
establishments providing satellite
television distribution services using
facilities and infrastructure that they
operate are included in this industry.’’
The SBA has developed a small
business size standard for this category,
which is: All such firms having 1,500 or
fewer employees. To gauge small
business prevalence for these cable
services the Commission must,
however, use current census data that
are based on the previous category of
Cable and Other Program Distribution
and its associated size standard; that
size standard was: All such firms having
$13.5 million or less in annual receipts.
According to Census Bureau data for
2002, there were a total of 1,191 firms
in this previous category that operated
for the entire year. Of this total, 1,087
firms had annual receipts of under $10
million, and 43 firms had receipts of
$10 million or more but less than $25
million. Thus, the majority of these
firms can be considered small.
Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)
Service. DBS service is a nationally
distributed subscription service that
delivers video and audio programming
via satellite to a small parabolic ‘‘dish’’
antenna at the subscriber’s location.
Because DBS provides subscription
services, DBS falls within the SBArecognized definition of Wired
Telecommunications Carriers. However,
as discussed above, the Commission
relies on the previous size standard,
Cable and Other Subscription
Programming, which provides that a
small entity is one with $13.5 million or
less in annual receipts. Currently, only
two operators—DirecTV and EchoStar
Communications Corporation
(EchoStar)—hold licenses to provide
DBS service, which requires a great
investment of capital for operation. Both
currently offer subscription services and
report annual revenues that are in
excess of the threshold for a small
business. Because DBS service requires
significant capital, the Commission
believes it is unlikely that a small entity
as defined by the SBA would have the
financial wherewithal to become a DBS
licensee. Nevertheless, given the
absence of specific data on this point,
the Commission acknowledges the
possibility that there are entrants in this
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field that may not yet have generated
$13.5 million in annual receipts, and
therefore may be categorized as a small
business, if independently owned and
operated.
Television Broadcasting. The rules
and policies apply to television
broadcast licensees and potential
licensees of television service. The SBA
defines a television broadcast station as
a small business if such station has no
more than $14 million in annual
receipts.21 Business concerns included
in this industry are those ‘‘primarily
engaged in broadcasting images together
with sound.’’ 22 The Commission has
estimated the number of licensed
commercial television stations to be
1,392.23 According to Commission staff
review of the BIA/Kelsey, MAPro
Television Database (‘‘BIA’’) as of April
7, 2010, about 1,015 of an estimated
1,380 commercial television stations 24
(or about 74 percent) have revenues of
$14 million or less and thus qualify as
small entities under the SBA definition.
The Commission has estimated the
number of licensed non-commercial
educational (NCE) television stations to
be 390.25 We note, however, that, in
assessing whether a business concern
qualifies as small under the above
definition, business (control)
affiliations 26 must be included. Our
estimate, therefore, likely overstates the
number of small entities that might be
affected by our action, because the
revenue figure on which it is based does
not include or aggregate revenues from
affiliated companies. The Commission
does not compile and otherwise does
21 See
13 CFR 121.201, NAICS Code 515120.
This category description continues, ‘‘These
establishments operate television broadcasting
studios and facilities for the programming and
transmission of programs to the public. These
establishments also produce or transmit visual
programming to affiliated broadcast television
stations, which in turn broadcast the programs to
the public on a predetermined schedule.
Programming may originate in their own studios,
from an affiliated network, or from external
sources.’’ Separate census categories pertain to
businesses primarily engaged in producing
programming. See Motion Picture and Video
Production, NAICS code 512110; Motion Picture
and Video Distribution, NAICS Code 512120;
Teleproduction and Other Post-Production
Services, NAICS Code 512191; and Other Motion
Picture and Video Industries, NAICS Code 512199.
23 See News Release, ‘‘Broadcast Station Totals as
of December 31, 2009,’’ 2010 WL 676084
(F.C.C.)(dated Feb. 26, 2010) (Broadcast Station
Totals); also available at https://www.fcc.gov/mb/.
24 We recognize that this total differs slightly from
that contained in Broadcast Station Totals, supra
note 446; however, we are using BIA’s estimate for
purposes of this revenue comparison.
25 See Broadcast Station Totals, supra note 239.
26 ‘‘[Business concerns] are affiliates of each other
when one concern controls or has the power to
control the other or a third party or parties controls
or has the power to control both.’’ 13 CFR
121.103(a)(1).
22 Id.
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not have access to information on the
revenue of NCE stations that would
permit it to determine how many such
stations would qualify as small entities.
In addition, an element of the
definition of ‘‘small business’’ is that the
entity not be dominant in its field of
operation. We are unable at this time to
define or quantify the criteria that
would establish whether a specific
television station is dominant in its field
of operation. Accordingly, the estimates
of small businesses to which rules may
apply do not exclude any television
station from the definition of a small
business on this basis and are therefore
over-inclusive to that extent. Also as
noted, an additional element of the
definition of ‘‘small business’’ is that the
entity must be independently owned
and operated. We note that it is difficult
at times to assess these criteria in the
context of media entities and our
estimates of small businesses to which
they apply may be over-inclusive to this
extent.
Class A TV, LPTV, and TV translator
stations. The rules and policies adopted
in this Report and Order include
licensees of Class A TV stations, low
power television (LPTV) stations, and
TV translator stations, as well as
potential licensees in these television
services. The same SBA definition that
applies to television broadcast licensees
would apply to these stations. The SBA
defines a television broadcast station as
a small business if such station has no
more than $14 million in annual
receipts.27 Currently, there are
approximately 537 licensed Class A
stations, 2,386 licensed LPTV stations,
and 4,359 licensed TV translators.28
Given the nature of these services, we
will presume that all of these licensees
qualify as small entities under the SBA
definition. We note, however, that
under the SBA’s definition, revenue of
affiliates that are not LPTV stations
should be aggregated with the LPTV
station revenues in determining whether
a concern is small. Our estimate may
thus overstate the number of small
entities since the revenue figure on
which it is based does not include or
aggregate revenues from non-LPTV
affiliated companies. We do not have
data on revenues of TV translator or TV
booster stations, but virtually all of
these entities are also likely to have
revenues of less than $14 million and
thus may be categorized as small, except
to the extent that revenues of affiliated
non-translator or booster entities should
be considered.
27 See
28 See
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13 CFR 121.201, NAICS Code 515120.
Broadcast Station Totals, supra note 239.
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D. Description of Projected Reporting,
Recordkeeping and Other Compliance
Requirements. The rules in this Report
& Order establish procedures for
measuring digital television signal
strength at any specific location. These
measurement procedures will be used as
a means of determining whether
households are eligible to receive
distant DTV network signals
retransmitted by DBS providers. These
procedures are similar to the ones used
for measuring analog television signal
strength for like purposes, with only
those revisions necessary to account for
the difference between digital and
analog signals. Section 339(a)(2)(D)(vi)
of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C.
339(a)(2)(D)(vi)) delineates when
measurements are necessary and when
the satellite communications provider,
the digital television broadcast station,
or the consumer is responsible for
bearing their cost. No reporting
requirement is proposed. We sought but
did not receive comment on the types of
burdens direct broadcast satellite
service providers and digital television
broadcast stations may face in
complying with the proposed
requirements. Entities, especially small
businesses and, more generally, small
entities are encouraged to quantify the
costs and benefits of the proposed
reporting requirements.
