Authorizing Permissive Use of the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard, 13285-13302 [2017-04713]

Agencies

• FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 46 (Friday, March 10, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13285-13302]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04713]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 15 and 73

[GN Docket No. 16-142; FCC 17-13]


Authorizing Permissive Use of the ``Next Generation'' Broadcast 
Television Standard

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission proposes to authorize 
television broadcasters to use the ``Next Generation'' broadcast 
television transmission standard associated with recent work of the 
Advanced Television Systems Committee on a voluntary, market-driven 
basis, while they continue to deliver current-generation digital 
television broadcast service, using the ATSC 1.0 standard, to their 
viewers. This new standard has the potential to greatly improve 
broadcast signal reception and will enable broadcasters to offer 
enhanced and innovative new features to consumers.

DATES: Comments for this proceeding are due on or before May 9, 2017; 
reply comments are due on or before June 8, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by GN Docket No. 16-142, 
by any of the following methods:
    [ssquf] Federal Communications Commission's Web site: https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    [ssquf] Mail: Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by 
commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. 
Postal Service mail (although the Commission continues to experience 
delays in receiving U.S. Postal Service mail). All filings must be 
addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Office of the Secretary, 
Federal Communications Commission.
    [ssquf] People With Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request 
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language 
interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: FCC504@fcc.gov or phone: (202) 418-
0530 or TTY: (202) 418-0432.
    For detailed instructions for submitting comments and additional 
information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of this document.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information, contact 
John Gabrysch, John.Gabrysch@fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Engineering 
Division, at (202) 418-7152, Sean Mirzadegan, Sean.Mirzadegan@fcc.gov, 
of the Media Bureau, Engineering Division, at (202) 418-7111, Evan 
Baranoff, Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Policy Division, 
(202) 418-7142, or Matthew Hussey, Matthew.Hussey@fcc.gov, of the 
Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-3619.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 17-13, adopted and released on February 23, 
2017. The full text is available for public inspection and copying 
during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Federal 
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., CY-A257, Washington, DC 
20554. This document will also be available via ECFS (https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/). Documents will be available electronically in 
ASCII, Word 97, and/or Adobe Acrobat. Alternative formats are available 
for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, 
audio format), by sending an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or calling the 
Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 
(voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).
    This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking may result in new or revised 
information collection requirements. If the Commission adopts any new 
or revised information collection requirements, the Commission will 
publish a notice in the Federal Register inviting the public to comment 
on such requirements, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995. In addition, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act 
of 2002, the Commission will seek specific comment on how it might 
``further reduce the information collection burden for small business 
concerns with fewer than 25 employees.''

Synopsis

I. Introduction

    1. In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), we propose to 
authorize television broadcasters to use the ``Next Generation'' 
broadcast television (Next Gen TV) transmission standard associated 
with recent work of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC 
3.0) on a voluntary, market-driven basis, while they continue to 
deliver current-generation digital television (DTV) broadcast service, 
using the ``ATSC 1.0 standard,'' to their viewers. ATSC 3.0 is being 
developed by broadcasters with the intent of merging the capabilities 
of over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting with the broadband viewing and 
information delivery methods of the Internet, using the same 6 MHz 
channels presently allocated for DTV. According to a coalition of 
broadcast and consumer electronics industry representatives that has 
petitioned the Commission to authorize the use of ATSC 3.0, this new 
standard has the potential to greatly improve broadcast signal 
reception, particularly on mobile devices and television receivers 
without outdoor antennas, and it will enable broadcasters to offer 
enhanced and innovative new features to consumers, including Ultra High 
Definition (UHD) picture and immersive audio, more localized 
programming content, an advanced emergency alert system (EAS) capable 
of waking up sleeping devices to warn consumers of imminent 
emergencies, better accessibility options, and interactive services. 
With today's action, we aim to facilitate private sector innovation and 
promote American leadership in the global broadcast industry.

II. Background

    2. On April 13, 2016, America's Public Television Stations, the 
Advanced Warning and Response Network Alliance, the Consumer Technology 
Association, and the National Association of Broadcasters filed a joint 
petition for rulemaking asking the Commission to allow local television 
stations to adopt the Next Gen TV broadcast transmission standard, ATSC 
3.0, on a voluntary, market-driven basis, while continuing to deliver 
current-generation DTV broadcast service using the ATSC 1.0 
transmission standard to their communities of license. Petitioners 
state that allowing broadcasters to use this additional broadcast 
transmission standard, the ``physical layer'' of ATSC 3.0, will make 
more efficient use of spectrum, allow consumers to enjoy new features 
and

[[Page 13286]]

higher quality picture and sound, and enable broadcasters to bring 
innovative new services and data delivery to homes and communities. 
They state that on top of this new physical layer, IP transport will 
allow new services and capabilities to be provided to consumers much 
more rapidly, and will permit seamless integration with other IP-based 
services and platforms. On April 26, 2016, the Media Bureau issued a 
Public Notice seeking comment on the Petition. The Commission received 
35 comments and 14 replies to the Petition.
    3. Commenters supporting the Petition include broadcasters, 
equipment manufacturers, and tower companies. These commenters agree 
that authorizing use of the Next Gen TV transmission standard 
associated with ATSC 3.0 will allow broadcasters to offer innovative 
technologies and services to consumers, such as UHD picture and 
immersive audio, improved over-the-air reception, IP-based transport 
streams, enhanced mobile capability, more localized content, better 
accessibility options, and advanced emergency alerting. The potentially 
life-saving advancements in emergency alerting will include geo-
targeting of emergency alerts to tailor information for particular 
communities and enhanced datacasting to provide videos, photos, maps, 
floorplans, and other critical data to law enforcement, first 
responder, and emergency management organizations. Advanced emergency 
alerting will also include the capability to ``wake up'' receivers to 
alert consumers to sudden emergencies and disasters, such as tornadoes 
and earthquakes. Other industry stakeholders, including AT&T, CTIA, 
DISH, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and public 
interest groups, offer support for broadcaster innovation, but ask the 
Commission to ensure that multichannel video programming distributors 
(MVPDs) and their customers are not burdened with new carriage 
obligations or costs on account of the deployment of ATSC 3.0-based 
transmissions; that the deployment of ATSC 3.0-based stations does not 
have any impact on the broadcast television incentive auction, the 
post-auction repacking process, or the post-repacking 600 MHz frequency 
environment; and that broadcasters continue to meet their public 
interest obligations regardless of the technology used to deliver 
broadcast signals.

III. Discussion

A. Authorization of Voluntary Use of ATSC 3.0 Transmissions

    4. As requested by the Petitioners, we propose to authorize the 
ATSC 3.0 transmission standard as an optional standard that can be used 
by television licensees on a voluntary basis while they continue to 
deliver current generation ATSC 1.0 service to their communities. We 
also propose to incorporate by reference into our rules ATSC A/321:2016 
``System Discovery and Signaling'' (A/321), which is one of the two 
components of the ``physical layer'' of the ATSC 3.0 standard. 
According to the Petitioners, this layer of the standard points to the 
RF characteristics of an ATSC 3.0 transmission, which ``determines 
interference and coverage.'' We seek comment on these proposals and on 
whether it is necessary to incorporate this or any other parts of the 
ATSC 3.0 standard aside from A/321 into our rules at this time.
    5. According to the Petitioners, the ATSC 3.0 standard is split 
into multiple individual parts under a unifying parent standard. It is 
structured as three layers that roughly correspond to a subset of the 
layers found in the Open Systems Interconnection seven-layer model 
(OSI) commonly used to characterize and standardize telecommunications 
systems. The three layers of the ATSC 3.0 standard are (1) the physical 
layer, (2) the management and protocols layer, and (3) the applications 
and presentation layer. Each component of the standard fits into only 
one layer of the system, making it possible to develop and update each 
part independently. The physical layer is the portion of the system 
that includes the definition of the RF waveform used in ATSC 3.0, as 
well as the coding and error correction that determine the robustness 
of the signal to noise and interference. The management and protocols 
layer organizes data bits into streams and files and establishes the 
protocol for the receiver to direct those streams to the proper 
destinations. The applications and presentation layer includes audio 
and video compression technologies, captions and descriptive audio, 
emergency alerts, parental controls, interactive applications, and how 
the station is displayed to the viewers.
    6. The Petitioners seek the approval only of the ATSC A/321 
standard into our rules. They argue that A/321 is the only part of the 
ATSC 3.0 standard that needs to be approved by the Commission in order 
to assure a stable and predictable RF operating environment. If we 
decide to authorize television broadcasters to use ATSC 3.0, we propose 
that it is necessary to approve A/321 at a minimum and to incorporate 
it by reference into our rules. We seek comment on this proposal.
    7. LG and others suggest that we also may need to incorporate A/
322:2016 ``Physical Layer Protocol'' (A/322), the other component of 
the ATSC 3.0 physical layer, into our rules because it completes the 
description of the core RF waveform used by the standard. At the time 
that the Petition was filed, A/321 was the only part of the ATSC 3.0 
physical layer that had been ratified by the ATSC. Subsequent to the 
Petition, the ATSC has also ratified the A/322 part of the ATSC 3.0 
physical layer. As discussed below, LG requests the incorporation of A/
322 into our rules in order to ensure that broadcasters will have the 
flexibility to operate certain types of single frequency networks. LG 
further notes that by addressing the entire physical layer (both ATSC 
A/321 and A/322) in one rulemaking, the Commission can avoid the need 
for a future, separate rulemaking to authorize use of A/322. We seek 
comment on whether we should incorporate A/322 into our rules. We also 
seek input on what the benefits or drawbacks would be to incorporating 
it into our rules. We also seek comment on whether the Commission 
should incorporate any additional details of the ATSC 3.0 technology 
into FCC regulations. If so, what specific components of the standard 
should we incorporate and why?

B. Local Simulcasting

    8. Local simulcasting is a key component of the Petition's proposal 
for the voluntary use of the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard. ATSC 3.0 
service is not backward-compatible with existing TV sets/receivers 
(which have only ATSC 1.0 and analog tuners). This means that consumers 
will need to buy new TV sets or converter equipment to receive ATSC 3.0 
service. Local simulcasting would enable broadcasters to provide both 
ATSC 3.0 and ATSC 1.0 service to viewers (without the need for an 
additional allocation of spectrum to broadcasters), thereby reducing 
the disruption to consumers that may result from ATSC 3.0 deployment. 
Specifically, under the Petition's local simulcasting proposal, each 
television broadcaster choosing to broadcast its signal in ATSC 3.0 
format from its current facility will arrange for another television 
station (i.e., a ``host'' station) in its local television market to 
``simulcast'' its video programming in

[[Page 13287]]

