The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formally requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a definitive timeline for the discontinuation of ATSC 1.0 broadcasts. Their proposal aims to finalize the industry's shift to NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) within the next six years.
This ambitious plan outlines a two-phased approach. The first phase targets a complete conversion of the top 55 television markets—representing about 70% of the U.S. population—by February 2028. The second phase would encompass the remaining markets by February 2030. ATSC 3.0, already operational in areas covering roughly 76% of the nation, boasts superior video and audio quality, interactive features, and promising new datacasting capabilities with significant revenue potential.
“I think the FCC is going to be extremely pro-innovation and giving broadcasters the flexibility to launch in more markets,” stated Rob Folliard, SVP, government relations & distribution for Gray Television, in a recent interview. “There really has to be a hard cutoff date… This is important for the industry. This is how broadcast television survives into the next decade.”
The NAB contends that a comprehensive transition would release valuable spectrum, paving the way for advanced services, including a terrestrial Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) that could serve as a crucial GPS backup. Beyond the timeline, the NAB urges the FCC to modernize regulations to align with the new standard. This includes mandating ATSC 3.0 tuners in all new televisions by February 2028 and adjusting cable TV must-carry rules to address the technical distinctions between the two standards.
NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt highlighted the urgent need for regulatory action to avoid delays: “Next Gen TV is already transforming the viewing experience, delivering superior picture quality, immersive audio, interactive features, hyper-localized programming, and cutting-edge public safety capabilities, all while keeping local television free and accessible,” he stated. “Broadcasters have invested significantly in this transition, but outdated regulations threaten to stall progress.”
The petition emphasizes significant industry backing for the transition, noting consumer purchases exceeding 14 million ATSC 3.0-compatible television sets. Furthermore, the Future of Television Initiative, a collaborative effort to address transition challenges, has also published a report supporting a structured shift to the new standard. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has previously expressed support, describing the situation as a “break glass moment” demanding decisive action. The NAB's petition mirrors this sense of urgency, warning that without swift action, the transition could stall.
The NAB's proposal is likely to spark debate, especially concerning mandates for television manufacturers and potential consequences for cable and satellite providers. While the association believes regulatory updates will facilitate a smooth transition, potential opposition from groups like the Consumer Technology Association and pay-TV providers could complicate the process. The FCC's response to the petition will be pivotal in shaping the future of broadcast television.