E. Steps Taken to Minimize
Significant Economic Impact on Small
Entities, and Significant Alternatives
Considered. The RFA requires an
agency to describe any significant
alternatives that it has considered in
reaching its proposed approach, which
may include the following four
alternatives: (1) The establishment of
differing compliance or reporting
requirements or timetables that take into
account the resources available to small
entities; (2) the clarification,
consolidation, or simplification of
compliance or reporting requirements
under the rule for small entities; (3) the
use of performance, rather than design
standards; and (4) an exemption from
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof,
for small entities.29
Since the adoption of analog
television signal strength procedures in
1999, the number of analog TV signal
strength measurements taken in order to
determine household eligibility to
receive distant analog TV network
signals has been infrequent. For
example, DIRECTV, in comments filed
in ET Docket No. 05–182, Notice of
Inquiry on Technical Standards for
Determining Eligibility for SatelliteDelivered Network Signals Pursuant to
29 See
5 U.S.C. 603(c).
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the Satellite Home Viewer Extension
and Reauthorization Act, 20 FCC Rcd
9349 (2005), stated that in the last five
years only 1400 DIRECTV subscribers
received onsite tests to determine
eligibility to receive distant network
television signals. In that proceeding,
both DIRECTV and EchoStar indicated
that they generally declined to perform
or arrange for a test and instead refused
to offer distant signals when subscribers
were predicted to be ‘‘served’’ and the
relevant network stations refused to
grant a waiver.
As TV stations transition from analog
transmissions to DTV, we anticipate that
the combined number of analog and
digital measurements will not increase
substantially. This is because, as part of
the DTV transition, television stations
will be ceasing the transmission of
analog signals and households seeking
to receive retransmitted DTV network
signals will not be seeking to receive
analog signals. In other words, digital
measurements will replace analog
measurements. Also, as direct broadcast
stations increasingly offer local-to-local
service to households pursuant to
SHVERA, those households will not be
eligible to receive retransmitted distant
signals and therefore DTV signal
strength measurements for this purpose
will not be necessary.
Finally, the Report & Order will allow
measurements to be taken using either
a standard half-wave dipole antenna or
a gain antenna with a known antenna
factor for the channel(s) that are to be
tested for digital measurements, this
approach would allow the tester
flexibility in performing the test while
still providing for accurate results. The
Report & Order does not require the use
of a gain antenna only. Commenters
provided information regarding
differences in ease of use of gain
antennas as compared to the use of halfwave dipole antennas. The Commission
received comments on what rules it
should propose, if any, that would
address the apparent lack of qualified,
independent testers to perform signal
strength tests. Commenters indicated
that there is no feasible regulatory
solution to increasing the number of
qualified testers available. No
alternative methods that would reduce
the cost of performing a test while
retaining or improving on the accuracy
of the proposed method was submitted.
20. Report to Congress: The
Commission will send a copy of the
Report and Order, including this FRFA,
in a report to be sent to Congress
pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act.30 In addition, the Commission will
30 See
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81497
send a copy of the Report and Order,
including this FRFA, to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA.
21. Final Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 Analysis. This document contains
new or modified information collection
requirements subject to the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public
Law 104–13. It will be submitted to the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for review under section 3507(d)
of the PRA. OMB, the general public,
and other Federal agencies are invited to
comment on the new or modified
information collection requirements
contained in this proceeding. In
addition, we note that pursuant to the
Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of
2002, Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(4), we previously sought
specific comment on how the
Commission might ‘‘further reduce the
information collection burden for small
business concerns with fewer than 25
employees.’’ In this present document,
we have assessed the effects of our
requirement that testers adhere to the
data recording requirements of
§ 73.686(e)(3) and described in
paragraph 11, supra. of the Report and
Order, and find that these requirements
will not impose burdens to businesses
with fewer than 25 employees as we are
adopting the identical data recording
requirements that have been used for
analog TV measurements for many
years.
Ordering Clauses
22. Pursuant to sections 4(i), 4(j), 303
and 339 of the Communications Act of
1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i),
154(j), 303 and 339, and section 204 of
the Satellite Home Viewer Extension
and Reauthorization Act of 2004,
codified at 47 U.S.C. 339(a)(2)(D)(vi),
that this Report and Order is hereby
adopted.
23. Section 73.686(e) of the
Commissions rules, is amended as set
forth in Appendix A of the Report and
Order. The rules adopted in this Report
and Order contains information
collection requirements subject to the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
Public Law 104–13, which will not be
effective until approved by the Office of
Management and Budget. The Federal
Communications Commission will
publish a document in the Federal
Register announcing OMB approval and
the effective date of the rules adopted
herein.
24. The Commission’s Consumer and
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference
Information Center, shall send a copy of
this Report and Order, including the
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to
the Government Accountability Office
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 248 / Tuesday, December 28, 2010 / Rules and Regulations
pursuant to the Congressional Review
Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 73
Communications equipment,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Television.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
Final Rules
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Federal Communications
Commission amends 47 CFR part 73 as
follows:
■
PART 73—RADIO BROADCAST
SERVICES
1. The authority citation for part 73
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334, 336
and 339.
2. Section 73.686 is amended by
revising the heading of paragraph (d)
and by adding a new paragraph (e) to
read as follows:
■
§ 73.686
Field strength measurements.
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*
*
*
*
*
(d) NTSC—Collection of field strength
data to determine NTSC television
signal intensity at an individual
location—cluster measurements—
*
*
*
*
*
(e) DTV—Collection of field strength
data to determine digital television
signal intensity at an individual
location—cluster measurements—(1)
Preparation for measurements—
(i) Testing antenna. The test antenna
shall be either a standard half-wave
dipole tuned to the center frequency of
the channel being tested or a gain
antenna provided its antenna factor for
the channel(s) under test has been
determined. Use the antenna factor
supplied by the antenna manufacturer
as determined on an antenna range.
(ii) Testing locations—At the test site,
choose a minimum of five locations as
close as possible to the specific site
where the site’s receiving antenna is
located. If there is no receiving antenna
at the site, choose a minimum of five
locations as close as possible to a
reasonable and likely spot for the
antenna. The locations shall be at least
three meters apart, enough so that the
testing is practical. If possible, the first
testing point should be chosen as the
center point of a square whose corners
are the four other locations. Calculate
the median of the five measurements (in
units of dBμ) and report it as the
measurement.
(iii) Multiple signals—
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(A) If more than one signal is being
measured (i.e., signals from different
transmitters), use the same locations to
measure each signal.
(B) For establishing eligibility of a
satellite subscriber to receive distant
network signals, only stations affiliated
with the network in question that are
located in the same Nielsen Designated
Market Area (DMA) as the test site may
be considered and tested.
(2) Measurement procedure.
Measurements shall be made in
accordance with good engineering
practice and in accordance with this
section of this chapter. At each
measuring location, the following
procedure shall be employed:
(i) Testing equipment. Perform an onsite calibration of the test instrument in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications. Tune a calibrated
instrument to the center of the channel
being tested. Measure the integrated
average power over the full 6 megahertz
bandwidth of the television signal. The
intermediate frequency of the
instrument should be set to 100
kilohertz unless the instrument is
specifically designed by the
manufacturer to use an alternative i.f.
setting. The instrument must be capable
of integrating over the selected i.f. for
the 6 megahertz channel bandwidth.
Take all measurements with a
horizontally polarized antenna. Use a
shielded transmission line between the
testing antenna and the field strength
meter. Match the antenna impedance to
the transmission line at all frequencies
measured, and, if using an un-balanced
line, employ a suitable balance. Take
account of the transmission line loss for
each frequency being measured.
(ii) Weather. Do not take
measurements during periods of
inclement weather, including, but not
limited to, periods of heavy rainfall,
snowfall accumulation, high
windspeed, or any combination thereof.
(iii) Antenna elevation. When field
strength is being measured for a onestory building, elevate the testing
antenna to 6.1 meters (20 feet) above the
ground. In situations where the field
strength is being measured for a
building taller than one-story, elevate
the testing antenna 9.1 meters (30 feet)
above the ground.
