Chairman Genachowski's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Mobile Broadband Opportunities in Television Broadcast Bands

Reps. Matheson, Bishop and Chaffetz wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski with questions about the proposal to reallocate some broadcast television spectrum for mobile broadband.

Specifically, the asked:

1. How will the spectrum re-allocation and resulting reduction in channels impact Utahns who currently utilize over-the-air television provided by translator stations?
2. Is the spectrum re-allocation and resulting reduction in channels likely to lead to many of the translator stations in Utah no longer remaining in operation?
3. If many of the translator stations in Utah no longer remain in operation after the spectrum re-allocation takes place will free over-the-air television continue to be an option for rural residents who had been served by one of these translator stations, or will they be forced to either pay for subscription television service or go without?
4. What provisions is the FCC prepared to make to ensure that free over-the-air television continues to be available to residents of rural communities in Utah and throughout the nation at the completion of this spectrum re-allocation process?

On March 29, Chairman Genachowski replied saying that the FCC is in the preliminary stages of reviewing how it could structure an incentive auction in the broadcast TV bands if Congress grants it the authority. This review includes evaluating the potential impact on translators that provide service to otherwise unserved areas. We are aware of the unique circumstances presented in Utah and will work closely with local broadcasters to ensure that any restructuring o[ the TV bands accounts for the need to preserve free, over-the-air television service across the State. Our goal is to provide new and exciting opportunities for mobile broadband while protecting viewers currently relying on over-the-air TV. I