The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has submitted a formal request to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), advocating for the creation of a comprehensive, industry-wide strategy for the complete rollout of Next Gen TV (ATSC 3.0).
This proposed plan outlines a two-stage transition process, alongside the modernization of regulatory frameworks to enhance consumer access and foster innovation. “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,” stated NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “Broadcasters have invested significantly in this transition, but outdated regulations threaten to stall progress. A clear transition plan will ensure every American benefits from the full potential of Next Gen TV while also allowing broadcasters to remain competitive in a media marketplace where Big Tech operates unchecked.”
The proposed timeline suggests that stations within the top 55 markets, encompassing 70% of the US population, would transition by February 2028, with the remaining full-power and Class A stations following suit by February 2030. The petition also calls for revisions to FCC regulations to guarantee that television reception devices support Next Gen TV, uphold existing MVPD carriage obligations, and remove regulatory obstacles that could hinder adoption.
Currently, Next Gen TV is operational in over 80 markets, reaching 75% of U.S. households. This transition will allow broadcasters to offer improved picture and sound quality, interactive applications, and hyper-localized content. Furthermore, it will enable the deployment of advanced datacasting capabilities, benefiting consumers across various sectors through more efficient data delivery. Complete nationwide deployment will also strengthen the capabilities of the Broadcast Positioning System™ (BPS) as a robust, supplementary service to GPS.
The NAB's petition highlights the necessity for regulatory clarity to spur further investment in Next Gen TV and ensure a seamless transition for consumers.