ATSC 1.0 format in order to mitigate disruption to over-the-air 
viewers. As discussed in more detail below, the Petition also seeks, 
for purposes of broadcast carriage rights, to use local simulcasting as 
an alternate means for Next Gen TV broadcasters to deliver a good 
quality ATSC 1.0 signal to MVPDs that cannot receive and process the 
broadcaster's ATSC 3.0 signal.
    9. The Petition seeks one rule change to authorize its local 
simulcasting proposal. Under section 73.624(b) of the Commission's 
Rules, each television licensee must broadcast one free-to-air DTV 
signal in at least standard-definition (SD) quality. The Petition asks 
us ``to specify that this requirement may be accomplished by stations 
deploying Next Generation TV by (1) broadcasting at least one free-to-
air Next Gen TV signal and (2) arranging for the simulcast of that 
signal in the current DTV standard on another broadcast facility . . . 
.'' The Petition also states that local simulcasting ``agreements would 
be subject to the Commission's existing rules and policies as to 
licensee responsibility and control.'' We address below a number of 
issues related to the Petitioner's proposal regarding local 
simulcasting. Among other things, we propose to require local 
simulcasting as a condition to offering ATSC 3.0, seek comment on 
whether simulcast channels should be separately licensed as second 
channels of the originating stations or treated as multicast streams of 
the host stations, and seek comment on whether we should adopt signal 
coverage or quality requirements for local simulcasts.
1. Requiring Next Gen TV Stations to Simulcast
    10. We propose to require Next Gen TV broadcasters to simulcast 
their ATSC 3.0 stream in ATSC 1.0 format, as proposed in the Petition, 
to ensure that viewers maintain access to the station during the period 
when broadcasters are voluntarily implementing ATSC 3.0 service. We 
seek comment on this proposal, including whether such a mandate is 
necessary. We assume that, for purposes of the Petitioners' local 
simulcasting proposal, a ``simulcast'' means a stream with identical 
content to the video programming aired on the originating station's 
primary ATSC 3.0 stream, but we seek comment on this assumption and 
whether it is an appropriate definition for ``simulcast'' for purposes 
of our rules. If the simulcast content will not be identical to the 
originating station's primary video programming stream, we ask 
commenters to explain the reasons for any deviations in content and/or 
format (i.e., high definition (HD) versus SD) and the impact of such 
deviations on television viewers and the regulatory implications. To 
what extent do broadcasters intend to simulcast their subchannels (in 
addition to their primary stream), so that consumers can continue to 
receive this programming?
    11. We also propose to require that Next Gen TV broadcasters ensure 
that at least one free ATSC 3.0 video stream is available at all times 
throughout the ATSC 3.0 coverage area and, as discussed below, that 
such ATSC 3.0 signal be at least as robust as a comparable DTV signal 
to ensure that viewers within the protected coverage area continue to 
receive service at the current DTV protection levels. We seek comment 
on these proposals and whether any other requirements should be imposed 
on the ATSC 3.0 transmission stream as part of local simulcasting. 
Because ATSC 3.0 broadcasters will have the ability to broadcast more 
robust signals, which could effectively expand their consumer base 
beyond the current comparable DTV coverage area or provide coverage to 
areas that were previously unserved due to terrain-limited propagation 
conditions within the contour, we seek comment on how we should treat 
these expanded areas.
    12. We seek comment on whether to require simulcasting agreements 
to be filed with the Commission, as proposed by the Petition. If so, 
should the Commission have a role in evaluating individual simulcasting 
agreements? We also seek comment on whether we should require certain 
provisions to be included in local simulcasting agreements and, if so, 
what requirements we should adopt.
    13. Apart from the host station model set forth in the Petition, we 
ask commenters to address other potential deployment alternatives that 
might accelerate adoption of the ATSC 3.0 standard. For example, during 
the marketplace conversion to the new standard, should we consider 
allowing broadcasters to use vacant in-band channels remaining in a 
market after the incentive auction repack to serve as temporary host 
facilities for ATSC 1.0 or ATSC 3.0 programming by multiple 
broadcasters?
2. Methods for Licensing or Authorizing Simulcast Stations
    14. We seek comment on what license modifications would be needed 
for a television broadcaster to convert its current ATSC 1.0 facility 
to a facility transmitting ATSC 3.0 signals. At a minimum, we believe 
that the broadcaster would need to modify its TV station service class 
for its broadcast facility so that we can track and make publicly 
available information about the type of broadcast service provided by 
stations during a potential Next Gen TV transition. We propose that 
these modifications be treated as minor modifications to the license. 
We seek comment on these issues. Are other facility changes required to 
convert a station from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0 transmissions?
    15. Further, we seek comment on whether, as a regulatory matter, 
simulcasts should be separately licensed as second channels of the 
originating stations or treated as multicast streams of the host 
stations. Or should broadcasters be able to choose between the two 
approaches? Under a licensed simulcast approach, simulcast arrangements 
could be implemented via temporary channel sharing agreements 
(following the existing ``channel sharing'' model) between the licensee 
of the originating station and that of the host station. For example, a 
Next Gen TV broadcaster might choose to deploy ATSC 3.0 service by 
converting its current facility to broadcast in ATSC 3.0 and obtaining 
a temporary channel sharing license to share a host station's channel 
during a potential Next Gen TV transition period in order to broadcast 
its simulcast in ATSC 1.0 (from the host's facility). Similarly, a Next 
Gen TV broadcaster might choose to deploy ATSC 3.0 service by 
continuing to broadcast in ATSC 1.0 from its existing facility and 
obtaining a temporary channel sharing license to share a host station's 
channel during a potential Next Gen TV transition period in order to 
broadcast its simulcast in ATSC 3.0 (from the host's facility). Under 
this approach, the ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 signals would be two 
separately licensed channels of the originating station. This would be 
similar to the DTV transition, when both analog and digital signals 
were licensed by the Commission.
    16. If we adopt a licensed simulcasting approach, we propose to 
adopt licensing procedures similar to those we adopted for channel 
sharing. Specifically, we propose to require a station whose program 
stream will be changing channels to file an application for a 
construction permit specifying the technical facilities of the host 
station. We also propose to treat such applications as minor 
modification applications. Although one of the originating station's 
program streams will be changing channels, which is a normally a major 
change under our rules, we believe that treating this change as minor 
is appropriate because

[[Page 13288]]

the originating station will be assuming the authorized technical 
facilities of the host station, meaning that compliance with our 
interference and other technical rules would have been addressed in 
licensing the host station. Should we instead issue a separate license 
for the simulcast stream? If so, should that license application be 
subject to competing applications? In addition, while a full power 
station seeking to change its channel normally must first submit a 
petition to amend the DTV Table of Allotments, we propose not to apply 
this process in the context of licensed simulcasting. Instead, we 
propose that, after the application for construction permit is 
approved, the Media Bureau will amend the Table on its own motion to 
reflect that shared channels (both ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0) will be 
allotted to one or more communities. We invite comment generally on 
this approach and any alternatives we should consider.
    17. A licensed simulcast approach appears to have several potential 
attributes on which we seek comment. First, a licensed approach 
implemented via temporary channel sharing could allow noncommercial 
educational television (NCE) stations to serve as hosts to commercial 
stations' simulcast programming. Because NCE licensees are prohibited 
by section 399B of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. 399B, from 
broadcasting advertisements, an NCE station would be prohibited from 
hosting the simulcast programming of a commercial station on a 
multicast stream under its NCE license. By contrast, it appears that an 
NCE station would be able to serve as a host to a commercial station if 
that commercial station is separately licensed. In addition, a licensed 
simulcast approach could provide certainty that the originating station 
(and not the host) is responsible for regulatory compliance regarding 
its simulcast signal, and therefore could give the Commission clear 
enforcement authority over the originating station in the event of a 
violation of our rules. A licensed simulcast approach also would allow 
us to monitor the deployment of ATSC 3.0 service. This information 
could be important to the Commission in managing the broadcasters' 
migration to ATSC 3.0 and informing the public about changes in their 
television broadcast service. If we decide to license simulcast 
channels as temporary shared channels, how should we implement such an 
approach? Should we apply existing rules from the channel-sharing 
context? How long should the terms be for temporary channel sharing 
licenses?
    18. Alternatively, simulcast arrangements could be implemented 
without additional licensing (beyond conversion of the broadcaster's 
current facility to operate in ATSC 3.0). Under this approach, a Next 
Gen TV broadcaster could choose to deploy ATSC 3.0 service by 
converting its current facility to broadcast in ATSC 3.0 and entering 
into an agreement with a host station to simulcast its programming in 
ATSC 1.0 via one of the host's multicast streams or by continuing to 
broadcast in ATSC 1.0 and entering into an agreement with a host 
station to simulcast its programming in ATSC 3.0 via one of the host's 
multicast streams. Thus, under a multicast approach, some broadcasters 
would be licensed to operate only an ATSC 3.0 facility and others would 
be licensed to operate only an ATSC 1.0 facility.
    19. This multicast approach to simulcasting may minimize 
administrative burdens and offer more flexibility to the broadcast 
industry. On the other hand, a multicast approach would appear to 
preclude NCE stations from serving as hosts to the simulcast 
programming of commercial stations due to the restrictions of section 
399B. In this regard, we seek comment on whether the Commission has 
authority to waive the restrictions in section 399B. Also, as discussed 
below, because multicast signals are not entitled to carriage rights, 
treating simulcast signals as multicast channels under a host's license 
also raises questions about the carriage rights of such signals, 
whereas separately licensing such simulcast signals to the originating 
station would clarify the carriage rights of simulcast signals. In 
addition, under a multicast approach, the host station, not the 
originating station, would be subject to the Commission's enforcement 
authority with respect to the multicast stream.
    20. Whether a simulcast signal is treated as a temporarily shared 
channel separately licensed to the originating station or as a 
multicast stream under the host's license will affect its regulatory 
treatment. We seek comment on the regulatory implications, as well as 
the advantages and disadvantages, of each approach and any others we 
should consider. Should we be concerned about the enforcement problems 
created by a multicast approach, particularly with respect to program-
related requirements such as children's commercial limits and 
indecency? If we adopt a multicast approach, should we require stations 
to report to the Commission the status of their potential transition to 
ATSC 3.0? Under either the licensed simulcast or multicasting approach, 
are there circumstances under which the host station would be deemed an 
Emergency Alert System (EAS) Participant and thus have obligations 
under the Commission's EAS rules independent of the obligations of the 
originating station? Should host stations be permitted to satisfy their 
EAS requirements through the use of the originating station's EAS 
equipment?
    21. We also seek comment on whether there are other procedures we 
could adopt to streamline the process of simulcasting. For example, to 
avoid administrative burdens, particularly during the post-incentive 
auction transition period, should we consider authorizing broadcasters 
to simulcast via a host station through grants of special temporary 
authority (STA)? If we were to adopt an approach based on STAs, it is 
not clear that NCE stations would be permitted to host the simulcast 
streams of commercial broadcasters or that simulcast transmissions 
authorized via an STA would have carriage rights. We seek comment on 
these issues. We observe that STA authorizations and subsequent 
extensions are limited by statute to 180-day terms. In light of this 
maximum six-month term for STAs, would an STA approach become too 
burdensome if a station's potential transition to ATSC 3.0 occurs over 
a period of several years? How would the use of STAs affect our ability 
to monitor deployment of ATSC 3.0 service and provide current 
information about broadcast service to the public through our licensing 
databases and Web site? Are there any other alternative approaches we 
should consider, including other approaches that would maintain 
broadcasters' existing carriage rights and allow NCE licensees to host 
commercial broadcasters?
3. Coverage and Signal Quality Issues Related to Local Simulcasting
    22. Impact on OTA Service Coverage of the ATSC 1.0 Signal. We seek 
comment on the extent to which a Next Gen TV station should be 
permitted to partner with an ATSC 1.0 host simulcast station with a 
different service contour or community of license. Even with ATSC 1.0 
simulcasting, it is possible, if not likely, that some over-the-air 
consumers will lose ATSC 1.0 service from stations that begin 
transmitting in ATSC 3.0. This is because a host simulcast station will 
have a different service area than the Next Gen TV (originating) 
station. Accordingly, we seek input on how we should ensure

[[Page 13289]]

that there is not a significant loss of ATSC 1.0 service by Next Gen TV 
stations as a result of local simulcasting arrangements. Petitioners 
argue that Next Gen TV stations should be permitted to arrange for the 
simulcast of their ATSC 1.0 signal on another broadcast facility 
``serving a substantially similar community of license.'' We seek 
comment on this proposal. What does it mean to serve ``a substantially 
similar community of license''? Should we require that the ATSC 1.0 
simulcast signal at a minimum cover the Next Gen TV station's entire 
community of license? Should we require the ATSC 1.0 simulcast signal 
to substantially replicate the Next Gen TV station's noise-limited 
service contour? If we adopt a ``substantial replication'' standard, 
what degree of existing ATSC 1.0 service loss should be permissible? We 
also seek comment on whether we should phase in more relaxed OTA ATSC 
1.0 service restrictions as a potential transition progresses based on 
the possibility that, as ATSC 3.0 stations become more prevalent, it 
may become more difficult for Next Gen TV broadcasters to find suitable 
partners for local simulcasting.
    23. We also seek comment on Next Gen TV broadcasters' incentives to 
maintain existing service coverage or quality to viewers. Should 
broadcasters be permitted to simulcast in a lower format than that in 
which they transmit today? What is the financial impact on stations 
that fail to maintain service coverage or quality?
4. Other Local Simulcast Issues
    24. Market-Wide Simulcasting Arrangements. The Petition and other 
filings in the record appear to contemplate simulcasting arrangements 
between or among two or more stations in a market, and possibly even 
entire market deployment plans. We seek comment on such arrangements, 
and what effect they may have on consumers. Should we look more 
favorably at arrangements among many or all broadcasters in a market? 
Should we encourage broadcasters to coordinate and submit for 
Commission consideration a market-wide plan before starting on 
individual deployment and simulcasting plans? Do we have the authority 
to require market-wide simulcast arrangements? What are the potential 
advantages and disadvantages of a market-based simulcast approach 
versus simulcasting arrangements between individual stations?
    25. NCE/LPTV/Small/Rural Broadcasters. We seek comment on whether 
small, rural, low-power, and NCE broadcasters would face unique 
circumstances with regard to the voluntary provision of ATSC 3.0 that 
we should consider in this proceeding. To what extent are these 
categories of stations interested in offering ATSC 3.0 services, and 
what challenges would they face in doing so? How might broadcasters 
that choose not to provide ATSC 3.0 service (and only provide ATSC 1.0 
service) be negatively impacted by a potential Next Gen TV transition? 
Should we encourage participation by these types of stations in ATSC 
3.0 deployment plans to ensure that all broadcasters are afforded an 
opportunity to participate as Next Gen TV broadcasters or simulcast 
hosts? Will such broadcasters have difficulty finding simulcast 
partners in a market? For example, LPTV and Class A stations may find 
it difficult to host a full power originating station because they must 
operate at lower power levels and may not be able to adequately prevent 
loss of service of the full power originating station's ATSC 1.0 
simulcast signal. We seek comment on whether and how an LPTV station 
can be a host simulcast station for a full power originating station 
given its power limitations and secondary status. Because of 
difficulties they may face in serving as hosts for full power 
originating stations, we seek comment on whether to allow LPTV/Class A 
stations the option to deploy ATSC 3.0 service without simulcasting 
(i.e., ``flash-cut'' to ATSC 3.0). If we were to permit LPTV/Class A 
stations to flash-cut to ATSC 3.0, what impact would the lack of 
simulcasting have on the viewing public? How should the prevalence of 
equipment that could receive an ATSC 3.0 signal among consumers in the 
viewing community affect the ability of LPTV/Class A stations to flash-
cut? We also note that, unlike full power stations, LPTV/Class A 
stations do not have a community of license coverage requirement. If we 
were to require an LPTV station seeking to deploy ATSC 3.0 service to 
simulcast, what, if any, kind of community coverage requirement should 
we impose for the simulcast ATSC 1.0 stream? Instead of a simulcast 
coverage requirement, should we instead apply the existing 30-mile and 
contour overlap restrictions that apply to LPTV/Class A moves to LPTV/
Class A stations that propose to move their ATSC 1.0 stream as part of 
their deployment of ATSC 3.0 service?
    26. Potential Simulcasting Sunset. If we approve a voluntary, 
market-driven transition to ATSC 3.0 that implements a simulcast 
approach, we propose that the Commission decide in a future proceeding 
when it would be appropriate for broadcasters to stop simulcasting in 
ATSC 1.0. We seek comment on this proposal. We note that all parties to 
this proceeding appear to agree that this issue should be handled in a 
separate proceeding.

