FCC Unveils Plans, Procedures For Repack

With the incentive auction now in mop-up mode, the FCC signaled it is moving on, issuing a basic plan and detailed procedures for repacking TV stations into a shrunken TV band.

The repacking involves moving hundreds of stations to new channels within 39 months.

The FCC said it will manage the channel migration is phases as several stakeholder had suggested.

“Recognizing that resources needed for the transition process are limited, the commission determined that a phased construction schedule would facilitate efficient use of these resources, eliminate the need for all stations to obtain their equipment or schedule tower crews at the same time, and could account for the complexities that stations may face.”

Under the plan, stations will be assigned to one of 10 transition phases, each with its own testing and completion deadline, the FCC said. The completion deadline will be the last day a station may operate on its pre-auction channel.

The plan also clarifies, but does not lift the prohibition on broadcasters discussing any aspect of the incentive auction among themselves or publicly even though the reverse auction in which broadcaster sold spectrum is closed. The FCC imposed the so-called quiet period to prevent collusion among broadcasters that could corrupt the auction.

Some relief may be appropriate, particularly if it would help insure a smooth transition, the FCC says, noting that it may grant some relief when the FCC sends out letters to broadcasters notifying them of their new channel assignments in the next few weeks.

In the related procedural order, the FCC addresses filing applications for construction permits, filing windows for alternate channels and expanded facilities, international coordination, transition phases and phase completion dates.

The document also covers the process broadcasters must follow to collect reimbursement for eligible expenses associated with the repack.