Breaking: FCC Seeks Public Opinion on HC2 Broadcasting's 5G Broadcast Proposal
Agency Seeks Public Input on Transition of Low Power Television Stations to 5G Broadcasting Infrastructure
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Media Bureau has put out a call for public comments on a petition from HC2 Broadcasting Holdings. The request aims to allow low-power television (LPTV) stations to use the 5G Broadcast transmission standard as an alternative to the existing ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 standards [1][2][5].
HC2, known for owning and operating over 250 LPTV stations nationwide, submitted the request on March 28th [6]. Interested parties can file comments at MB Docket No. 25-168.
As earlier reported, HC2 wants the FCC to approve the 5G Broadcast standard for LPTV stations in order to shift towards an all-datacasting model [6]. Last year, the company also requested permission for two Connecticut LPTVs to conduct experimental 5G Broadcast transmissions [6]. The FCC green-lit the first experimental 5G Broadcast station, Milachi Media's WWOO-LD Boston, in 2023 [6]. HC2 has partnered with XGN Networks, a startup led by CEO "SuperFrank" Copsidas, to help broadcasters opt for 5G Broadcast as a flexible alternative to ATSC 3.0/NextGen TV, which the FCC approved in 2017 and is presently accessible to around 76% of U.S. TV households [6].
The FCC underscored that 5G Broadcast is a globally recognized standard, endorsed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), an international standards-setting organization [6].
The technology allows an LPTV station to transmit a single 5G signal, which can be picked up by compatible mobile devices within its service area [1][2][3]. The petition proposes that the 5G Broadcast standard be incorporated into the commission's rules and authorized on a voluntary basis by LPTV stations. In cases where an LPTV station may qualify for mandatory carriage, the petition suggests that such stations would be ineligible for 5G Broadcast operations to minimize any potential burdens on Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) [6].
Comments are due on June 2nd, with reply comments to follow on July 1st [6].
This petition could significantly impact 5G Broadcast availability and usage in the U.S. If approved, it may lead to the adoption of the technology by a substantial number of LPTV stations [1][2][5]. This expansion could usher in innovative services such as targeted datacasting and enhanced digital connectivity [2][3]. Yet, the shift from broadcast to datacasting may raise concerns about the availability of free-to-air television, potentially diminishing local news and programming [1][4]. The outcome will rely on the FCC's decision-making process, weighing innovation against public interests such as consumer choice, free television access, and competition in local media markets [1][4]. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-07-gartner-defines-the-5g-broadcast-market[2] https://www.fcc.gov/filings/fcc-25-168[3] https://xgnnetworks.com/news[4] https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/hc2-broadcasting-files-petition-for-5g-broadcast-rule-making-with-fcc/[5] https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/low-power-tv-stations-told-fcc-to-grant-5g-broadcast-authority-to-boost-broadband-and-video[6] https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/hc2-broadcasting-returns-to-fcc-ask-for-2-ct-lgptv-stations-to-conduct-5g-broadcasting-experiments/
- The petition from HC2 Broadcasting Holdings, currently under consideration by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), seeks to allow low-power television (LPTV) stations to use the 5G Broadcast transmission standard as an alternative to ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 standards.
- If approved, this could significantly impact 5G Broadcast availability and usage in the U.S., potentially leading to the adoption of the technology by a substantial number of LPTV stations.
- HC2 Broadcasting has partnered with XGN Networks, a startup led by CEO "SuperFrank" Copsidas, to help broadcasters opt for 5G Broadcast as a flexible alternative to ATSC 3.0/NextGen TV.
- The technology allows an LPTV station to transmit a single 5G signal, which can be picked up by compatible mobile devices within its service area.
- The FCC's Media Bureau has put out a call for public comments on this petition, with comments due on June 2nd and reply comments to follow on July 1st.
- The shift from broadcast to datacasting may raise concerns about the availability of free-to-air television, potentially diminishing local news and programming, making it an important issue for consideration in the FCC's decision-making process.
