Two groups integral to the proposed development and rollout of 5G Broadcast technology, which the NAB and key stakeholders in ATSC 3.0 advancement are against, have filed documents that offer divergent takes for the alternative to NEXTGEN TV — a plan submitted for FCC consideration by LPTV owner HC2 Broadcasting.
For REC Networks, not proceeding with the NPRM right now is advised.
The comments are being filed in response to MB 25-168, which seeks comments on the Commission’s authorization of permissive use of 5G Broadcast as a transmission standard for low-power television stations.
“Leading advocate” REC Networks is one of the 5G Broadcast filers that wants a Notice of Inquiry — and this NPRM put to an end.
To be clear, REC isn’t against 5G Broadcast, which was all but laughed at by Sinclair Inc. CEO Chris Ripley at the NAB Show in April when asked about it during an ATSC-focused session.
In its comments, REC explains its interest in 5G Broadcast, as the group’s focus “is mainly on the ability for as many citizens as possible to be able to fairly access spectrum, which many see as the domain of the largest corporations.”
REC’s constituents include small broadcast stations in both the commercial and noncommercial educational sectors, especially the Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcast service. Thus, REC says, “This ability to use spectrum for broadcasting includes the use of short-range devices, authorized through Part 15 of the Commission’s Rules.”
REC’s constituency also includes those who use the internet to broadcast (stream) audio content to a general audience.
Michelle Bradley, REC Networks’ founder, explains in the eight-page filing that when petitions such as this are received, “we not only need to look at the technical aspect of the proposal, but we also need to look at the consumer impacts as well as the statutory requirements.” And, she says, as long as there is a requirement for at least one free-to-air standard definition service, it is REC’s position that 5G broadcast can meet the definition of “broadcasting” in respect to the Communications Act.
However, “there remains unanswered questions in regards to interference to other stations,” Bradley warns — including full-service TV, Class A TV, cross-border facilities as well as co-channel and adjacent- band non-broadcast services.
There’s more from Bradley, who argues REC “must also look this service from a consumer protection perspective.” As such, “We must assure that the underlying standard definition programming stream meets all applicable broadcast regulations.”
REC’s Bradley adds, “We must also assure that TV households continue to receive sufficient and substantial television service using the ATSC 1.0 or 3.0 standards in all areas, not just the big cities.”
With that, it is REC’s position that “there is currently not enough record and more experimental operations need to take place, especially those in more crowded atmospheres.” Thus, Bradley concludes, “It is REC’s position that the Commission does not adopt a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at this time due to the fact that the record remains insufficient.”
Instead, the Commission should adopt a Notice of Inquiry, which REC argues not only addresses the overall technology like what HC2 wants, but also to inquire into the consumer impacts, “especially those who are rural areas and socioeconomically disadvantaged. These are voices that need to be heard in this proceeding.”
POSSIBILITY… AT A FUTURE DATE
From a technology perspective, 5G broadcast “is cutting edge” — says REC leader Bradley. And, if deployed correctly, REC believes it can be “a very useful service as well as a better income source, especially for struggling LPTV stations.”
But technology is only one part of the equation, Bradley argues. “We also need to look at consumer impact and expectations, especially that of privacy,” she notes. “We also need to really make sure that 5G broadcast is able to provide the same or better co-channel, adjacent-channel and adjacent band protections as those in place for ATSC 3.0 … 5G broadcast definitely has a place in the broadcast ecosystem, but it must be deployed correctly, the first time.”
In contrast, key technology company Qualcomm has much to gain from 5G Broadcast. As such, it “urges” the Commission to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to consider rule modifications that will permit LPTV stations to
use 5G Broadcast on a voluntary basis.
For Qualcomm, “it will foster broadcast innovation, enhance competition and public safety, and expand service offerings to the public.”
The company concludes that allowing low-power broadcasters to transmit using 5G Broadcast “could support a ‘resiliency layer’ in case of emergencies, regardless of whether the customer is in transit, with or without a television set, or in a remote location without cellular connectivity.”