C. MVPD Carriage

    27. We propose that MVPDs must continue to carry broadcasters' ATSC 
1.0 signals, pursuant to their statutory mandatory carriage 
obligations, and that MVPDs will not be required to carry broadcasters' 
ATSC 3.0 signals during the period when broadcasters are voluntarily 
implementing ATSC 3.0 service. We seek comment on these proposals, the 
legal basis for according carriage rights in this manner, and how to 
implement such carriage rights. We also seek comment on issues related 
to the voluntary carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals through the 
retransmission consent process.
    28. The Petitioners state that MVPDs ``should not be obligated to 
carry'' a Next Gen TV broadcaster's ATSC 3.0 signal and that MVPDs 
could satisfy their obligation to carry a Next Gen TV station's signal 
by carrying the station's ATSC 1.0 signal. In response to the Petition, 
MVPDs explain that they are not currently capable of receiving and 
retransmitting ATSC 3.0 signals and raise numerous questions about MVPD 
carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals, including the potentially significant 
costs and burdens associated with MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals. In 
particular, MVPDs observe that the ATSC's work on the new 3.0 standard 
is not yet complete, including the development of recommended standards 
for MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals, and that the record is scarce 
about the practical aspects of MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals. 
Therefore, MVPDs ask the Commission to consider the implications for 
MVPDs before authorizing broadcasters to use the new standard. In 
particular, MVPDs ask us to ensure that they do not bear the costs 
associated with carrying ATSC 3.0 signals and ATSC 1.0 simulcasts, even 
when such carriage occurs pursuant to retransmission consent 
negotiations.
    29. The Communications Act establishes slightly different 
thresholds for mandatory carriage depending on whether the television 
station is full power or low-power, or commercial or noncommercial, and 
also depending on whether carriage is sought by a cable operator or 
satellite carrier. The must-carry rights of commercial stations on 
cable systems are set forth in section 614 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 534. 
The must-carry rights of full power

[[Page 13290]]

noncommercial stations on cable systems are set forth in section 615 of 
the Act, 47 U.S.C. 535. The mandatory carriage rights of full power 
stations (both commercial and noncommercial) on satellite carriers are 
set forth in section 338 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 338.
1. Mandatory Carriage Issues
    30. Broadcasters and MVPDs appear to agree on the premise that 
MVPDs must continue to carry broadcasters' ATSC 1.0 signals, pursuant 
to their statutory mandatory carriage obligations, and that MVPDs 
should not be required to carry broadcasters' ATSC 3.0 signals at this 
time. The Petition, however, does not clearly explain the legal basis 
for achieving this result. In addition, our legal basis for according 
mandatory carriage rights to ATSC 1.0 simulcast streams may depend on 
whether, as discussed above in the Local Simulcasting section, such 
streams will be temporary shared channels separately licensed to the 
originating broadcaster, or, alternatively, will be multicast streams 
broadcast by a ``host'' licensee. We seek comment on how to implement 
carriage rights and obligations under both approaches, or under any 
other approach we should consider.
    31. ATSC 1.0 Simulcast Carriage Rights Under a Licensed Approach. 
First, we seek comment on how to implement mandatory carriage rights of 
an ATSC 1.0 simulcast stream under a licensed simulcast approach. Under 
this approach, two stations that have a reciprocal simulcast 
arrangement would each have licenses for their ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 
streams, but we would accord mandatory carriage rights only to the ATSC 
1.0 stream for each station. This approach would be consistent with 
prior Commission proposals in the channel sharing context and precedent 
established in the DTV transition. We seek comment on whether these 
proposals and precedent should be applied in the context of a licensed 
simulcast approach. For channel sharing outside the context of the 
incentive auction, the Commission has tentatively concluded that both 
licensees of a shared channel would have carriage rights and that such 
carriage rights would be based on the shared location. In the DTV 
context, the Commission addressed whether cable operators were required 
under the Communications Act to carry both the digital and analog 
signals of a station (also referred to as ``dual carriage'') during the 
DTV transition when television stations were still broadcasting analog 
signals. With regard to licensees that were simultaneously broadcasting 
analog and digital signals, the Commission declined to establish ``dual 
carriage'' rights, deciding that analog signals would have mandatory 
carriage rights during the DTV transition and that digital signals 
would not. That is, a broadcaster would choose between must carry or 
retransmission consent for its analog signal but could only pursue 
carriage via retransmission consent for its digital signal.
    32. Similarly, under the licensed simulcast approach, we could 
conclude that a broadcaster would choose between must carry or 
retransmission consent for its ATSC 1.0 signal but could only pursue 
carriage via retransmission consent for its ATSC 3.0 signal. By relying 
on the ATSC 1.0 signal for establishing mandatory carriage rights, this 
approach avoids having to address at this time issues associated with 
mandatory carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals. Under this approach, a 
broadcaster's mandatory carriage rights would track its relocated ATSC 
1.0 simulcast channel. That is, if a broadcaster converts its current 
facility to ATSC 3.0 operation and enters a temporary channel sharing 
arrangement to simulcast its ATSC 1.0 stream at a new location, then 
the broadcaster's ATSC 1.0 carriage rights would be based on the new 
shared location. We seek comment on this approach, including its 
advantages and disadvantages. We also seek comment on the implications 
of mandatory carriage rights following the ATSC 1.0 simulcast to a new 
location, especially in situations involving a significant shift in the 
ATSC 1.0 coverage area or change in transmitter location or community 
of license. Alternatively, could we find that, although a licensed ATSC 
1.0 stream is subject to mandatory carriage, carriage rights would be 
determined from the location of the originating station, rather than 
the location of the host station?
    33. ATSC 1.0 Simulcast Carriage Rights Under a Multicast Approach. 
We also seek comment on whether, and if so how, we could implement 
mandatory carriage rights and obligations for a station's ATSC 1.0 
signal under a multicast approach to simulcasting. We note that the 
Commission does not require cable operators to carry any more than one 
programming stream of a digital television station that multicasts. 
Accordingly, we seek comment on the legal basis for requiring mandatory 
carriage of a station's ATSC 1.0 simulcast stream if that stream is 
broadcast by a host station as one of its multicast streams. For 
purposes of this discussion, take the example of a reciprocal simulcast 
arrangement between two stations. That is, if Station A is licensed on 
channel 5 and Station B is licensed on channel 9, Station A would 
transmit on channel 5 two programming streams in ATSC 1.0 (its own and 
Station B's simulcast), while Station B would transmit on channel 9 two 
programming streams in ATSC 3.0 (its own and Station A's simulcast). 
There appears to be no question that Station A in this example would 
retain carriage rights for its ATSC 1.0 signal, however, there is a 
question as to whether Station B, which is transmitting in ATSC 3.0 on 
its licensed channel, would be entitled to must carry rights for its 
ATSC 1.0 simulcast stream, which is being transmitted as a multicast 
stream by Station A. This is because the Commission has determined that 
only a station's primary stream is entitled to mandatory carriage and 
that multicast streams are not entitled to mandatory carriage and 
because Station B's ATSC 1.0 stream is not being transmitted on its 
licensed channel.
    34. We seek comment on whether we could accord carriage rights to 
an ATSC 1.0 simulcast that is being transmitted as a multicast stream 
of a host station. Is there is a legal basis for shifting the carriage 
obligation from the licensed ATSC 3.0 stream to the simulcast ATSC 1.0 
stream? The record reflects that MVPDs may not have the technical 
capability to receive or retransmit ATSC 3.0 signals for some time 
during a potential transition to ATSC 3.0, and that ATSC 3.0 signals 
could occupy more bandwidth than ATSC 1.0 signals. Accordingly, as 
discussed below, we believe that carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals should be 
voluntary and driven by marketplace negotiations between broadcasters 
and MVPDs. Can we interpret the statute to require broadcasters to 
deliver their signals to MVPDs in a manner that minimizes burdens for 
MVPDs? Could we find that a Next Gen TV broadcaster must effectuate the 
carriage rights of its ATSC 3.0 signal by delivering an ATSC 1.0 signal 
to the MVPD via local simulcasting or some other means? Under this 
approach, do we need to define a ``good quality'' digital television 
signal at the cable system's principal headend for purposes of 
carriage? In order to use the ATSC 1.0 simulcast to effectuate the 
carriage rights of its ATSC 3.0 signal, should we require the ATSC 1.0 
simulcast and the ATSC 3.0 signal to have identical content?
    35. Mandatory Carriage of ATSC 3.0 Signals. We note that 
consideration of technical issues regarding cable carriage of the ATSC 
3.0 signal is still ongoing at the ATSC Working Group. Given that

[[Page 13291]]