(iv) Antenna orientation. Orient the
testing antenna in the direction which
maximizes the value of field strength for
the signal being measured. If more than
one station’s signal is being measured,
orient the testing antenna separately for
each station.
(3) Written record shall be made and
shall include at least the following:
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(i) A list of calibrated equipment used
in the field strength survey, which for
each instrument specifies the
manufacturer, type, serial number and
rated accuracy, and the date of the most
recent calibration by the manufacturer
or by a laboratory. Include complete
details of any instrument not of
standard manufacture.
(ii) A detailed description of the
calibration of the measuring equipment,
including field strength meters,
measuring antenna, and connecting
cable.
(iii) For each spot at the measuring
site, all factors which may affect the
recorded field, such as topography,
height and types of vegetation,
buildings, obstacles, weather, and other
local features.
(iv) A description of where the cluster
measurements were made.
(v) Time and date of the
measurements and signature of the
person making the measurements.
(vi) For each channel being measured,
a list of the measured value of field
strength (in units of dBμ after
adjustment for line loss and antenna
factor) of the five readings made during
the cluster measurement process, with
the median value highlighted.
[FR Doc. 2010–32694 Filed 12–27–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 648
[Docket No. 101029427–0609–02]
RIN 0648–XY82
Fisheries of the Northeastern United
States; Summer Flounder, Scup, and
Black Sea Bass Fisheries; 2011
Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black
Sea Bass Specifications; Preliminary
2011 Quota Adjustments; 2011
Summer Flounder Quota for Delaware
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
NMFS issues final
specifications for the 2011 summer
flounder, scup, and black sea bass
fisheries. This final rule specifies
allowed harvest limits for both
commercial and recreational fisheries,
including commercial scup possession
limits. This action prohibits Federally
permitted commercial fishing vessels
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\28DER1.SGM
28DER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 28, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 81491-81498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-32694]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 73
[ET Docket No. 06-94; FCC 10-195]
Digital Television Signals Pursuant to the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In this document the Commission amends its rules to include
measurement procedures for determining the strength of a digital
broadcast television (DTV) signal at any specific location. These
procedures will be used for determining whether households are eligible
to receive distant DTV network signals retransmitted by satellite
carriers, pursuant to the provisions of the Satellite Television
Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA).
DATES: Effective January 27, 2011, except for amendment to Sec.
73.686(e), which contains information collection requirements that are
not effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget.
The Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register
announcing the effective date for that amendment.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ira Keltz, Office of Engineering and
Technology, (202) 418-0616, e-mail: Ira.Keltz@fcc.gov, TTY (202) 418-
2989.
ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report
and Order, ET Docket No. 06-94, FCC 10-195, adopted November 22, 2010
and released November 23, 2010. The full text of this document is
available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in
the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this document also may be
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy and
Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street, SW., Room, CY-B402, Washington, DC
20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: www.fcc.gov.
People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible
formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic
files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-
418-0432 (tty).
Summary of Report and Order
1. In accordance with the provisions of the STELA, the Commission
amends its rules to include measurement procedures for determining the
strength of a digital broadcast television (DTV) signal at any specific
location. These procedures will be used for determining whether
households are eligible to receive distant DTV network signals
retransmitted by satellite carriers, pursuant to the provisions of the
Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010 (STELA). The
Report and Order implements DTV signal measurement procedures proposed
in the Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SHVERA NPRM), 75 FR
46885, August 4, 2010, and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (STELA
FNRPM) in this proceeding with minor modifications. The rules adopted
herein were developed based on our recommendations in the SHVERA Report
and comments received in response to the SHVERA NPRM and the STELA
FNPRM. They largely rely on existing proven methods the Commission has
already established for measuring analog television signal strength at
any individual location, as set forth in Sec. 73.686(d) of the
existing rules, but include modifications as necessary to accommodate
the inherent differences between analog and digital TV signals. The new
digital signal measurement procedures include provisions for the
location of the measurement antenna, antenna height, signal measurement
method, antenna orientation and polarization, and data recording.
2. On December 2004, Congress enacted the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (SHVERA), which amended the
Copyright Act and the Communications Act to further aid the
competitiveness of satellite carriers and expand program offerings for
satellite TV subscribers while protecting localism. The SHVERA included
new provisions for distant digital signal reception and amended section
339 of the Communications Act and section 119 of the Copyright Act to
provide three methods by which a subscriber can establish eligibility
to receive such signals. First, a subscriber would be eligible to
receive the distant digital signal of a particular network if his or
her household was predicted by the Satellite Home Viewer Act (SHVA)
ILLR model to be unserved by the over-the-air analog signal of any
affiliate of that network (not necessarily the local affiliate).
Second, a subscriber whose household was predicted to be served by a
local station's analog signal could request an on-site signal strength
test to determine if his or her household is unable to receive that
station's digital signal. Third, a satellite subscriber could receive
distant digital signals if the television network station granted a
waiver to allow satellite retransmission of the relevant network from a
distant station.
3. Section 204 of the SHVERA also directed the Commission to
conduct an inquiry regarding whether the Commission's digital TV signal
strength standards and signal measurement procedures for determining if
a household is ``unserved'' by local signals should be revised. Section
204 of SHVERA further directed the Commission to provide Congress with
a Report on its findings and recommendations for any revisions that
might be necessary for implementing DTV measurement standards and
procedures. Pursuant to this requirement, the Commission issued a
Notice of Inquiry and, on December 8, 2005, issued the SHVERA Report to
Congress that, in relevant part, stated that the Commission generally
believes that the digital television measurement procedures should be
similar to the Commission's current procedures for measuring the field
strength of analog television stations in Sec. 73.686(d) of the rules,
but with certain modifications to address the differences between
analog and digital TV signals. The Commission also stated that no
changes are needed to the digital television field strength standards
and/or planning factors for
[[Page 81492]]
purposes of determining whether a household is eligible to receive
retransmitted distant network television signals.
4. The Commission subsequently adopted the SHVERA NPRM, 75 FR
46885, August 4, 2010, in which it proposed measurement standards for
digital television signals as recommended in the SHVERA Report. The
Commission specified that it would rely on the proposed DTV measurement
procedures for evaluating DTV signal strength pending the adoption of
final rules. These interim procedures have been in effect since
adoption of the SHVERA NPRM in April, 2006, and to date the Commission
has not received any reports of problems or difficulties with their
use.
5. The Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act of 2010
(STELA) retains the SHVERA framework of three methods for establishing
subscriber eligibility to receive distant digital signals: Predictive
model; on-site testing; and waiver. Following the STELA's enactment,
the Commission adopted the STELA FNPRM to address provisions of the
STELA regarding the second method, digital signal measurement
procedures. The Commission explained in the STELA FNPRM that the STELA
raised three new issues not addressed in the SHVERA NPRM: (1) Which
station signals are to be measured; (2) what type of antenna is to be
used in performing on-location testing; and (3) which program stream
from a station in the local market is to be measured. The Commission
sought comment on these issues and more generally to refresh the record
in response to the SHVERA NPRM.
6. Stations to be Tested. The Commission adopts its proposal that
measurements for distant network signal eligibility only include
stations located within the same DMA as the satellite subscriber's
household. The STELA differs from the SHVIA and SHVERA in that it
specifies that only ``local'' stations, i.e., stations located within
the same DMA as the subscriber's household, are to be considered in
determining a subscriber's eligibility. Under the SHVIA, Congress
defined an ``unserved household,'' with respect to a particular
television network, to mean ``a household that-- cannot receive * * *
an over-the-air signal of a primary network station affiliated with
that network * * *'' This definition was not altered in the SHVERA.
