WASHINGTON, D.C. — The EVP of Technology and Chief Technology Officer for the NAB is reaching out to broadcast television station licensees with a reminder of a FCC Public Notice that offers details on the deadline to certify the accuracy of their 13 GHz licenses.
“It is critical that you follow the instructions in the Public Notice, or you may lose interference protection of your 13 GHz operations or have your license cancelled,” Sam Metheny warns.
Many TV stations use 13 GHz spectrum for studio-transmitter links or ENG.
Does your station? Do you have no idea what this even means?
Check with your station’s engineering department to be sure, Metheny asks.
“With limited exceptions, if you hold a license (fixed point-to-point or mobile/ENG) in the 12.7 – 13.25 GHz band you MUST certify to the FCC by November 29 that the information on the license is accurate and that the facilities are operating as authorized,” Metheny says. “This certification is required to allow the FCC to open the 13 GHz band to new (non-broadcast) entrants.”
If your station needs to make corrections (“minor modifications”) to the license data, you must do so in ULS by November 29. Detailed instructions are in Section 3 of the Public Notice.
The FCC put a freeze on major modifications of 13 GHz facilities unless a waiver is granted. Section 1.929(d) of the FCC Rules provides the criteria for major modifications, including changes in transmit antenna location by more than five seconds and changes in emission type.
“It appears the FCC will consider waivers that do not increase relocation costs that must be paid by new entrants,” Metheny says.
