T-Mobile To Help WWOR With Repack Move

T-Mobile today announced a partnership with Fox Television Stations (FTS) to assist in repacking its 600 MHz spectrum at WWOR New York. The move will accelerate the final repack “by 16 months” and “reduce overall costs for the Incentive Auction Relocation Fund by tens of millions of dollars,” T-Mobile said.

As part of the agreement, WWOR will repack in early 2018, more than a year sooner than the originally proposed FCC deadline of August 2019, and will do it for much less, the companies said.

This agreement “ensures the 19 million-plus WWOR households keep access to the programming they count on while enabling T-Mobile to enhance wireless coverage and capacity in the New York City area more quickly,” according to T-Mobile. 

This agreement is part of T-Mobile’s broader commitment to work with broadcasters occupying 600 MHz spectrum to assist them in moving to new frequencies. Earlier this year, PBS and America’s Public Television Stations announced a partnership with T-Mobile to assist rural translators in the move to new airwaves.

“We’re committed to working with broadcasters across the country to clear 600 MHz spectrum, so we can preserve programming and bring increased wireless choice and competition across the country,” said Neville Ray, chief technology officer at T-Mobile.