However, in the STELA, Congress modified the definition of an
``unserved household'' to mean a household that ``cannot receive * * *
an over-the-air signal containing the primary stream, or * * * the
multicast stream, originating in that household's local market and
affiliated with that network * * *'' Under the rules for analog TV
measurements, a testing entity had to measure the signals of all
stations affiliated with a specific network. However, under the STELA,
a testing entity is to consider only the signals of those network-
affiliated stations that are located in the same DMA as the satellite
subscriber. Thus, the Commission proposed in the STELA FNPRM to modify
its proposed rules for measurement of DTV signals for purposes of
determining eligibility for delivery of distant network signals by
satellite providers to incorporate this change. The Commission did not
receive any comment on this issue and accordingly adopts its proposals
without change. The Commission noted that, consistent with section
204(b)(2) of the STELA, this rule change could reduce burdens on both
testers and consumers as fewer stations would need to be tested,
potentially resulting in lower costs for consumers and saving time.
7. Indoor Measurements. The Commission adopted its proposal to
continue to rely on an outdoor signal intensity test for purposes of
determining subscriber eligibility to receive distant network signals.
The current measurement rules for analog signals specify the use of an
outdoor antenna, consistent with the provisions of the SHVERA. The
STELA modified the statute's wording to replace the term
``conventional, stationary, outdoor rooftop receiving antenna'' with
the term ``antenna.'' In light of the amended statutory language, we
invited comment on the potential use of moveable indoor antennas in our
digital signal measurement procedures, but for several reasons declined
to propose rules for indoor measurements. First, in the SHVERA Report,
the Commission concluded that many factors, including the performance
expected of an indoor antenna, the placement of the antenna, and the
location within a structure or room where the antenna is located make
it difficult to develop an indoor television signal measurement
procedure that will provide accurate, reliable and repeatable results.
There are no standard models or planning factors for indoor reception,
and in particular there is no standard antenna specification for such
reception. The wide variation in indoor viewing situations makes it
difficult to specify a standard model that meaningfully relates to any
typical indoor viewing location. In addition, the performance of indoor
antennas available to consumers varies significantly. Second, signal
strengths typically vary significantly at different locations within a
room and in different rooms such that it is not apparent where the
measurement antenna should be placed. In light of these considerations,
the Commission requested comments in the STELA FNPRM on alternative
approaches for making eligibility determinations in situations where
consumers are not able to use an outdoor antenna to receive local
television signals. It also noted that the signal intensity standard in
Sec. 73.622(e)(1), which specifies the signal level that constitutes
service, assumes an outdoor antenna, as it relies on the methodology of
the Commission's OET Bulletin No. 69, which in turn relies on the DTV
planning factors, including an outdoor antenna The Commission is not
persuaded by the Broadcasters' assertion that the STELA requires the
Commission to continue to rely on an outdoor antenna for conducting
measurements. Instead, it believes that the change in statutory
language simply affords that Commission latitude to consider all types
of antennas. As observed in the SHVERA Report, the Commission has
always assumed that households will use the type of antenna that they
need to achieve service; if an indoor antenna is insufficient for a
particular household, it will generally rely on a rooftop antenna.
Nothing in the STELA reflects that Congress wished to alter that
assumption. On the contrary, the STELA specifies use of the digital
television signal strength standard in Sec. 73.622(e)(1) of the rules,
which is derived from the assumptions in the digital television
planning factors set forth in OET Bulletin No. 69, including the
assumption of use of an outdoor antenna. The Commission does not
believe that Congress would have incorporated this assumption into the
STELA if it intended use of an indoor antenna standard.
8. The Commission also finds that continued use of an outdoor
antenna standard for signal strength measurements is the best means of
achieving the directives for digital TV signal strength measurements
set forth in the STELA. The STELA specifies use of the digital
television signal strength standard in Sec. 73.622(e)(1) of the rules
as the threshold metric against which to compare measurements to
determine whether households are ``served'' or ``unserved.'' That
signal strength standard is important because it serves to define the
service boundary or ``service contour'' of a digital television station
and the threshold at which a
[[Page 81493]]
station's service is considered to be available in areas within that
service contour. That standard, in turn, is premised on use of an
outdoor antenna through the digital television planning factors set
forth in OET Bulletin No. 69. To provide for meaningful comparisons
between that standard and digital TV signal strength measurements, the
Commission finds that it is appropriate to specify use of an outdoor
antenna, so that the signals whose strengths are being measured have
the same qualities as the signal specified in the standard.
9. Multicast Signals. The Commission adopted its tentative
conclusion not to make any special provisions for multicast signals in
our modified digital signal strength measurement procedures. The
Commission's tentative conclusion in the STELA FNPRM was based on the
recognition that the testing protocol measures a station's signal at
the subscriber location and that all program streams are equally
available on a signal. Whether the station's signal includes one or
more program streams or networks does not necessitate a change in the
test employed because the presence of multiple streams has no bearing
on the signal intensity or receivability, i.e., the bit stream of a
single TV signal can be decoded into multiple program streams, but
there is only a single TV signal to measure. The Commission stated its
belief that the tester, the satellite carrier and the network affiliate
involved in the conduct of the test will be able to identify the
network affiliates in the broadcast signal. If the signal is found to
be available at the subscriber location at the requisite intensity,
then any and all of the networks in that signal will likewise be
available. If the station's signal is not found to be present at the
requisite intensity, the subscriber will be unserved with respect to
any and all networks broadcast on the streams in that signal, unless
the subscriber receives a signal of sufficient strength from another
local station affiliated with the same network or networks. Only the
Broadcasters commented on our tentative proposal, stating that
multicast streams should be treated equally. Accordingly, the
Commission adopted its tentative conclusion not to make any special
provisions for multicast signals.
10. DTV Signal Measurement Procedures. The Commission adopted the
proposal in the SHVERA NPRM to continue using the same rules for
measuring DTV signals as the Commission uses for measuring analog TV
signals, with the modifications identified. Under the current rules,
measurements are to be made as close as possible to the specific site
where the household's receiving antenna is located or in the case when
there is no receiving antenna at the site, measurements are to be made
at locations as close as possible to a reasonable and likely spot for
the antenna. Further, the current rules require that five cluster
measurements be taken, each at least 3 meters apart, and if possible,
the first testing point should be the center of a square whose corners
are the four other locations. EchoStar commented that these
requirements make good sense and provide a fair degree of flexibility
to the tester to adapt to the subscriber's location. However, EchoStar
asked for clarification that it is not necessary to choose locations in
the shape of a square, but only that the testing locations be as close
as possible to the likely antenna site. Similarly DirecTV and Dish
Network argue in response to the STELA NPRM that the current cluster
measurement is needlessly involved. As an alternative, they state that
the locations should be in an area encompassed by a square, circle, or
semicircle, as possible, with 3 meter separation and with one
measurement in the center representing the nominal television receive
location. No other parties commented on this issue. The Commission
clarifies that the existing rule provides that measurements should be
made in the form of a square ``if possible,'' but does not require that
the square pattern be used. Testers have always had the flexibility to
adjust the measurement locations in order to conduct them in a safe and
economically feasible manner while still obtaining the most accurate
measurements possible. Thus, the Commission does not believe any
additional clarification or change on this issue is necessary. The
Commission also adopted its proposal that measurements of DTV signals
be taken by elevating the antenna to 6.1 meters (20 feet) above the
ground for one story buildings and to 9.1 meters (30 feet) above the
ground for structures taller than one story. Again, this procedure is
identical to the current rules for analog TV signal measurements and is
consistent with the DTV planning factors. EchoStar, arguing that this
height requirement may lead to lengthy tests as the antenna has to be
raised, lowered and reset repeatedly, asks that the Commission allow
measurements to be made at a lower height and then corrected to reflect
the signal strength at 20 or 30 feet. It suggests that such a change
may increase the pool of qualified testers who have the necessary
equipment to conduct signal strength tests. In opposition, the
Broadcasters assert that the rationale underlying the Commission's
height rules--to simulate the roof-top antenna mount of a 20 foot one-
story house, or a 30 foot tall two-story house--applies equally to
digital and analog signals. The Commission agrees with the
Broadcasters. This rule was devised as a way to account for most
households in the country while maintaining an easy-to-administer
standard and the Commission is not persuaded that it should modify it
now. Further, no evidence was presented showing that a reduction in the
required antenna height requirement would significantly increase the
pool of available testers.