ATSC 3.0 signals would not be accorded mandatory carriage rights under 
our proposals, and because of the current uncertainty about how MVPDs 
would carry ATSC 3.0 signals as a technical matter, we tentatively 
conclude that it is premature to address questions related to the 
mandatory carriage of ATSC 3.0 streams at this stage. We seek comment 
on this tentative conclusion.
    36. Required Notice to MVPDs of ATSC 3.0 Deployment/ATSC 1.0 
Simulcast. We seek comment on the notice that Next Gen TV broadcasters 
that have elected must-carry rights must provide to MVPDs prior to 
deploying ATSC 3.0 service and arranging for an ATSC 1.0 simulcast. The 
Petition proposes that must-carry broadcasters should give notice to 
all MVPDs at least 60 days in advance of simulcasting in ATSC 1.0 
format (i.e., relocating ATSC 1.0 streams to another facility). MVPDs 
express concern about the adequacy of such notice. We seek comment on 
what appropriate notice would be.
    37. We seek comment on what the notice to MVPDs should contain. We 
note that in the Channel Sharing NPRM, the Commission proposed a number 
of notice requirements on stations participating in channel sharing 
agreements (CSAs). We proposed that stations participating in CSAs must 
provide notice to those MVPDs that: (1) No longer will be required to 
carry the station because of the relocation of the station; (2) 
currently carry and will continue to be obligated to carry a station 
that will change channels; or (3) will become obligated to carry the 
station due to a channel sharing relocation. We also proposed that the 
notice contain the following information: (1) Date and time of any 
channel changes; (2) the channel occupied by the station before and 
after implementation of the CSA; (3) modification, if any, to antenna 
position, location, or power levels; (4) stream identification 
information; and (5) engineering staff contact information. In 
addition, we proposed that stations be able to elect whether to provide 
notice via a letter notification or provide notice electronically, if 
pre-arranged with the relevant MVPD. We seek comment on whether we 
should adopt requirements modeled on these proposals in this 
proceeding. If not, we seek comment on how the requirements we adopt 
should differ and why. We also seek comment on how broadcasters will 
deliver their signals to MVPDs that carry the station if the 
broadcaster's ATSC 1.0 simulcast does not deliver a good quality signal 
to the headend; for example, will they use some alternate means, such 
as fiber or microwave?
2. Retransmission Consent Issues
    38. Voluntary Carriage of ATSC 3.0 Signals Through Retransmission 
Consent. We also seek comment on issues related to the voluntary 
carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals through the retransmission consent 
process. The Petitioners contemplate that, at some future time, MVPDs 
will want to negotiate for carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals via 
retransmission consent so that MVPDs can offer their customers the 
improved service and new features associated with ATSC 3.0 service. As 
discussed above, MVPDs claim that they are not prepared to carry ATSC 
3.0 signals at this time. MVPDs, therefore, express concern that 
broadcasters may use the retransmission consent process to compel MVPDs 
to upgrade their equipment before they are ready to do so in order to 
carry ATSC 3.0 signals. They have expressed concern about the costs 
associated with carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals and that, even if ATSC 3.0 
carriage is deemed ``voluntary,'' Next Gen broadcasters will use their 
``leverage'' to require MVPD ATSC 3.0 carriage (such as by tying ATSC 
3.0 carriage to ATSC 1.0 carriage). In response, broadcasters reassert 
that MVPDs will not be forced to carry ATSC 3.0 signals. Broadcasters 
also argue that larger MVPDs, such as AT&T, do not lack negotiating 
power in retransmission consent negotiations and that retransmission 
consent agreements for ATSC 3.0 signals should be left to marketplace 
negotiations. We seek comment on these MVPD concerns, including whether 
and/or how the good faith rules concerning retransmission consent 
should and/or could be applied and/or adapted to address them.
    39. Small, Rural, and Capacity-Constrained MVPDs. We seek comment 
on whether small, rural, and capacity-constrained MVPDs would face 
unique circumstances with regard to the voluntary provision of ATSC 3.0 
that we should consider in this proceeding. To what extent are these 
categories of MVPDs interested in offering ATSC 3.0 services, and what 
challenges would they face in doing so? In particular, to what extent, 
if any, could the retransmission consent process be used by 
broadcasters to compel MVPDs, particularly smaller MVPDs, to carry an 
ATSC 3.0 stream as a condition for obtaining carriage of a 1.0 feed? 
How, if at all, should the Commission's rules address situations in 
which a small or rural MVPD that receives a broadcast station over-the-
air before deployment of ATSC 3.0 service can no longer do so during or 
after the deployment of ATSC 3.0 service? Will the higher-resolution 
carriage requirements of ATSC 3.0 come at the expense of channel 
placement for independent programmers?
    40. We also seek comment on what other issues we may need to 
resolve with regard to the potential carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals given 
that MVPDs and broadcasters may negotiate such carriage privately via 
retransmission consent. For example, we seek comment on whether it is 
appropriate for us to address concerns ATVA has raised about patent 
royalties that may be associated with ATSC 3.0 service. What equipment 
would be necessary for an MVPD to carry an ATSC 3.0 stream on a 
voluntary basis, and should we take those equipment needs into 
consideration in this proceeding?
    41. Alternatively, should we consider prohibiting MVPD carriage of 
ATSC 3.0 signals through retransmission consent negotiations until the 
ATSC Specialist Group on Conversion and Redistribution of ATSC 3.0 
Service produces its initial report, which is expected later this year? 
What would be the benefits and detriments of such an approach? What 
would be the legal basis for such a restriction? Would such a 
prohibition be consistent with section 325(b), 47 U.S.C. 325(b), 
including the reciprocal good faith bargaining requirements, the First 
Amendment rights of MVPDs and broadcasters, and section 624(f), 47 
U.S.C. 544(f)?

D. Service and Interference Protection

    42. The proposed authorization of the ATSC 3.0 transmission 
standard raises three potential interference issues that we address in 
this section. First, we consider the issue of interference that ATSC 
3.0 signals may cause to ATSC 1.0 (DTV) signals. Second, we consider 
the issue of interference that DTV or other ATSC 3.0 signals may cause 
to ATSC 3.0 signals. Next, we consider the issue of interference that 
ATSC 3.0 signals may cause to non-television services that operate 
within or adjacent to the TV band. As set forth below, with respect to 
all of these issues we propose to treat ATSC 3.0 signals as though they 
were DTV signals with identical technical parameters, largely 
consistent with the Petitioners' request. We seek comment on whether we 
should modify any technical parameters based on physical differences 
between the ways that broadcasters would deliver DTV and ATSC 3.0 
signals. Finally, we propose to amend the Post-Transition DTV Station 
Interference Protection rule to allow updated population inputs in 
processing applications, consistent with the Commission's decision to 
use such inputs in the incentive auction and repacking process.

[[Page 13292]]

1. Interference Protection of ATSC 1.0 (DTV) Signals
    43. The Petitioners submitted a study that includes laboratory 
measurements of ATSC 1.0 (DTV) and ATSC 3.0 interference signals into 
six DTV receivers. They claim that the study demonstrates the 
similarity between the two standards in terms of potential interference 
to DTV. The Petitioners state that the RF emission mask and effective 
radiated power limits for the ATSC 3.0 signal should remain unchanged 
and proposed that no changes be made to the OET Bulletin No. 69 
planning factors which define service and interference to a DTV signal. 
Therefore, for purposes of determining whether an ATSC 3.0 signal 
interferes with any DTV signals, the Petitioners propose to calculate 
potential ATSC 3.0 interference to DTV signals using the same 
methodology and planning factors that the Commission presently uses for 
calculating potential DTV interference to other DTV signals, which are 
specified in OET Bulletin No. 69 in our rules.
    44. We propose to apply the methodology and planning factors 
specified in OET Bulletin No. 69 to calculate interference from ATSC 
3.0 to DTV signals. We seek comment on whether DTV operations would be 
sufficiently protected by the OET Bulletin No. 69 methodology and 
planning factors. Accordingly, we request specific comment and test 
measurement results that accurately reflect DTV receiver performance in 
the presence of an interfering ATSC 3.0 signal, either to support or 
refute the Petitioners' measurements and claims that these two 
standards may be considered equally in terms of the potential 
interference to DTV. Given the studies that we have before us, we 
tentatively conclude that it is appropriate to propose to calculate 
interference from ATSC 3.0 signals to DTV in accordance with sections 
73.622, 73.623 and 74.703 of the Commission's rules and as implemented 
by OET Bulletin No. 69. We seek comment on this proposal.
2. Service and Interference Protection of ATSC 3.0 Signals
    45. With respect to protection that ATSC 3.0 signals should receive 
from other signals, we propose to rely on OET Bulletin No. 69 as well, 
as Petitioners request. As discussed below, we propose to use the same 
methodology and planning factors defined for DTV to define the service 
area of an ATSC 3.0 signal. We also propose to define the ATSC 3.0 
interference criteria for co- and adjacent channel interfering signals 
at the same levels as specified in OET Bulletin No. 69 for DTV signals. 
We seek comment below on how the Commission should consider 
implementing these service and interference protections for ATSC 3.0 
signals.
    46. The DTV transmission standard has fixed transmission and error 
correction parameters and a single associated minimum signal strength 
threshold (or SNR threshold) for service. The minimum SNR threshold is 
used as a basis for determining where a DTV broadcast television 
station's signal can be received. Whether a DTV broadcast television 
station is considered to have service and receive protection from 
interference is determined in part by this threshold. The minimum 
expected signal level for an ATSC 3.0 signal is much more dynamic. The 
ATSC 3.0 standard enables broadcasters to choose from multiple 
modulation and error correction parameters, which have the effect of 
allowing them to adjust their data rates and corresponding minimum SNR 
thresholds. Further, ATSC 3.0 enables broadcasters to transmit multiple 
streams with different parameters simultaneously. This means that, as a 
practical matter, the actual area where the signal of a television 
station broadcasting an ATSC 3.0 signal can be received may not 
necessarily match up to the same area defined by the single minimum SNR 
threshold of DTV. The signal-to-noise-ratio threshold for the ATSC 3.0 
transmission standard will be variable and station-specific, enabling 
tradeoffs depending on each station's offerings and quality of service 
goals. In consideration of the dynamic nature of ATSC 3.0 transmission 
standard, our proposals seek to maintain the status quo with regard to 
interference protection and provide certainty with regard to 
calculating the coverage areas of ATSC 3.0 stations.
    47. Preservation of Service. Because ATSC 3.0 signals contain 
multiple video streams each requiring a SNR threshold, we propose to 
require Next Gen TV broadcasters to provide at least one free stream 
comparable to a DTV signal to ensure viewers within the ``DTV-
equivalent'' service area continue to receive programming service at 
the current DTV protection levels. The ATSC 3.0 transmission standard 
may enable Next Gen TV broadcasters to provide a programming service of 
a quality similar to DTV service at an SNR threshold lower than the 
level specified in OET Bulletin No. 69 for DTV service. We seek comment 
on how to objectively determine if a Next Gen TV programming stream is 
similar in quality to DTV. Thus a station should provide at least one 
ATSC 3.0 video stream that requires a SNR threshold equal or less than 
that needed for coverage at a level specified in OET Bulletin No. 69 
for DTV service, where a lower SNR threshold indicates a possibly more 
robust transmission. In other words, a station providing a mobile video 
stream requiring a minimum SNR less than specified in OET Bulletin No. 
69 would satisfy this requirement. We envision this to be a benefit to 
broadcasters who elect to offer mobile streams while avoiding potential 
redundancies in their overall data stream, by not penalizing those 
stations wishing to deploy mobile service without requiring provision 
of two identical program streams for both mobile and household 
reception in the same areas. We seek comment on this proposal and how 
to define which types of Next Gen TV signals could be considered 
comparable to DTV signals. Requiring one comparable free video stream 
will afford broadcasters the flexibility to devote remaining resources 
to enhanced services such as UHD without affecting their underlying 
coverage calculations, as requested by the Petitioners, while ensuring 
that all viewers predicted to receive Next Gen TV signals will have at 
least one free video stream available to them. We seek comment on what 
rules changes, if any, would be necessary to implement this proposal.
    48. Next Gen TV Service Area. Considering the approach to broadly 
treat DTV and Next Gen TV interference equally, the Commission's 
convention would be first to define the area subject to calculation, 
which is the noise-limited contour of the station. Within this contour, 
the station's service area is determined considering terrain, existing 
interference, and population distribution above a minimum field 
strength threshold that is derived from the planning factors given in 
OET Bulletin No. 69. We propose to define a ``DTV-equivalent'' service 
area for a station transmitting in ATSC 3.0 using the methodology and 
planning factors defined for ATSC 1.0 in OET Bulletin No. 69. This 
means that for a UHF Next Gen TV station, the ``DTV-equivalent'' 
service area would be defined at 41 dB[mu]V/m plus a dipole adjustment 
factor. We seek comment on the use of a single service threshold to 
define this ``DTV-equivalent'' service area. Should the definition of a 
``DTV-equivalent'' service area specify both a minimum field strength 
and data rate or is the specification of a minimum field

