The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released updated guidelines designed to simplify the shift towards ATSC 3.0, the next-generation broadcast standard also known as NextGen TV. While the agency has avoided addressing significant regulatory adjustments advocated for by major broadcasters, which they believe are crucial for widespread adoption, the new measures focus on streamlining application procedures and confirming current flexibility within the ATSC 3.0 transition regulations.
This recent announcement from the Media Bureau clarifies application processing and reiterates existing flexibility in ATSC 3.0 transition rules, representing the latest initiative to encourage more stations to implement the technology. However, the FCC is yet to rule on substantial proposals from the National Association of Broadcasters. These proposals suggest establishing mandatory deadlines for older ATSC 1.0 broadcasts and making ATSC 3.0 tuners mandatory in television sets. The updated guidance clarifies calculation methods for identifying ATSC 3.0 applications eligible for expedited processing. Currently, stations can receive quicker approvals if their selected ATSC 1.0 simulcast host covers at least 95 percent of the population within their original coverage area. The FCC stated that they will continue using Longley-Rice terrain analysis for calculating population coverage. “The Bureau has and will continue to consider Longley-Rice terrain analysis for purposes of calculating the population within the noise limited service contour in order to determine whether an application qualifies for expedited processing,” the agency stated.
For stations that do not meet the 95 percent coverage threshold, the FCC assures that non-expedited applications will be processed individually. The agency highlighted its history of approving such applications while considering factors that minimize viewer disruption, such as instances where another station with the same network affiliation continues to serve areas that would otherwise lose coverage. Applicants are encouraged to include comprehensive impact analyses and supporting information, such as contour overlap maps, when submitting non-expedited applications. Collaboration with Video Division staff for specific situations is also advised. The public notice highlights the existing flexibility within ATSC 3.0 regulations; stations only need to simulcast their main programming stream in ATSC 1.0 format, not extra multicast channels. They can also utilize multiple host facilities to meet the 95 percent threshold for expedited processing. Low-power television and TV translator stations are not required to simulcast but may choose to provide ATSC 1.0 feeds and can serve as host facilities for full-power and Class A stations transitioning to ATSC 3.0.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr described the action as part of a broader effort to maintain broadcasting's competitiveness. “Americans across the country will benefit from Next Gen TV and the improved viewing experience that it enables,” Carr said in a statement. “Accelerating this transition will also go a long way towards ensuring that broadcasters stay competitive well into the future.” Carr emphasized the commission’s aim to balance innovation with traditional broadcast responsibilities. “As the broadcast industry continues to evolve, we want to be sure that they can do so while maintaining their core public interest obligations,” he said. “Today’s notice provides additional flexibility for broadcasters to make this transition.”
Despite addressing procedural matters, the FCC’s latest action leaves unresolved significant policy questions that industry groups see as crucial for ATSC 3.0's success. The NAB has suggested definite sunset dates for ATSC 1.0 broadcasts—2028 for full-power stations and 2030 for low-power facilities—along with mandatory ATSC 3.0 tuners in new televisions. While major broadcasting groups support these proposals, smaller broadcasters, low-power TV station representatives, pay-TV operators, and consumer electronics manufacturers (represented by the Consumer Technology Association) oppose them. The ongoing regulatory uncertainty reflects wider challenges in ATSC 3.0 deployment, including consumer awareness, receiver availability, and maintaining dual broadcast streams during the transition.
The FCC's measured approach indicates the agency's caution about enforcing mandates that might affect smaller broadcasters and consumers, while simultaneously trying to encourage the voluntary adoption of the new standard.