11. Measurement Instrumentation. The Commission adopted rules
requiring that the tests measure the integrated average power over the
signal's entire 6 megahertz bandwidth and recommending that the
measurement instrumentation use an intermediate frequency (i.f.)
bandwidth of 100 kilohertz unless the instrumentation is specifically
designed to use an alternative i.f. bandwidth. Additionally, the rules
continue to require testers to use good engineering practice, including
proper choice and use of instrumentation to ensure accurate results.
The Commission had proposed that the tests measure the integrated
average power over the signal's entire 6 megahertz bandwidth, and that
the intermediate frequency (i.f.) bandwidth of the measuring
instrumentation be no greater than 6 megahertz so that the measurement
method would conform to the format of the DTV signal. Commenters
unanimously agreed with our proposal to measure total integrated power
over the 6 megahertz bandwidth, but Broadcasters sought more
specificity regarding the restriction of the i.f. bandwidth. They
stated that a large i.f. bandwidth, such as 6 megahertz, could produce
inaccurate results and recommended that the Commission require an i.f.
bandwidth of less than 100 kHz. The Commission does not believe the
Broadcaster's concern is significant as most measurements could not be
taken using a 6 megahertz i.f. bandwidth because such a setting is not
available on most measurement instruments. While we believe most
instruments are capable of i.f. bandwidth settings of 100 kHz or less,
some may not have this capability, which could potentially reduce the
number of parties that have the equipment needed to perform these
measurements. Further, measurement instruments with an i.f. bandwidth
greater than 100 kHz can yield accurate
[[Page 81494]]
results if used properly. Accordingly, the Commission amended it's
proposal to recommend, but not require an i.f. bandwidth of 100 kHz.
12. The Commission also adopted its remaining proposals regarding
measurement procedure: To use a shielded transmission line; to match
the antenna impedance to the transmission line at all frequencies
measured; to employ a suitable balance when an unbalanced line is used;
to measure transmission line loss for each frequency; to use a
horizontally polarized antenna; and to orient the testing antenna so
that its maximum gain (over an isotropic antenna) faces the strongest
signal coming from the transmitter being tested. All of these
procedures are identical to those currently used for analog TV
measurement. No parties commented on these proposals. The Commission
continues to believe that these procedures are appropriate for
measurement for digital television signals and thus, it adopts them as
proposed.
13. Measurement Antenna. The Commission adopted rules to provide
testers flexibility to choose either a half-wave dipole or a gain
antenna when conducting DTV measurements. In the SHVERA NPRM, the
Commission proposed to allow use of either type of antenna for testing
the signal strength of DTV signals. In making this proposal, the
Commission recognized that both of these types of antennas are
permitted for analog TV signal measurements. Under this regime, the on-
site tester will have flexibility to determine the best antenna to
employ when conducting field strength measurements.
14. The Commission rejects the Broadcasters' arguments against use
of dipole antennas. Half-wave dipole antennas and gain antennas each
have various advantages and disadvantages. For accuracy, half-wave
dipole antennas generally must be retuned for each frequency when
making measurements. However, half-wave dipole antennas can be
calibrated easily and reliably. Gain antennas do not require retuning
and can boost the signal in the direction they are pointed while
reducing interfering signals from other directions. On the other hand,
gain antennas can be a little more difficult to calibrate precisely and
maintain in calibration. The Commission continues to believe that both
half-wave dipole and gain antennas will provide reliable, accurate test
results, so long as the tester is diligent and takes care to ensure
that good engineering practice is followed, as required by the rules.
Both types of antennas are permitted for testing analog signals and the
Commission will similarly permit both for measuring digital signals.
Thus, each tester, based on experience, availability of equipment, and
local conditions, will be permitted to decide which antenna would be
best for measuring digital TV signals.
15. Weather. The Commission adopts its proposal to prohibit digital
television signal strength measurements being made during inclement
weather. Inclement weather can generally be defined as unfavorable
atmospheric conditions such as, but not limited to heavy rainfall,
snowfall accumulation, high windspeed, or any combination thereof. As
the Commission noted in making this proposal, while in general weather
conditions do not have an appreciable effect on the reception of
broadcast television signals, heavy precipitation and the movement of
major weather fronts through the measurement area could impact the
signal strength measurements. No commenter objected to this proposal
and the Commission adopted it as proposed.
16. Data Recording. The Commission adopts its proposal to apply the
same recording requirements for DTV signal strength measurements as are
used for analog measurements. In general, the existing rules require
that the recorded data contain a list of calibrated equipment along
with a description of the calibration, a description of the
environment, such as topography, vegetation, buildings, etc., as well
as the location and value of the actual measurements. There were no
objections to this proposal and the Commission adopted the rules in
this regard as proposed.
17. Other Matters. EchoStar observes that the Commission's rules
define the digital television service area as the noise-limited contour
based on criteria that the specified signal level is predicted to be
exceeded at 50% of the locations, 90% of the time (using F(50,90)
curves and the Longley-Rice terrain prediction model). EchoStar
proposes that the time variability factor be adjusted from 90% to 50%
(i.e. to the F(50, 50) level) for comparison to a median measured
value. Similarly, DirecTV and Dish Network state that the Commission
should either develop a conversion factor or use a standard method such
as Rayleigh, which describes an increase in necessary power from the
mean to 99% of 20dB. The comments do not state how this conversion
would be used, but the Commission presumes it would be intended as a
correction factor to reduce the measured signal strength value. The
Commission notes that it rejected this same request in the SHVERA
Report and that EchoStar has not provided any new information regarding
this issue. Accordingly, the Commission will not make any adjustments
to the signal strength standard.
18. Finally, in the SHVERA NPRM, we asked if there are steps the
Commission can take in this proceeding that will facilitate or enhance
tester competence and availability. The Commission did not receive any
suggestions on this issue. As noted, the Commission has provided
flexibility for the conduct of DTV measurement tests, such as the rules
requiring good engineering practice, which provides for testers to use
antennas and measurement instrumentation with which they are familiar
to endure accurate results. The Commission believes that by bestowing
this flexibility to testers, it will maximize the number of qualified
testers available.
Procedural Matters
19. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis: As required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended (``RFA'') \1\ an Initial
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (``IRFA'') was incorporated in the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to this proceeding.\2\ The
Commission sought written public comment on the proposals in the NPRM,
including comment on the IRFA. The Commission received no comments on
the IRFA. This present Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (``FRFA'')
conforms to the RFA.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq., has
been amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness
Act of 1996 (``SBREFA''), Public Law No. 104-121, Title II, 110
Stat. 847 (1996). The SBREFA was enacted as Title II of the Contract
With America Advancement Act of 1996 (``CWAAA'').
\2\ Implementation of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and
Reauthorization Act of 2004, 20 FCC Rcd 2983, Appendix C (2005)
(NPRM).
