Broadcasters: FCC Interference Methodology Proposal is 'Legally Unsustainable'

The "clearly erroneous inputs and technically unsound assumptions" in the Federal Communications Commission's band plan proposals on repacking and interference methodologies must be abandoned or risk a failed incentive auction. That was the message from broadcasters, commercial and noncommercial, networks and stations to the FCC on March 18.

Broadcasters are accusing the FCC of cutting corners on its variable band plan proposal and warn it will be "playing with fire" if it attempts to lowball the interference problems inherent in that approach to repacking broadcasters after the 2015 incentive auctions to free up broadcast spectrum for broadband wireless.

In comments to the FCC, the National Association of Broadcasters, whose members include the broadcast networks, teamed with the network affiliate associations, PBS, CPB and the Association of Public Television Stations to advise the FCC where they thought it was going wrong with its proposed band plan, saying its repacking methodology would be illegal not to mention, though they did, creating "significant interference" issues.