[[Page 13293]]

strength sufficient to ensure an acceptable data rate?
    49. To the extent that commenters propose alternative definitions 
of service area for stations transmitting in ATSC 3.0 signals, we 
specifically solicit technical justification of why the definition 
should differ from that of the existing ATSC 1.0 service and OET 
Bulletin No. 69. Manhattan Digital notes the lack of real world testing 
of coverage comparisons between ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 and questions 
whether the Commission would grant sufficient power increases to 
restore lost coverage. GatesAir and other equipment manufacturers 
submitted ATSC 3.0 field test results that showed equivalent coverage 
area thresholds as ATSC 1.0 when an ATSC 3.0 receiver was stationary 
and using comparable reception equipment.
    50. Additionally, the service threshold set by OET Bulletin No. 69 
is based on several planning factors that may not be applicable to 
newer Next Gen TV receivers and deployment characteristics. We seek 
comment on whether OET Bulletin No. 69 planning factors should be 
updated or supplemented as they pertain to Next Gen TV to reflect 
current broadcast reception equipment and conditions, particularly 
given the Petitioners' stated additional use cases of mobile and indoor 
reception. Generally, we seek comment on appropriate values for OET 
Bulletin No. 69 planning factors for Next Gen TV.
    51. Interference Protection. We propose to define a protection 
threshold for Next Gen TV that would provide an equivalent level of 
protection as a DTV signal. Under this approach, an ATSC 3.0 signal 
would be protected as defined in OET Bulletin No. 69. As a practical 
matter, co-channel interference for DTV is presently a nonlinear 
function designed to approximate the performance of test receivers when 
the ATSC 1.0 standard was under development. We seek comment on whether 
this same nonlinearity would apply to Next Gen TV receivers in the 
presence of co-channel interference. Additionally, we acknowledge that 
Next Gen TV may have multiple video streams, some of which may not be 
sufficiently protected from interference at a single threshold which 
was designed specifically to protect DTV signals. Next Gen TV 
broadcasters that choose to offer higher capacity, i.e. less robust, 
programming within their ``DTV-equivalent'' coverage areas may not be 
protected from interference at this threshold. Next Gen TV broadcasters 
may also choose to offer lower capacity, i.e. more robust, programming 
that permits signal to noise ratio thresholds below the DTV threshold. 
This could effectively expand their consumer base beyond the current 
``DTV-equivalent'' service area or provide coverage to areas that were 
previously unserved due to terrain-limited propagation conditions 
within the contour. Should these areas be given interference 
protection? We seek comment on this approach and alternative threshold 
protection approaches that could be better suited to ATSC 3.0.
    52. Should ATSC 3.0 signals only be protected in areas where their 
signal strength reaches a single ``DTV-equivalent'' minimum level or 
should protections be provided for such signals within their ``DTV-
equivalent'' service contour that fall below the single service 
threshold but offer a more robust service? Should interference 
protections be provided for Next Gen TV signals within the ``DTV-
equivalent'' service contour which require alternative adjacent channel 
D/U ratios for interference protection? Have there been advancements in 
receiver performance that would warrant the Commission to consider 
alternative the adjacent channel D/U ratios for ATSC 3.0 receivers? 
Noting the ATSC A/73 standard for DTV receivers, should the Commission 
adopt a 33 dB, or some higher or lower threshold for adjacent channel 
interference, or is the existing 26 to 28 dB threshold for DTV 
(depending on whether upper- or lower-adjacent) prescribed in our rules 
more appropriate? If interference protection is to be afforded to Next 
Gen TV profiles other than the ``DTV-equivalent'' service, what should 
those interference protection levels be?
3. Interference Protection Affecting Other Services
    53. The last interference issues that we must consider concern 
those related to interference between ATSC 3.0 transmissions and other 
services, such as non-broadcast services, that operate within or 
adjacent to the TV band. We seek comment on whether and how we should 
address the impact ATSC 3.0 signals could have on these other services 
and how these services could impact ATSC 3.0 signals.
    54. Other Services that Operate in the TV Band. We seek comment on 
whether, in authorizing the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard, there would 
be any interference-related issues that arise with respect to services 
and operations in the TV Band other than full-power, Class A, LPTV and 
TV translator television stations. If so, what services are impacted 
and how should the Commission address such interference? To what extent 
would authorization of the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard raise 
interference concerns regarding Part 22 or Part 90 services? Would ATSC 
3.0 transmissions cause any additional interference to these services, 
or alternatively should ATSC 3.0 transmissions receive any protections 
in addition to those afforded today to DTV? Under our existing rules, 
low-power auxiliary station (LPAS) devices and unlicensed wireless 
microphones must protect broadcasting operations (i.e., those that 
transmit using ATSC 1.0), and are by rule limited to operations at 
locations at least 4 kilometers outside the protected contours of co-
channel TV stations. Licensed wireless microphone operations are also 
permitted closer to TV stations, including inside the TV contours, if 
certain specified conditions are met. In addition, white-space devices 
are required to protect DTV operations by operating outside of DTV 
contours as specified in the rules. Are any clarifications or 
modifications to these rules required if we authorize the ATSC 3.0 
transmission standard?
    55. Other Services that Operate in the Adjacent Bands--the 600 MHz 
Band and Channel 37. CTIA expressed concern that the Petition's 
discussion of the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard contained no 
consideration of the potential interference impact that this new 
technology could have on wireless operations in the 600 MHz band. CTIA 
states that the development and enforcement of carefully drawn 
technical rules is necessary to prevent interference to 600 MHz band 
operations, and that the inter-service interference (ISIX) rules 
adopted by the Commission, which were based entirely on the technical 
characteristics of DTV signals, were developed to minimize interference 
between TV broadcasting and 600 MHz band operations. The Petitioners 
respond that it is not possible to test for this interference because 
the wireless industry has not revealed ``what technology wireless 
carriers will actually deploy in the 600 MHz band,'' and argue that 
there is ``no technical reason to believe that ATSC 3.0 creates a 
higher risk of potential inter-service interference'' than ATSC 1.0.
    56. The ISIX rules referenced by CTIA were developed for the 
broadcast incentive auction in the event that some UHF broadcasters 
would remain in the re-purposed 600 MHz Band creating impairments for 
the new wireless licensees. At this point in the broadcast incentive 
auction, there are no impairments to 600 MHz Band wireless licenses 
that are projected to exist after

[[Page 13294]]

the post-auction transition period. Therefore, we tentatively conclude 
there is no need for rules to consider potential interference between 
Next Gen TV transmissions and the 600 MHz Band service. We seek comment 
on this tentative conclusion. Alternatively, are more studies needed to 
fully address any potential interference concerns? If we require 
broadcasters to ``provide interested parties with a clear understanding 
of how the change to ATSC 3.0 will impact the interference environment 
in the 600 MHz band'' as CTIA requests, what information would be 
necessary and sufficient to address any potential concerns?
    57. We also seek comment on whether there are any potential 
interference concerns that adoption of ATSC 3.0 transmission standard 
may raise with respect to either RAS or WMTS operations in Channel 37. 
Finally, we seek comment on whether any of these issues related to 
interference to services that operate in adjacent bands would require 
us to clarify how interference issues between ATSC 3.0 transmissions 
and these other services would be addressed.
4. Station Interference Protection Population Inputs
    58. We propose to update the Commission's rules regarding 
acceptable levels of interference resulting from a broadcaster's 
application for new or modified facilities. Specifically, we propose 
that, for purposes of evaluating such applications, the Media Bureau 
should use the latest official U.S. Census statistics, as these 
population statistics become available and when the Commission is able 
to incorporate them into the Commission's licensing processing systems. 
The Commission's rules currently require that in evaluating a 
broadcaster's application for new or modified facilities, the degree of 
permissible interference to populations served is to be predicted based 
on the 2000 census population data. For purposes of the incentive 
auction and repacking process, however, the Commission established 
updated inputs for purposes of evaluating interference, including use 
of the 2010 census population data. We now propose to further update 
our rules in a manner that is consistent with this approach by 
permitting the Media Bureau to use the most recent U.S. Census 
statistics. We propose that the Media Bureau will announce when updated 
census statistics have been incorporated into our licensing systems and 
the date upon which such updated inputs will be applied at least 60 
days before they are used for application processing purposes. We 
further propose that the Commission use 2010 census population data 
after the repacking process for all application compliance evaluations 
until the Media Bureau announces the date that it will begin using 
census population data for a different year. Thus, even after the 
repacking process is complete, any broadcast television service or 
interference calculations would be based on 2010 U.S. Census 
statistics, until after 2020, when the next U.S. Census statistics 
become available and the Media Bureau announces the date of application 
of such data. We believe that this process and the use of the most 
current population data incorporated into the Commission's systems will 
provide more accurate predictions of populations served and benefit the 
public interest. We seek comment on this proposal.

E. Single Frequency Networks (SFN) and Distributed Transmission Systems 
(DTS)

    59. We propose to authorize broadcast television stations to 
operate ATSC 3.0 Single Frequency Networks (SFN) under our existing 
Distributed Transmission Systems (DTS) rules with one amendment noted 
below. While a traditional broadcaster has a single transmission site, 
and any fill-in service is provided using a separately licensed 
secondary transmission site that likely uses a different RF channel, a 
broadcaster using DTS provides television service to its area by two or 
more transmission sites using an identical signal on the same RF 
channel, synchronized to manage self-interference. The rules 
established by the DTS Report and Order describe the authorized service 
area, maximum service area, station reference point, coverage 
determination, protection from interference and application 
requirements for DTS stations.
    60. Multiple commenters claim that broadcasters that deploy ATSC 
3.0 service will have the ability to efficiently form a SFN, which for 
the purposes of broadcast television is a term that is synonymous with 
DTS. Like the DTS network described above, an ATSC 3.0 SFN would 
provide television service by using two or more transmission sites, 
using an identical signal on the same RF channel, synchronized to 
manage self-interference. Accordingly, we tentatively conclude that the 
rules established to authorize a DTS station generally are adequate to 
authorize an ATSC 3.0 SFN station, and as such an ATSC 3.0 SFN should 
be considered a DTS station for the purposes of our rules. We seek 
comment on this tentative conclusion.
    61. We also tentatively conclude that it is not necessary to adopt 
a specific synchronization standard in order to authorize an ATSC 3.0 
SFN. In the DTS Report and Order, the Commission found that it was not 
necessary for a station to use a specific synchronization system as 
long as (1) the synchronization used by a station was effective in 
minimizing interference within the system, (2) otherwise provided 
service to the population within the station's service area consistent 
with FCC rules, and (3) complied with the ATSC standard adopted by the 
FCC. It further noted that this approach avoided implication of any 
specific intellectual property held by companies participating in the 
proceeding. Thus, although ATSC had developed the A/110 ``ATSC Standard 
for Transmitter Synchronization,'' the Commission determined that it 
was not necessary to adopt this as the synchronization standard for 
DTS, and as a result, DTS stations have flexibility with regard to 
transmitter synchronization. In this proceeding, one commenter, LG 
Electronics, notes that the standard that would enable an ATSC 3.0 SFN 
is ATSC A/322:2016 ``Physical Layer Protocol.'' LG claims that A/322 
should be incorporated by reference into the rules along with A/321 to 
ensure that SFN is authorized. We seek comment above on whether A/322 
should be incorporated into our rules. Consistent with our finding in 
the DTS proceeding, we tentatively conclude that as long as the 
synchronization used to implement an SFN/DTS minimizes interference 
within the network and provides adequate service, then there is no need 
to require a specific synchronization standard. We seek comment on this 
tentative conclusion.
    62. We propose to amend our existing DTS rules to specify that, 
with regard to ATSC 3.0 transmissions, not only must each transmitter 
comply with the ATSC 3.0 standard ultimately adopted by the FCC, but 
all transmitters under a single license must follow the same standard. 
We tentatively find that a DTS implementation that mixes ATSC 3.0 and 
ATSC 1.0 would not meet the requirement to be ``synchronized'' as 
specified in section 73.626(a) of the Commission's rules, as it would 
not minimize interference within the system. We seek comment on this 
tentative conclusion.

[[Page 13295]]