\3\ See 5 U.S.C. 604.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Need for and Objectives of the Report and Order. This Report and
Order (``R&O'') adopts rules to implement procedures for determining
the strength of a digital broadcast television (DTV) signal at any
specific location. These rules implement our recommendations for DTV
measurement procedures presented in the Commission's Report to Congress
(SHVERA Report) pursuant to section 204(b) of the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 (SHVERA).\4\ The rules
provide procedures to determine whether households are eligible to
receive
[[Page 81495]]
distant DTV network signals retransmitted by satellite communications
providers. In December 2004, Congress enacted the Satellite Home Viewer
Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004,\5\ pursuant to which, the
Commission conducted an Inquiry \6\ (SHVERA Inquiry) and on December 9,
2005, released the SHVERA Report. In relevant part, the SHVERA Report
stated that the Commission intended to conduct a rulemaking proceeding
to specify procedures for measuring the field strength of digital
television signals at individual locations.\7\ The Report also stated
that the digital television measurement procedures should be similar to
the current procedures for measuring the field strength of analog
television stations in Sec. 73.686(d) of the rules, but with certain
modifications to address the differences between analog and digital TV
signals.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\ See SHVERA Report, supra n.1.
\5\ See id.
\6\ See In the Matter Of Technical Standards For Determining
Eligibility For Satellite-Delivered Network Signals Pursuant To The
Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act, ET Docket
No. 05-182, Notice of Inquiry, 20 FCC Rcd. 9349 (2005), (SHVERA
Inquiry).
\7\ See SHVERA Report, supra. note 4.
\8\ Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wherever possible, the adopted digital signal strength measurement
procedures rely on the existing, proven methods the Commission has
established for measuring analog television signal strength at any
individual location.\9\ We also note that the SHVERA statute provided
that testing of digital signal strength for this purpose could have
begun as early as April 30, 2006.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ See generally, 47 CFR 73.686(d).
\10\ 47 U.S.C. 339(a)(2)(D)(vii) provides trigger dates for
testing. Generally, subscribers in the top 100 television markets
will be able to request a digital signal strength test after April
30, 2006 and subscribers in other markets will be able to request a
test after July 15, 2007. Only network stations that have received a
tentative digital channel designation that is the same as such
stations' current digital channel, or that have lost interference
protection, are subject to the April 30, 2006 commencement date for
signal strength testing. Network stations in the top 100 markets
without tentative channel designations on their DTV channels, as
well as all network stations not in the top 100 markets, will be
subject to signal strength testing beginning July 15, 2007, unless
the Commission grants the station a waiver. 47 U.S.C.
339(a)(2)(D)(vii)(I)(aa)(bb).
Waiver requests by stations subject to the testing commencement
date of April 30, 2006 were required to be submitted by November 30,
2005. To be grantable, waiver requests must provide ``clear and
convincing evidence that the station's digital signal coverage is
limited due to the unremediable presence of one or more of the
following: (1) The need for international coordination or approvals;
(2) clear zoning or environmental legal impediments; (3) force
majeure; (4) the station experiences a substantial decrease in its
digital signal coverage area due to the necessity of using a side-
mounted antenna; (5) substantial technical problems that result in a
station experiencing a substantial decrease in its coverage area
solely due to actions to avoid interference with emergency response
providers; or (6) no satellite carrier is providing the
retransmission of the analog signals of local network stations under
section 338 in the local market.'' The Act further provides that
``under no circumstances may such a waiver be based upon financial
exigency.'' Waiver requests by stations subject to the testing
commencement date of July 15, 2007 had to be submitted to the
Commission no later than February 15, 2007. See Public Notice DA No.
05-2979 (rel. Nov. 17, 2005). See generally, 47 U.S.C.
339(a)(2)(D)(vii)-(viii).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in
Response to the IRFA. There were no comments filed that specifically
addressed the IRFA.
C. Description and Estimates of the Number of Small Entities to
Which the Rules Adopted in this Notice may apply. The RFA directs
agencies to provide a description of and, where feasible, an estimate
of the number of small entities that will be affected by the proposed
rules.\11\ The RFA generally defines the term ``small entity'' as
having the same meaning as the terms ``small business,'' ``small
organization,'' and ``small governmental jurisdiction.''\12\ In
addition, the term ``small business'' has the same meaning as the term
``small business concern'' under the Small Business Act.\13\ A small
business concern is one which: (1) Is independently owned and operated;
(2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any
additional criteria established by the Small Business Administration
(SBA).\14\
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\11\ 5 U.S.C. 603(b)(3), 604(a)(3).
\12\ Id. 601(6).
\13\ 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the definition
of ``small business concern'' in the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C.
632). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory definition of a
small business applies ``unless an agency, after consultation with
the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and
after opportunity for public comment, establishes one or more
definitions of such terms which are appropriate to the activities of
the agency and publishes such definitions(s) in the Federal
Register.''
\14\ 15 U.S.C. 632.
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The rules adopted in this Report and Order modify previous
proposals to measure the strength of digital television signals at any
particular location, as a means of determining whether any particular
household is ``unserved'' by a local DTV network station and is
therefore eligible to receive a distant DTV network signal
retransmitted by a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service provider.
Therefore, DBS providers will be directly and primarily affected by the
proposed rules, if adopted. In addition, rules adopted will also
directly affect those local digital television stations that broadcast
network programming. Therefore, in this FRFA, we consider, and invite
comment on, the impact of the proposed rules on small digital
television broadcast stations, small DBS providers, and other small
entities. A description of such small entities, as well as an estimate
of the number of such small entities, is provided in the following
paragraphs.
Nationwide, there are a total of approximately 29.6 million small
businesses, according to the SBA.\15\ A ``small organization'' is
generally ``any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned
and operated and is not dominant in its field.'' \16\ Nationwide, as of
2002, there were approximately 1.6 million small organizations.\17\ The
term ``small governmental jurisdiction'' is defined generally as
``governments of cities, towns, townships, villages, school districts,
or special districts, with a population of less than fifty thousand.''
\18\ Census Bureau data for 2002 indicate that there were 87,525 local
governmental jurisdictions in the United States.\19\ We estimate that,
of this total, 84,377 entities were ``small governmental
jurisdictions.'' \20\ Thus, we estimate that most governmental
jurisdictions are small.
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\15\ See SBA, Office of Advocacy, ``Frequently Asked
Questions,'' https://web.sba.gov/faqs/faqindex.cfm?areaID=24 (revised
Sept. 2009).
\16\ 5 U.S.C. 601(4).
\17\ Independent Sector, The New Nonprofit Almanac & Desk
Reference (2002).
\18\ 5 U.S.C. 601(5).
\19\ U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Abstract of the United
States: 2006, Section 8, page 272, Table 415.
\20\ We assume that the villages, school districts, and special
districts are small, and total 48,558. See U.S. Census Bureau,
Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2006, section 8, page
273, Table 417. For 2002, Census Bureau data indicate that the total
number of county, municipal, and township governments nationwide was
38,967, of which 35,819 were small. Id.