F. ATSC 3.0 Transmissions as ``Television Broadcasting''

1. Definition of Television Broadcasting
    63. We propose that television stations transmitting both an ATSC 
1.0 and an ATSC 3.0 signal are ``television stations'' engaged in 
``broadcasting'' as those terms are defined in the Communications Act. 
Although we do not propose to authorize broadcasters to transmit solely 
in ATSC 3.0 at this time, we also tentatively conclude that stations 
transmitting only an ATSC 3.0 signal would be ``television stations'' 
engaged in ``broadcasting'' under the Act.
    64. The Petitioners request that the Commission ``specify that Next 
Generation TV transmission is `television broadcasting' in parity with 
the current DTV standard.'' The Act imposes certain obligations and 
restrictions on stations engaged in ``broadcasting,'' including the 
restriction on foreign ownership and the requirements that they provide 
``reasonable access'' to candidates for federal elective office and 
afford ``equal opportunities'' to candidates for any public office. 
Television broadcasters must also make certain disclosures in 
connection with advertisements that discuss a ``political matter of 
national importance'' and must disclose the identity of program 
sponsors. In addition, among other requirements, television 
broadcasters must air educational programming for children, limit the 
amount of commercial material they include in programming directed to 
children, restrict the airing of indecent programming, and comply with 
provisions relating to the rating of video programming. The Commission 
has determined that the definition of ``broadcasting'' in the Act 
applies to services intended to be received by an indiscriminate public 
and has identified three indicia of a lack of such intent: (1) The 
service is not receivable on conventional television sets and requires 
a licensee or programmer-provided special antennae and/or signal 
converter so the signal can be received in the home; (2) the 
programming is encrypted; and (3) the provider and the viewer are 
engaged in a private contractual relationship.
    65. Based on the description of ATSC 3.0 transmissions in the 
Petition and in the record, and because we propose to require ATSC 3.0 
stations to provide a free, over-the-air service, it appears that ATSC 
3.0 transmissions would be intended to be received by all members of 
the public and therefore would meet the definition of ``broadcasting.'' 
Accordingly, as noted above, we tentatively conclude that Next Gen TV 
stations are ``television stations'' engaged in ``broadcasting'' as 
those terms are defined by the Act. No commenters in response to the 
Petition take a different position. We seek comment on this tentative 
conclusion and any alternative views. Is there any basis for 
determining that ATSC 3.0 transmissions are not ``broadcasting''? What 
would the implications be of such a determination in terms of 
regulatory obligations and Commission oversight?
2. Public Interest Obligations
    66. Assuming we adopt our tentative conclusion that Next Gen TV 
stations are engaged in ``broadcasting'' under the Act, they--like all 
broadcast television licensees--would be public trustees with a 
responsibility to serve the ``public interest, convenience, and 
necessity.''
    67. We propose to apply all of our broadcast rules to Next Gen TV 
stations including, but not limited to, our rules regarding foreign 
ownership, political broadcasting, children's programming, equal 
employment opportunities, public inspection file, main studio, 
indecency, sponsorship identification, contest rules, CALM Act, the 
EAS, closed captioning, and video description. Are there any public 
interest or programming rules that should not apply? Are there any 
changes to these rules that should be made to accommodate any ATSC 3.0-
based services? To what extent will the additional capacity offered 
through the ATSC 3.0 standard provide opportunities for more diverse 
programming? While the Petition does not address broadcaster public 
interest obligations in detail, it states that ``[n]o changes are 
necessary in the Commission's programming-related policies and rules, 
as those requirements will attach to television licensees regardless of 
the authorized standard they use to transmit programming to their 
communities of license.'' The Petition further states that licensees 
implementing ATSC 3.0 technology will ``remain simply television 
broadcasters subject to the Commission's existing regulatory 
structure.'' We request comment generally on this view.
    68. Although we decline to initiate a general reexamination of 
broadcaster public interest obligations at this time, we seek comment 
on specific consumer issues related to the enhanced capabilities that 
may be available through the use of ATSC 3.0 transmissions. The 
Petition claims that the advent of ATSC 3.0 (including the entire suite 
of ATSC 3.0-related standards and IP-based services that operate on top 
of the transmission standard) will enable improvements to certain 
services, including EAS, closed captioning, and video description, but 
that no changes to the relevant rules are needed to conform them to an 
environment in which television licensees will transmit in either the 
ATSC 1.0 or the ATSC 3.0 standard. With respect to EAS, Petitioners 
argue that ATSC 3.0 will offer significantly enhanced emergency alert 
capabilities, including the abilities to alert consumers of an 
emergency even when the receiver is powered off, tailor information for 
specific geographic areas, and provide enhanced datacasting to serve 
law enforcement, first responder, and emergency management 
organizations more efficiently. With respect to closed captioning, 
Petitioners state that the ATSC 3.0 transmission standard offers a 
different format for caption data from that used by DTV and that the 
Commission's rules already anticipate this technology and provide that 
data in this format is compliant. Finally, Petitioners state that the 
ATSC 3.0 standard has functionality for video description and 
additional language support, and can implement these requirements in 
compliance with the FCC's rules. We invite comment generally on these 
asserted benefits. We also seek input on the public interest issues 
discussed above and any others that may result from enhancements or 
other changes to television broadcasting that may result from the use 
of Next Gen TV transmissions.
    69. Finally, we invite comment on which features of ATSC 3.0-based 
services will be provided over-the-air to consumers for free and what 
additional services or features will require a fee. Should broadcasters 
who choose to use their ATSC 3.0 transmission for a higher format, such 
as 4K resolution, be required to offer it over-the-air to consumers for 
free? What features of ATSC 3.0 service will be available only to those 
with an Internet connection? Which such services or features will be 
``ancillary services'' within the meaning of our rules? If the majority 
of an ATSC 3.0 station's spectrum/bandwidth is devoted to paid 
services, are those services ``ancillary'' under our rules? Are there 
any services that Next Gen TV broadcasters might offer that would not 
be ancillary or supplementary services that serve the public interest? 
What is the potential regulatory significance of an ATSC 3.0-based 
service that is provided for free versus one that is not?

[[Page 13296]]

G. Transition and Consumer Issues

1. Next Gen TV Tuner Mandate
    70. Television receivers manufactured today are not capable of 
receiving ATSC 3.0 signals. Pursuant to our current rules, however, if 
a broadcaster were to begin transmitting ATSC 3.0 signals, television 
receivers would need to include ATSC 3.0 tuners. Specifically, section 
15.117(b), the rule implementing the Commission's authority under the 
1962 All Channel Receiver Act, states that ``TV broadcast receivers 
shall be capable of adequately receiving all channels allocated by the 
Commission to the television broadcast service.'' We tentatively 
conclude that a Next Gen TV tuner mandate is not necessary at this time 
because a potential transition would be voluntary and market-driven, 
and under our proposal current-generation ATSC 1.0 broadcasting would 
continue indefinitely. Accordingly, we propose to revise section 
15.117(b) to make clear that this rule does not apply to ATSC 3.0. We 
seek comment on this proposal.
    71. Alternatively, we seek comment on whether we should require 
that new television receivers manufactured after a certain date include 
the capability to receive ATSC 3.0 signals and if so, when such a 
requirement should take effect. As a further alternative, we note that 
it may be possible to upgrade most, if not all, receivers currently 
being manufactured to allow them to receive ATSC 3.0 signals, but such 
upgrades would require over-the-air viewers to purchase additional 
equipment, such as a dongle or other equipment (e.g., a set-top box or 
gateway device) that can be attached to the receiver's HDMI port, 
assuming that receiver has an HDMI port. What percentage, if any, of TV 
receivers manufactured today do not have an HDMI port and therefore are 
not easily upgradeable to receive ATSC 3.0 transmissions? To account 
for receivers that do not have HDMI ports, should we require that all 
TV receivers sold after a specified date have an HDMI port to permit 
attachment of an external tuner dongle or other equipment (e.g., a set-
top box or gateway device) that can receive signals from an OTA 
antenna? We tentatively conclude that such a requirement is not 
necessary at this time. The Petitioners assert that ``a market-driven 
approach will ensure that both broadcasters and receiver manufacturers 
adopt the new transmission standard in response to consumer demand.'' 
We seek comment on whether such a market-based approach will ensure 
that television receivers capable of receiving ATSC 3.0 signals are 
available to consumers. What would the costs be for manufacturers to 
ensure that all television receivers are easily upgradable to receive 
ATSC 3.0 transmissions, and how quickly could they do so?
2. On-Air Notice to Consumers About Deployment of ATSC 3.0 Service and 
ATSC 1.0 Simulcasting
    72. We seek comment on whether broadcasters should be required to 
provide on-air notifications to educate consumers about their 
deployment of Next Gen TV service and simulcasting of ATSC 1.0 service. 
We seek comment on whether such a requirement could be useful for 
broadcasters to inform consumers that the stations they view will be 
changing channels, to encourage consumers to rescan their receivers for 
new channel assignments, and to educate them on steps they should take 
to resolve any potential reception issues. The Commission imposed 
viewer notification requirements during the DTV transition as well as 
in connection with the incentive auction. Should they be imposed in 
connection with the use of ATSC 3.0 transmissions? Does the Commission 
have legal authority to require such on-air notices in this context?
    73. If we were to require broadcasters to notify consumers during a 
potential transition to ATSC 3.0, we invite comment on the requirements 
we should impose regarding these notifications. How far in advance 
should we require broadcasters to notify viewers before broadcasters 
shift their ATSC 1.0 signal to another station's broadcast channel? 
What form should this notice take--PSAs, crawls, or a combination of 
both? What information should stations be required to include in the 
notification?
    74. We also seek comment on whether Commission outreach is 
necessary to those communities affected by a potential transition to 
ATSC 3.0. Should the FCC's existing call center provide consumer 
assistance over the phone on matters such as ``rescanning'' or to help 
resolve other reception issues? What guidance should the Commission 
provide through its Web site (www.fcc.gov)? Should the Commission staff 
prepare maps that would be available online to inform consumers about 
what station signals are affected by a potential transition to Next Gen 
TV signals, as it did for the digital transition? We seek comment also 
on other potential types of Commission outreach and the appropriate 
timing of such efforts.
3. Interplay With Post-Incentive Auction Transition/Repack
    75. The Commission has stated that, following the completion of the 
incentive auction, it will establish a 39-month transition period 
(``post-auction transition period'') during which time all full power 
and Class A television stations that are changing frequencies as a 
result of the auction must cease operations in those portions of the 
current broadcast UHF television bands that are being repurposed to 
wireless use. The Media Bureau will establish a set of construction 
deadlines for stations that will relocate as a result of the auction, 
some of which will be given 36 months to complete construction and some 
of which will have shorter deadlines. The Commission previously 
determined that all stations must cease operating on their pre-auction 
channels at the end of the 39-month post-auction transition period 
regardless of whether they have completed construction of the 
facilities for their post-auction channel. We seek comment on the 
extent to which the repacking of stations after the incentive auction 
presents an opportunity for repacked stations that want to upgrade to 
ATSC 3.0. What steps should the Commission take to facilitate ATSC 3.0 
deployment consistent with the repack and ensure consumers retain the 
television service they expect while more quickly enjoying the benefits 
of Next-Generation Television?
    76. We also invite comment on how to ensure that the deployment of 
ATSC 3.0 does not negatively affect the post-incentive auction 
transition process. What steps should the broadcast industry take to 
address this issue?
    77. CTIA asks that we clarify that ATSC 3.0 equipment is not 
eligible for reimbursement from the TV Broadcaster Relocation Fund 
(Reimbursement Fund). All requests for reimbursement from the 
Reimbursement Fund, including those for ATSC 3.0 capable equipment, 
will be evaluated consistent with the standards set forth in the 
Incentive Auction Report and Order. In that order, the Commission 
recognized that replacement equipment eligible for reimbursement from 
the Reimbursement Fund ``necessarily may include improved 
functionality,'' but stated ``[w]e do not . . . anticipate providing 
reimbursement for new, optional features in equipment unless the 
station or MVPD documents that the feature is already present in the 
equipment that is being replaced. Eligible stations and MVPDs may elect 
to purchase optional equipment capability or make other upgrades at 
their own cost, but only the

[[Page 13297]]

cost of the equipment without optional upgrades is a reimbursable 
expense.''

IV. Procedural Matters

A. Initial Regulatory Flexibility Act Analysis

    78. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (RFA), the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) has 
prepared this present Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) 
concerning the possible significant economic impact on small entities 
by the policies and rules proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(NPRM). Written public comments are requested on this IRFA. Comments 
must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the 
deadlines for comments provided on the first page of the NPRM. The 
Commission will send a copy of the NPRM, including this IRFA, to the 
Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration (SBA). 
In addition, the NPRM and IRFA (or summaries thereof) will be published 
in the Federal Register.

B. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules

    79. In the NPRM, we propose to authorize television broadcasters to 
use the ``Next Generation'' broadcast television (Next Gen TV) 
transmission standard associated with recent work of the Advanced 
Television Systems Committee (ATSC 3.0) on a voluntary, market-driven 
basis, while they continue to deliver current-generation digital 
television (DTV) broadcast service, using the ``ATSC 1.0 standard,'' to 
their viewers. ATSC 3.0 is being developed by broadcasters with the 
intent of merging the capabilities of over-the-air broadcasting with 
the broadband viewing and information delivery methods of the Internet, 
using the same 6 MHz channels presently allocated for DTV. According to 
a coalition of broadcast and consumer electronics industry 
representatives that has petitioned the Commission to authorize the use 
of ATSC 3.0, this new standard has the potential to greatly improve 
broadcast signal reception, particularly on mobile devices and 
television receivers without outdoor antennas, and it will enable 
broadcasters to offer enhanced and innovative new features to 
consumers, including Ultra High Definition picture and immersive audio, 
more localized programming content, an advanced emergency alert system 
capable of waking up sleeping devices to warn consumers of imminent 
emergencies, better accessibility options, and interactive services. 
With today's action, we aim to facilitate private sector innovation and 
promote American leadership in the global broadcast industry.
    80. In this proceeding, we seek to adopt rules that will afford 
broadcasters flexibility to deploy ATSC 3.0-based transmissions, while 
minimizing the impact on, and costs to, consumers and other industry 
stakeholders. Among other matters, we seek public input on the 
following issues and proposals:
     Voluntary Use. We propose to authorize voluntary use of 
ATSC 3.0 transmissions and to incorporate by reference the relevant 
portions of the ATSC 3.0 standard into our rules. We seek comment on 
which components of the standard should be incorporated into our rules.
     Local Simulcasting. We propose to require ``local 
simulcasting'' for stations that choose to deploy Next Gen TV 
transmissions so that broadcasters will continue to provide their 
existing ATSC 1.0-based services to their viewers. We seek comment on a 
number of issues relating to the implementation of local simulcasting.
     MVPD Carriage. We propose that multichannel video 
programming distributors (MVPDs) be required to continue carrying 
broadcasters' ATSC 1.0 signals, but not be required to carry ATSC 3.0 
signals during the period when broadcasters are voluntarily 
implementing ATSC 3.0 service. We also seek comment on issues related 
to the voluntary carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals through the 
retransmission consent process.
     Service and Interference Protection. We seek comment on 
whether Next Gen TV transmissions will raise any interference concerns 
for existing DTV operations or for any other services or devices that 
operate in the TV bands or in adjacent bands. We propose to calculate 
Next Gen TV interference to DTV signals using the methodology and 
planning factors specified in OET Bulletin 69 (OET-69). We also propose 
to define a ``DTV-equivalent'' service area for the Next Gen TV signal 
using the methodology and planning factors defined for DTV in OET-69 
and to define a protection threshold for Next Gen TV signals that would 
be as robust as an equivalent DTV signal. Moreover, we seek comment on 
what, if any, additional interference protections are necessary with 
respect to other services and devices that operate in the TV bands or 
adjacent bands.
     Public Interest Obligations and Consumer Protection. We 
propose that television stations transmitting signals in ATSC 3.0 be 
subject to the public interest obligations currently applicable to 
television broadcasters. In addition, we seek comment on our tentative 
conclusion that it is unnecessary at this time to adopt an ATSC 3.0 
tuner mandate for new television receivers. We seek comment on whether 
broadcasters should be required to provide on-air notifications to 
educate consumers about Next Gen TV service deployment and ATSC 1.0 
simulcasting and on how to ensure that deployment of Next Gen TV-based 
transmissions will not negatively impact the post-incentive auction 
transition process.