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Cable Television Distribution Services. The ``Cable and Other
Program Distribution'' census category includes cable systems
operators, closed circuit television services, direct broadcast
satellite services, multipoint distribution systems, satellite master
antenna systems, and subscription television services. Since 2007,
these services have been defined within the broad economic census
category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers; that category is defined
as follows: ``This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged
in operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and
infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of
voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired telecommunications
networks. Transmission facilities may be based on
[[Page 81496]]
a single technology or a combination of technologies. Establishments in
this industry use the wired telecommunications network facilities that
they operate to provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony
services, including VoIP services; wired (cable) audio and video
programming distribution; and wired broadband Internet services. By
exception, establishments providing satellite television distribution
services using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are
included in this industry.'' The SBA has developed a small business
size standard for this category, which is: All such firms having 1,500
or fewer employees. To gauge small business prevalence for these cable
services the Commission must, however, use current census data that are
based on the previous category of Cable and Other Program Distribution
and its associated size standard; that size standard was: All such
firms having $13.5 million or less in annual receipts. According to
Census Bureau data for 2002, there were a total of 1,191 firms in this
previous category that operated for the entire year. Of this total,
1,087 firms had annual receipts of under $10 million, and 43 firms had
receipts of $10 million or more but less than $25 million. Thus, the
majority of these firms can be considered small.
Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) Service. DBS service is a
nationally distributed subscription service that delivers video and
audio programming via satellite to a small parabolic ``dish'' antenna
at the subscriber's location. Because DBS provides subscription
services, DBS falls within the SBA-recognized definition of Wired
Telecommunications Carriers. However, as discussed above, the
Commission relies on the previous size standard, Cable and Other
Subscription Programming, which provides that a small entity is one
with $13.5 million or less in annual receipts. Currently, only two
operators--DirecTV and EchoStar Communications Corporation (EchoStar)--
hold licenses to provide DBS service, which requires a great investment
of capital for operation. Both currently offer subscription services
and report annual revenues that are in excess of the threshold for a
small business. Because DBS service requires significant capital, the
Commission believes it is unlikely that a small entity as defined by
the SBA would have the financial wherewithal to become a DBS licensee.
Nevertheless, given the absence of specific data on this point, the
Commission acknowledges the possibility that there are entrants in this
field that may not yet have generated $13.5 million in annual receipts,
and therefore may be categorized as a small business, if independently
owned and operated.
Television Broadcasting. The rules and policies apply to television
broadcast licensees and potential licensees of television service. The
SBA defines a television broadcast station as a small business if such
station has no more than $14 million in annual receipts.\21\ Business
concerns included in this industry are those ``primarily engaged in
broadcasting images together with sound.'' \22\ The Commission has
estimated the number of licensed commercial television stations to be
1,392.\23\ According to Commission staff review of the BIA/Kelsey,
MAPro Television Database (``BIA'') as of April 7, 2010, about 1,015 of
an estimated 1,380 commercial television stations \24\ (or about 74
percent) have revenues of $14 million or less and thus qualify as small
entities under the SBA definition. The Commission has estimated the
number of licensed non-commercial educational (NCE) television stations
to be 390.\25\ We note, however, that, in assessing whether a business
concern qualifies as small under the above definition, business
(control) affiliations \26\ must be included. Our estimate, therefore,
likely overstates the number of small entities that might be affected
by our action, because the revenue figure on which it is based does not
include or aggregate revenues from affiliated companies. The Commission
does not compile and otherwise does not have access to information on
the revenue of NCE stations that would permit it to determine how many
such stations would qualify as small entities.
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\21\ See 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS Code 515120.
\22\ Id. This category description continues, ``These
establishments operate television broadcasting studios and
facilities for the programming and transmission of programs to the
public. These establishments also produce or transmit visual
programming to affiliated broadcast television stations, which in
turn broadcast the programs to the public on a predetermined
schedule. Programming may originate in their own studios, from an
affiliated network, or from external sources.'' Separate census
categories pertain to businesses primarily engaged in producing
programming. See Motion Picture and Video Production, NAICS code
512110; Motion Picture and Video Distribution, NAICS Code 512120;
Teleproduction and Other Post-Production Services, NAICS Code
512191; and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries, NAICS Code
512199.
\23\ See News Release, ``Broadcast Station Totals as of December
31, 2009,'' 2010 WL 676084 (F.C.C.)(dated Feb. 26, 2010) (Broadcast
Station Totals); also available at https://www.fcc.gov/mb/.
\24\ We recognize that this total differs slightly from that
contained in Broadcast Station Totals, supra note 446; however, we
are using BIA's estimate for purposes of this revenue comparison.
\25\ See Broadcast Station Totals, supra note 239.
\26\ ``[Business concerns] are affiliates of each other when one
concern controls or has the power to control the other or a third
party or parties controls or has the power to control both.'' 13 CFR
121.103(a)(1).
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In addition, an element of the definition of ``small business'' is
that the entity not be dominant in its field of operation. We are
unable at this time to define or quantify the criteria that would
establish whether a specific television station is dominant in its
field of operation. Accordingly, the estimates of small businesses to
which rules may apply do not exclude any television station from the
definition of a small business on this basis and are therefore over-
inclusive to that extent. Also as noted, an additional element of the
definition of ``small business'' is that the entity must be
independently owned and operated. We note that it is difficult at times
to assess these criteria in the context of media entities and our
estimates of small businesses to which they apply may be over-inclusive
to this extent.
Class A TV, LPTV, and TV translator stations. The rules and
policies adopted in this Report and Order include licensees of Class A
TV stations, low power television (LPTV) stations, and TV translator
stations, as well as potential licensees in these television services.
The same SBA definition that applies to television broadcast licensees
would apply to these stations. The SBA defines a television broadcast
station as a small business if such station has no more than $14
million in annual receipts.\27\ Currently, there are approximately 537
licensed Class A stations, 2,386 licensed LPTV stations, and 4,359
licensed TV translators.\28\ Given the nature of these services, we
will presume that all of these licensees qualify as small entities
under the SBA definition. We note, however, that under the SBA's
definition, revenue of affiliates that are not LPTV stations should be
aggregated with the LPTV station revenues in determining whether a
concern is small. Our estimate may thus overstate the number of small
entities since the revenue figure on which it is based does not include
or aggregate revenues from non-LPTV affiliated companies. We do not
have data on revenues of TV translator or TV booster stations, but
virtually all of these entities are also likely to have revenues of
less than $14 million and thus may be categorized as small, except to
the extent that revenues of affiliated non-translator or booster
entities should be considered.
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\27\ See 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS Code 515120.
\28\ See Broadcast Station Totals, supra note 239.
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[[Page 81497]]
D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other
Compliance Requirements. The rules in this Report & Order establish
procedures for measuring digital television signal strength at any
specific location. These measurement procedures will be used as a means
of determining whether households are eligible to receive distant DTV
network signals retransmitted by DBS providers. These procedures are
similar to the ones used for measuring analog television signal
strength for like purposes, with only those revisions necessary to
account for the difference between digital and analog signals. Section
339(a)(2)(D)(vi) of the Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 339(a)(2)(D)(vi))
delineates when measurements are necessary and when the satellite
communications provider, the digital television broadcast station, or
the consumer is responsible for bearing their cost. No reporting
requirement is proposed. We sought but did not receive comment on the
types of burdens direct broadcast satellite service providers and
digital television broadcast stations may face in complying with the
proposed requirements. Entities, especially small businesses and, more
generally, small entities are encouraged to quantify the costs and
benefits of the proposed reporting requirements.
E. Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered. The RFA requires an
agency to describe any significant alternatives that it has considered
in reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four
alternatives: (1) The establishment of differing compliance or
reporting requirements or timetables that take into account the
resources available to small entities; (2) the clarification,
consolidation, or simplification of compliance or reporting
requirements under the rule for small entities; (3) the use of
performance, rather than design standards; and (4) an exemption from
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities.\29\
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\29\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(c).