C. Legal Basis

    81. The proposed action is authorized pursuant to sections 1, 4, 
301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 316, 319, 325(b), 336, 338, 399b, 403, 534, 
and 535 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 
154, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 316, 319, 325(b), 336, 338, 399b, 403, 
534, and 535.

D. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities To Which 
the Proposed Rules Will Apply

    82. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of, and where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted. The RFA generally defines 
the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the terms 
``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small governmental 
jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small business'' has the same 
meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the Small Business 
Act. 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 SBA. Below, we 
provide a description of such small entities, as well as an estimate of 
the number of such small entities, where feasible.
    83. Wired Telecommunications Carriers. The U.S. Census Bureau 
defines this industry as ``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 communications 
networks. Transmission facilities may be based on 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

[[Page 13298]]

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 Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which consists of all such 
companies having 1,500 or fewer employees. Census data for 2012 shows 
that there were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this total, 
3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this size 
standard, the majority of firms in this industry can be considered 
small.
    84. Cable Companies and Systems (Rate Regulation). The Commission 
has developed its own small business size standards for the purpose of 
cable rate regulation. Under the Commission's rules, a ``small cable 
company'' is one serving 400,000 or fewer subscribers nationwide. 
Industry data indicate that there are currently 4,600 active cable 
systems in the United States. Of this total, all but nine cable 
operators nationwide are small under the 400,000-subscriber size 
standard. In addition, under the Commission's rate regulation rules, a 
``small system'' is a cable system serving 15,000 or fewer subscribers. 
Current Commission records show 4,600 cable systems nationwide. Of this 
total, 3,900 cable systems have fewer than 15,000 subscribers, and 700 
systems have 15,000 or more subscribers, based on the same records. 
Thus, under this standard as well, we estimate that most cable systems 
are small entities.
    85. Cable System Operators (Telecom Act Standard). The 
Communications Act also contains a size standard for small cable system 
operators, which is ``a cable operator that, directly or through an 
affiliate, serves in the aggregate fewer than 1 percent of all 
subscribers in the United States and is not affiliated with any entity 
or entities whose gross annual revenues in the aggregate exceed 
$250,000,000.'' There are approximately 52,403,705 cable video 
subscribers in the United States today. Accordingly, an operator 
serving fewer than 524,037 subscribers shall be deemed a small operator 
if its annual revenues, when combined with the total annual revenues of 
all its affiliates, do not exceed $250 million in the aggregate. Based 
on available data, we find that all but nine incumbent cable operators 
are small entities under this size standard. We note that the 
Commission neither requests nor collects information on whether cable 
system operators are affiliated with entities whose gross annual 
revenues exceed $250 million. Although it seems certain that some of 
these cable system operators are affiliated with entities whose gross 
annual revenues exceed $250 million, we are unable at this time to 
estimate with greater precision the number of cable system operators 
that would qualify as small cable operators under the definition in the 
Communications Act.
    86. 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. DBS is now included in SBA's economic 
census category ``Wired Telecommunications Carriers.'' By exception, 
establishments providing satellite television distribution services 
using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in 
this industry. The SBA determines that a wireline business is small if 
it has fewer than 1,500 employees. Census data for 2012 indicate that 
3,117 wireline firms were operational during that year. Of that number, 
3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Based on that data, we 
conclude that the majority of wireline firms are small under the 
applicable standard. However, based on more recent data developed 
internally by the FCC, currently only two entities provide DBS service, 
which requires a great deal of capital for operation: DIRECTV and DISH 
Network. Accordingly, we must conclude that internally developed FCC 
data are persuasive that in general DBS service is provided only by 
large firms.
    87. Satellite Master Antenna Television (SMATV) Systems, also known 
as Private Cable Operators (PCOs). SMATV systems or PCOs are video 
distribution facilities that use closed transmission paths without 
using any public right-of-way. They acquire video programming and 
distribute it via terrestrial wiring in urban and suburban multiple 
dwelling units such as apartments and condominiums, and commercial 
multiple tenant units such as hotels and office buildings. SMATV 
systems or PCOs are now included in the SBA's broad economic census 
category, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which was developed for 
small wireline businesses. The SBA has developed a small business size 
standard for Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which consists of all 
such companies having 1,500 or fewer employees. Census data for 2012 
shows that there were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this 
total, 3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this 
size standard, the majority of firms in this industry can be considered 
small.
    88. Home Satellite Dish (HSD) Service. HSD or the large dish 
segment of the satellite industry is the original satellite-to-home 
service offered to consumers, and involves the home reception of 
signals transmitted by satellites operating generally in the C-band 
frequency. Unlike DBS, which uses small dishes, HSD antennas are 
between four and eight feet in diameter and can receive a wide range of 
unscrambled (free) programming and scrambled programming purchased from 
program packagers that are licensed to facilitate subscribers' receipt 
of video programming. Because HSD provides subscription services, HSD 
falls within the SBA-recognized definition of Wired Telecommunications 
Carriers. The SBA has developed a small business size standard for 
Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which consists of all such companies 
having 1,500 or fewer employees. Census data for 2012 shows that there 
were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this total, 3,083 operated 
with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this size standard, the 
majority of firms in this industry can be considered small.
    89. Open Video Services. The open video system (OVS) framework was 
established in 1996, and is one of four statutorily recognized options 
for the provision of video programming services by local exchange 
carriers. The OVS framework provides opportunities for the distribution 
of video programming other than through cable systems. Because OVS 
operators provide subscription services, OVS falls within the SBA small 
business size standard covering cable services, which is Wired 
Telecommunications Carriers. The SBA has developed a small business 
size standard for Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which consists of 
all such companies having 1,500 or fewer employees. Census data for 
2012 shows that there were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this 
total, 3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this 
size standard, the majority of firms in this industry can be considered 
small. In addition, we note that the Commission has certified some OVS 
operators, with some now providing service. Broadband service providers 
are currently the only significant holders of OVS certifications or 
local OVS franchises. The Commission does not have financial or 
employment information regarding the entities authorized to provide 
OVS, some of which may not yet be operational. Thus, again, at least 
some of the OVS operators may qualify as small entities.

[[Page 13299]]

    90. Wireless Cable Systems--Broadband Radio Service and Educational 
Broadband Service. Wireless cable systems use the Broadband Radio 
Service (BRS) and Educational Broadband Service (EBS) to transmit video 
programming to subscribers. In connection with the 1996 BRS auction, 
the Commission established a small business size standard as an entity 
that had annual average gross revenues of no more than $40 million in 
the previous three calendar years. The BRS auctions resulted in 67 
successful bidders obtaining licensing opportunities for 493 Basic 
Trading Areas (BTAs). Of the 67 auction winners, 61 met the definition 
of a small business. BRS also includes licensees of stations authorized 
prior to the auction. At this time, we estimate that of the 61 small 
business BRS auction winners, 48 remain small business licensees. In 
addition to the 48 small businesses that hold BTA authorizations, there 
are approximately 392 incumbent BRS licensees that are considered small 
entities. After adding the number of small business auction licensees 
to the number of incumbent licensees not already counted, we find that 
there are currently approximately 440 BRS licensees that are defined as 
small businesses under either the SBA or the Commission's rules. In 
2009, the Commission conducted Auction 86, the sale of 78 licenses in 
the BRS areas. The Commission offered three levels of bidding credits: 
(i) A bidder with attributed average annual gross revenues that exceed 
$15 million and do not exceed $40 million for the preceding three years 
(small business) received a 15 percent discount on its winning bid; 
(ii) a bidder with attributed average annual gross revenues that exceed 
$3 million and do not exceed $15 million for the preceding three years 
(very small business) received a 25 percent discount on its winning 
bid; and (iii) a bidder with attributed average annual gross revenues 
that do not exceed $3 million for the preceding three years 
(entrepreneur) received a 35 percent discount on its winning bid. 
Auction 86 concluded in 2009 with the sale of 61 licenses. Of the 10 
winning bidders, two bidders that claimed small business status won 
four licenses; one bidder that claimed very small business status won 
three licenses; and two bidders that claimed entrepreneur status won 
six licenses.
    91. In addition, the SBA's placement of Cable Television 
Distribution Services in the category of Wired Telecommunications 
Carriers is applicable to cable-based Educational Broadcasting 
Services. Since 2007, these services have been defined within the broad 
economic census category of Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which 
was developed for small wireline businesses. The SBA has developed a 
small business size standard for Wired Telecommunications Carriers, 
which consists of all such companies having 1,500 or fewer employees. 
Census data for 2012 shows that there were 3,117 firms that operated 
that year. Of this total, 3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 
employees. Thus, under this size standard, the majority of firms in 
this industry can be considered small. In addition to Census data, the 
Commission's internal records indicate that as of September 2012, there 
are 2,241 active EBS licenses. The Commission estimates that of these 
2,241 licenses, the majority are held by non-profit educational 
institutions and school districts, which are by statute defined as 
small businesses.
    92. Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) and Small Incumbent 
Local Exchange Carriers. Neither the Commission nor the SBA has 
developed a small business size standard specifically for incumbent 
local exchange services. ILECs and small ILECs are included in the 
SBA's economic census category, Wired Telecommunications Carriers. The 
SBA has developed a small business size standard for Wired 
Telecommunications Carriers, which consists of all such companies 
having 1,500 or fewer employees. Census data for 2012 shows that there 
were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this total, 3,083 operated 
with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this size standard, the 
majority of firms in this industry can be considered small.
    93. Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), Competitive Access 
Providers (CAPs), Shared-Tenant Service Providers, and Other Local 
Service Providers. Neither the Commission nor the SBA has developed a 
small business size standard specifically for these service providers. 
These entities are included in the SBA's economic census category, 
Wired Telecommunications Carriers. The SBA has developed a small 
business size standard for Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which 
consists of all such companies having 1,500 or fewer employees. Census 
data for 2012 shows that there were 3,117 firms that operated that 
year. Of this total, 3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. 
Thus, under this size standard, the majority of firms in this industry 
can be considered small.
    94. Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications 
Equipment Manufacturing. This industry comprises establishments 
primarily engaged in manufacturing radio and television broadcast and 
wireless communications equipment. Examples of products made by these 
establishments are: Transmitting and receiving antennas, cable 
television equipment, GPS equipment, pagers, cellular phones, mobile 
communications equipment, and radio and television studio and 
broadcasting equipment. The SBA has established a size standard for 
this industry of 750 employees or less. Census data for 2012 show that 
841 establishments operated in this industry in that year. Of that 
number, 819 establishments operated with less than 500 employees. Based 
on this data, we conclude that a majority of manufacturers in this 
industry are small.
    95. Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing. This industry 
comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing electronic 
audio and video equipment for home entertainment, motor vehicles, and 
public address and musical instrument amplification. Examples of 
products made by these establishments are video cassette recorders, 
televisions, stereo equipment, speaker systems, household-type video 
cameras, jukeboxes, and amplifiers for musical instruments and public 
address systems. The SBA has established a size standard for this 
industry, in which all firms with 750 employees or less are small. 
According to U.S. Census data for 2012, 466 audio and video equipment 
manufacturers were operational in that year. Of that number, 465 
operated with fewer than 500 employees. Based on this Census data and 
the associated size standard, we conclude that the majority of such 
manufacturers are small.
    96. Television Broadcasting. This economic Census category 
``comprises establishments primarily engaged in broadcasting images 
together with sound. 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 
studio, from an affiliated network, or from external sources. The SBA 
has created the following small business size standard for Television 
Broadcasting firms: those having $38.5

[[Page 13300]]

million or less in annual receipts. The 2012 economic Census reports 
that 751 television broadcasting firms operated during that year. Of 
that number, 656 had annual receipts of less than $25 million per year. 
Based on that Census data we conclude that a majority of firms that 
operate television stations are small. We therefore estimate that the 
majority of commercial television broadcasters are small entities.
    97. We note, however, that in assessing whether a business concern 
qualifies as small under the above definition, business (control) 
affiliations 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. 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 estimate of small businesses to which rules may apply does not 
exclude any television station from the definition of a small business 
on this basis and is therefore possibly over-inclusive to that extent.
    98. In addition, the Commission has estimated the number of 
licensed noncommercial educational television stations to be 395. These 
stations are non-profit, and therefore considered to be small entities.
    99. There are also 2,344 LPTV stations, including Class A stations, 
and 3689 TV translator stations. Given the nature of these services, we 
will presume that all of these entities qualify as small entities under 
the above SBA small business size standard.

E. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    100. The NPRM proposes to authorize television broadcasters to use 
the Next Gen TV transmission standard associated with ATSC 3.0 on a 
voluntary, market-driven basis, while they continue to deliver current-
generation DTV broadcast service, using the ATSC 1.0 standard, to their 
viewers. Under the proposal, Next Gen TV broadcasters that have elected 
must-carry rights would be required to notify MVPDs prior to 
transitioning to ATSC 3.0 and arranging for an ATSC 1.0 simulcast. 
MVPDs would be required to continue carrying broadcasters' ATSC 1.0 
signals, but would not be required to carry ATSC 3.0 signals, during 
the period when broadcasters are voluntarily implementing ATSC 3.0 
service. Rather, MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals would be determined 
through retransmission consent negotiations. With regard to equipment, 
the Commission tentatively concludes that it is unnecessary at this 
time to adopt an ATSC 3.0 tuner mandate for new television receivers.

F. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities and Significant Alternatives Considered

    101. 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 (among others): ``(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 and reporting requirements under the rule for such 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.''
    102. Broadcasters. As stated above, the NPRM proposes that 
broadcaster use of Next Gen TV would be voluntary. We note additionally 
that the Commission is considering whether small, rural, low-power, and 
NCE broadcasters would face unique circumstances with regard to the 
voluntary provision of ATSC 3.0. In the event that a broadcaster 
chooses to use Next Gen TV, the Commission is considering how to handle 
issues related to interference that may occur with a voluntary 
transition to Next Gen TV. The Commission is considering whether to 
require broadcasters that choose to transition to notify MVPDs and 
television viewers about the transition via written and on-air notices, 
respectively. The Commission is also considering an alternative 
approach, under which simulcast arrangements could be implemented 
without additional licensing (beyond conversion of the broadcaster's 
current facility to operate in ATSC 3.0), whereby some broadcasters 
would be licensed to operate only an ATSC 3.0 facility and others would 
be licensed to operate only on ATSC 1.0 facility. The NPRM states that 
the multicast approach to simulcasting may minimize administrative 
burdens and offer more flexibility to the broadcast industry. On the 
other hand, it would appear to preclude NCE stations from serving as 
hosts to the simulcast programming of commercial stations due to the 
restrictions of section 399B.
    103. MVPDs. The NPRM considers issues related to the voluntary 
carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals through the retransmission consent 
process. As stated in the NPRM, MVPDs have raised numerous questions 
about MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals, including the potentially 
significant costs and burdens associated with MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 
signals. The NPRM specifically considers the alternative approach of 
prohibiting MVPD carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals through retransmission 
consent negotiations until the ATSC Specialist Group on Conversion and 
Redistribution of ATSC 3.0 Service produces its initial report, which 
would ease any burdens of the carriage of ATSC 3.0 signals on MVPDs.
    104. Equipment manufacturers. Finally, with regard to equipment 
manufacturers, the Commission is considering whether to require 
television receivers manufactured after a certain date to include the 
capability to receive ATSC 3.0 signals. In the NPRM, the Commission 
reaches the tentative conclusion that it is unnecessary at this time to 
adopt an ATSC 3.0 tuner mandate for new television receivers. This 
approach of instead relying on the market potentially could minimize 
any impact of the new rules on equipment manufacturers, including 
smaller manufacturers. If the Commission decides not to adopt a Next 
Gen TV tuner mandate at this time, the Commission is considering 
whether it should revise section 15.117(b) of its rules to make clear 
that this rule does not apply to ATSC 3.0.
    105. The NPRM seeks comment on the above issues, with the goal of 
easing the economic burdens of the new rules and policies on small 
entities.
    G. Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the 
Proposed Rule
    106. None.
    H. Initial Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis
    107. This NPRM may result in new or revised information collection 
requirements. If the Commission adopts any new or revised information 
collection requirements, the Commission will publish a notice in the 
Federal Register inviting the public to comment on such requirements, 
as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. In addition, 
pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the 
Commission will seek specific comment on how it might ``further reduce 
the information collection burden for small business concerns with 
fewer than 25 employees.''

[[Page 13301]]

I. Ex Parte Rules

    108. Permit But Disclose. The proceeding this Notice initiates 
shall be treated as a ``permit-but-disclose'' proceeding in accordance 
with the Commission's ex parte rules. Ex parte presentations are 
permissible if disclosed in accordance with Commission rules, except 
during the Sunshine Agenda period when presentations, ex parte or 
otherwise, are generally prohibited. Persons making ex parte 
presentations must file a copy of any written presentation or a 
memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within two business days 
after the presentation (unless a different deadline applicable to the 
Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex parte presentations 
are reminded that memoranda summarizing the presentation must (1) list 
all persons attending or otherwise participating in the meeting at 
which the ex parte presentation was made, and (2) summarize all data 
presented and arguments made during the presentation. Memoranda must 
contain a summary of the substance of the ex parte presentation and not 
merely a listing of the subjects discussed. More than a one or two 
sentence description of the views and arguments presented is generally 
required. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of the 
presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the presenter's 
written comments, memoranda or other filings in the proceeding, the 
presenter may provide citations to such data or arguments in his or her 
prior comments, memoranda, or other filings (specifying the relevant 
page and/or paragraph numbers where such data or arguments can be 
found) in lieu of summarizing them in the memorandum. Documents shown 
or given to Commission staff during ex parte meetings are deemed to be 
written ex parte presentations and must be filed consistent with 
section 1.1206(b) of the rules. In proceedings governed by section 
1.49(f) of the rules or for which the Commission has made available a 
method of electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and 
memoranda summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments 
thereto, must be filed through the electronic comment filing system 
available for that proceeding, and must be filed in their native format 
(e.g., .doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this 
proceeding should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte 
rules.

J. Filing Procedures

    109. Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's 
rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and 
reply comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of 
this document. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic 
Comment Filing System (ECFS).
    [ssquf] Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically 
using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: https://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/.
    [ssquf] Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must file 
an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket or 
rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers 
must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or 
rulemaking number.
    Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial 
overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service 
mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, 
Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
    [ssquf] All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for 
the Commission's Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 
12th St. SW., Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with 
rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of 
before entering the building.
    [ssquf] Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton 
Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
    [ssquf] U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail 
must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554.
    110. People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible 
formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic 
files, audio format), send an email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-
418-0432 (tty).
    111. Availability of Documents. Comments and reply comments will be 
publically available online via ECFS. These documents will also be 
available for public inspection during regular business hours in the 
FCC Reference Information Center, which is located in Room CY-A257 at 
FCC Headquarters, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. The 
Reference Information Center is open to the public Monday through 
Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 
a.m.
    112. Additional Information. For additional information on this 
proceeding, contact John Gabrysch, John.Gabrysch@fcc.gov, of the Media 
Bureau, Engineering Division, at (202) 418-7152, Sean Mirzadegan, 
Sean.Mirzadegan@fcc.gov, of the Media Bureau, Engineering Division, at 
(202) 418-7111, Evan Baranoff, Evan.Baranoff@fcc.gov, of the Media 
Bureau, Policy Division, (202) 418-7142, or Matthew Hussey, 
Matthew.Hussey@fcc.gov, of the Office of Engineering and Technology, 
(202) 418-3619.

V. Ordering Clauses

    113. It is ordered that, pursuant to the authority found in 
sections 1, 4, 7, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 316, 319, 325(b), 336, 338, 
399b, 403, 534, and 535 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 
47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 157, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 316, 319, 325(b), 
336, 338, 399b, 403, 534, and 535, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in 
GN Docket No. 16-142 is adopted.
    114. It is further ordered that the Commission's Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, shall send a 
copy of this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, including the Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of 
the Small Business Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Parts 15 and 73

    Communications equipment, Television.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.

Proposed Rules

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR parts 15 and 73 as 
follows:

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 304, 307, 336, 544a, and 
549.

0
2. Section 15.117 is amended by revising paragraph (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.117  TV broadcast receivers.

* * * * *
    (b) TV broadcast receivers shall be capable of adequately receiving 
all

[[Page 13302]]

channels allocated by the Commission to the television broadcast 
service that broadcast digital signals broadcast using the ATSC 1.0 
standard, but need not be capable of receiving analog signals or 
signals using the ATSC 3.0 standard.
* * * * *

PART 73--RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES

0
3. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 309, 310, 334, 336, and 339.

0
4. Section 73.616 is amended by revising the first sentence of 
paragraph (e)(1) and adding paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec.  73.616  Post-transition DTV station interference protection.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) For evaluating compliance with the requirements of this 
paragraph, interference to populations served is to be predicted based 
on the most recent official decennial U.S. Census population data as 
identified by the Media Bureau in a Public Notice issued not less than 
60 days prior to use of the data for a specific year in application 
processing, and otherwise according to the procedure set forth in OET 
Bulletin No. 69: ``Longley-Rice Methodology for Evaluating TV Coverage 
and Interference'' (February 6, 2004) (incorporated by reference, see 
Sec.  73.8000), including population served within service areas 
determined in accordance with Sec.  73.622(e), consideration of whether 
F(50,10) undesired signals will exceed the following desired-to-
undesired (D/U) signal ratios, assumed use of a directional receiving 
antenna, and use of the terrain dependent Longley-Rice point-to-point 
propagation model. * * *
* * * * *
    (g) The interference protection requirements contained in this 
section apply to television station operations under ATSC A/321:2016, 
``System Discovery and Signaling'' (March 23, 2016) (incorporated by 
reference, see Sec.  73.8000).
0
4. Section 73.624 is amended by adding paragraph (b)(3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  73.624  Digital television broadcast stations.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) DTV licensees or permittees that transmit a signal as set forth 
in A/321:2016, ``System Discovery and Signaling'' (March 23, 2016) 
shall transmit at least one free video stream on that signal that 
requires at most the signal threshold of a comparable received DTV 
signal, and shall simulcast the video programming on that signal on 
another local broadcast facility using the current DTV standard.
* * * * *
0
5. Section 73.626 is amended by adding paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  73.626  DTV Distributed Transmission Systems.

* * * * *
    (g) All transmitters operating under a single DTS license must 
follow the same digital broadcast television transmission standard.
0
6. Section 73.682 is amended by adding paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  73.682  TV transmission standards.

* * * * *
    (f) Alternative digital broadcast television transmission standard 
authorized.
    (1) Next Gen TV service. Effective [DATE], as an alternative to 
complying with the requirements set forth in paragraph (d) of this 
section, transmission of digital broadcast television (DTV) signals may 
comply with the standards for such transmissions set forth in ATSC A/
321:2016, ``System Discovery and Signaling'' (March 23, 2016) 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  73.8000).
    (2) Continuity of service. The licensee of a DTV station operating 
pursuant to paragraph (f)(1) shall arrange for another DTV station 
operating in compliance with paragraph (d) of this section and 
substantially covering such station's community of license to simulcast 
such station's primary program stream. Agreements for simulcast under 
this paragraph (g) must be filed with the Commission.
0
7. Section 73.8000 is amended by adding paragraph (b)(6) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  73.8000  Incorporation by reference.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (6) A/321:2016, ``System Discovery and Signaling'' (March 23, 
2016), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  73.616 and 73.682.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2017-04713 Filed 3-9-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P