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Since the adoption of analog television signal strength procedures
in 1999, the number of analog TV signal strength measurements taken in
order to determine household eligibility to receive distant analog TV
network signals has been infrequent. For example, DIRECTV, in comments
filed in ET Docket No. 05-182, Notice of Inquiry on Technical Standards
for Determining Eligibility for Satellite-Delivered Network Signals
Pursuant to the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization
Act, 20 FCC Rcd 9349 (2005), stated that in the last five years only
1400 DIRECTV subscribers received onsite tests to determine eligibility
to receive distant network television signals. In that proceeding, both
DIRECTV and EchoStar indicated that they generally declined to perform
or arrange for a test and instead refused to offer distant signals when
subscribers were predicted to be ``served'' and the relevant network
stations refused to grant a waiver.
As TV stations transition from analog transmissions to DTV, we
anticipate that the combined number of analog and digital measurements
will not increase substantially. This is because, as part of the DTV
transition, television stations will be ceasing the transmission of
analog signals and households seeking to receive retransmitted DTV
network signals will not be seeking to receive analog signals. In other
words, digital measurements will replace analog measurements. Also, as
direct broadcast stations increasingly offer local-to-local service to
households pursuant to SHVERA, those households will not be eligible to
receive retransmitted distant signals and therefore DTV signal strength
measurements for this purpose will not be necessary.
Finally, the Report & Order will allow measurements to be taken
using either a standard half-wave dipole antenna or a gain antenna with
a known antenna factor for the channel(s) that are to be tested for
digital measurements, this approach would allow the tester flexibility
in performing the test while still providing for accurate results. The
Report & Order does not require the use of a gain antenna only.
Commenters provided information regarding differences in ease of use of
gain antennas as compared to the use of half-wave dipole antennas. The
Commission received comments on what rules it should propose, if any,
that would address the apparent lack of qualified, independent testers
to perform signal strength tests. Commenters indicated that there is no
feasible regulatory solution to increasing the number of qualified
testers available. No alternative methods that would reduce the cost of
performing a test while retaining or improving on the accuracy of the
proposed method was submitted.
20. Report to Congress: The Commission will send a copy of the
Report and Order, including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to
Congress pursuant to the Congressional Review Act.\30\ In addition, the
Commission will send a copy of the Report and Order, including this
FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA.
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\30\ See 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
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21. Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis. This document
contains new or modified information collection requirements subject to
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13. It will
be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review
under section 3507(d) of the PRA. OMB, the general public, and other
Federal agencies are invited to comment on the new or modified
information collection requirements contained in this proceeding. In
addition, we note that pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief
Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), we
previously sought specific comment on how the Commission might
``further reduce the information collection burden for small business
concerns with fewer than 25 employees.'' In this present document, we
have assessed the effects of our requirement that testers adhere to the
data recording requirements of Sec. 73.686(e)(3) and described in
paragraph 11, supra. of the Report and Order, and find that these
requirements will not impose burdens to businesses with fewer than 25
employees as we are adopting the identical data recording requirements
that have been used for analog TV measurements for many years.
Ordering Clauses
22. Pursuant to sections 4(i), 4(j), 303 and 339 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j), 303
and 339, and section 204 of the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and
Reauthorization Act of 2004, codified at 47 U.S.C. 339(a)(2)(D)(vi),
that this Report and Order is hereby adopted.
23. Section 73.686(e) of the Commissions rules, is amended as set
forth in Appendix A of the Report and Order. The rules adopted in this
Report and Order contains information collection requirements subject
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, which will
not be effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget.
The Federal Communications Commission will publish a document in the
Federal Register announcing OMB approval and the effective date of the
rules adopted herein.
24. The Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau,
Reference Information Center, shall send a copy of this Report and
Order, including the Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the
Government Accountability Office
[[Page 81498]]
pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 73
Communications equipment, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements,
Television.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
Final Rules
0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications
Commission amends 47 CFR part 73 as follows:
PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES
0
1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334, 336 and 339.
0
2. Section 73.686 is amended by revising the heading of paragraph (d)
and by adding a new paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 73.686 Field strength measurements.
* * * * *
(d) NTSC--Collection of field strength data to determine NTSC
television signal intensity at an individual location--cluster
measurements--
* * * * *
(e) DTV--Collection of field strength data to determine digital
television signal intensity at an individual location--cluster
measurements--(1) Preparation for measurements--
(i) Testing antenna. The test antenna shall be either a standard
half-wave dipole tuned to the center frequency of the channel being
tested or a gain antenna provided its antenna factor for the channel(s)
under test has been determined. Use the antenna factor supplied by the
antenna manufacturer as determined on an antenna range.
(ii) Testing locations--At the test site, choose a minimum of five
locations as close as possible to the specific site where the site's
receiving antenna is located. If there is no receiving antenna at the
site, choose a minimum of five locations as close as possible to a
reasonable and likely spot for the antenna. The locations shall be at
least three meters apart, enough so that the testing is practical. If
possible, the first testing point should be chosen as the center point
of a square whose corners are the four other locations. Calculate the
median of the five measurements (in units of dB[micro]) and report it
as the measurement.
(iii) Multiple signals--
(A) If more than one signal is being measured (i.e., signals from
different transmitters), use the same locations to measure each signal.
(B) For establishing eligibility of a satellite subscriber to
receive distant network signals, only stations affiliated with the
network in question that are located in the same Nielsen Designated
Market Area (DMA) as the test site may be considered and tested.
(2) Measurement procedure. Measurements shall be made in accordance
with good engineering practice and in accordance with this section of
this chapter. At each measuring location, the following procedure shall
be employed:
(i) Testing equipment. Perform an on-site calibration of the test
instrument in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Tune a
calibrated instrument to the center of the channel being tested.
Measure the integrated average power over the full 6 megahertz
bandwidth of the television signal. The intermediate frequency of the
instrument should be set to 100 kilohertz unless the instrument is
specifically designed by the manufacturer to use an alternative i.f.
setting. The instrument must be capable of integrating over the
selected i.f. for the 6 megahertz channel bandwidth. Take all
measurements with a horizontally polarized antenna. Use a shielded
transmission line between the testing antenna and the field strength
meter. Match the antenna impedance to the transmission line at all
frequencies measured, and, if using an un-balanced line, employ a
suitable balance. Take account of the transmission line loss for each
frequency being measured.
(ii) Weather. Do not take measurements during periods of inclement
weather, including, but not limited to, periods of heavy rainfall,
snowfall accumulation, high windspeed, or any combination thereof.
(iii) Antenna elevation. When field strength is being measured for
a one-story building, elevate the testing antenna to 6.1 meters (20
feet) above the ground. In situations where the field strength is being
measured for a building taller than one-story, elevate the testing
antenna 9.1 meters (30 feet) above the ground.
(iv) Antenna orientation. Orient the testing antenna in the
direction which maximizes the value of field strength for the signal
being measured. If more than one station's signal is being measured,
orient the testing antenna separately for each station.
(3) Written record shall be made and shall include at least the
following:
(i) A list of calibrated equipment used in the field strength
survey, which for each instrument specifies the manufacturer, type,
serial number and rated accuracy, and the date of the most recent
calibration by the manufacturer or by a laboratory. Include complete
details of any instrument not of standard manufacture.
(ii) A detailed description of the calibration of the measuring
equipment, including field strength meters, measuring antenna, and
connecting cable.
(iii) For each spot at the measuring site, all factors which may
affect the recorded field, such as topography, height and types of
vegetation, buildings, obstacles, weather, and other local features.
(iv) A description of where the cluster measurements were made.
(v) Time and date of the measurements and signature of the person
making the measurements.
(vi) For each channel being measured, a list of the measured value
of field strength (in units of dB[mu] after adjustment for line loss
and antenna factor) of the five readings made during the cluster
measurement process, with the median value highlighted.
[FR Doc. 2010-32694 Filed 12-27-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P