Report No. DC- ACTION IN DOCKET CASE July 25, 1996 COMMISSION BEGINS FINAL STEP IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIGITAL TELEVISION (DTV) (MM DOCKET NO. 87-268) The Commission today moved into the final phase of implementing the next era of broadcast television--digital television (DTV)-- by proposing policies for developing the initial DTV allotments and procedures for assigning DTV frequencies to broadcasters. Its goals in this phase of the proceeding, the Commission said, are to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently and effectively, and to ensure that the introduction of digital television fully serves the public interest. After conferring extensively with many parties, including the broadcasting industry, the Commission has made a number of significant changes to the DTV allotment objectives it first proposed in 1992. These changes are generally consistent with positions advocated by the broadcasting industry. The Commission's proposed primary DTV allotment objectives are: 1) Identify DTV allotments that fully accommodate all eligible broadcasters, i.e., provide a second channel for DTV service for all existing eligible NTSC broadcasters; 2) Identify DTV allotments that replicate broadcasters' existing NTSC service areas; and 3) Minimize unavoidable interference without preference to either NTSC or DTV service. In addition, the Commission proposed an allotment plan under which TV service would eventually be located in a core region of the spectrum, namely, the spectrum at existing channels 7-51. The Commission indicated that this portion of the spectrum is technically best suited for the transmission of DTV service and that all incumbent licensees could be accommodated within this spectrum after the transition. Under this option, the Commission -more- -2- would attempt to provide all existing broadcasters with a DTV channel within the core spectrum area. However, spectrum outside the core region would be used for DTV allotments where needed during the transition or used for other purposes. All television operations outside of the core channels would be fully protected during the transition. Because TV channels 60-69 are very lightly used, this plan could allow for early recovery of some spectrum outside the core region. The Commission sought comment on its staff's analysis that the impact of this approach on service replication and interference would be insignificant and that it would minimize the costs to broadcasters and confusion to viewers associated with second channel transitions. The Commission also requested comment on an alternative option that would distribute DTV allotments over the entire existing TV spectrum and that would provide for recovery of spectrum at the end of the transition. This option has been suggested by the Association for Maximum Service Television. The Commission sought comment on whether this approach would provide for a degree of improved service area replication and less interference and whether it would have less of an impact on low power television and TV translator stations. The Commission requested comment on the costs and benefits of each of these spectrum options. The Commission also provided a draft DTV Table of Allotments. This Table, which shows how digital frequencies might be allotted in individual markets, is based on the principles of accommodating all eligible broadcasters, replicating existing service areas, and sound spectrum management. While the Commission expects the final DTV Table of Allotments to be based on these principles, the Table included in the Further Notice is a draft, and revisions are anticipated. The Commission's staff will work with broadcasters and other parties to develop the Table as appropriate. The Commission also proposed that broadcasters be allowed to negotiate both pre-and- post-allotment/assignment changes where the agreement of all affected parties is obtained. Proposals for other policies, procedures and technical criteria to be used in allotting DTV channels include: * Specifying the use of existing NTSC transmitter site coordinates as the reference points for the new DTV allotments; * Deleting all existing vacant NTSC allotments to provide sufficient spectrum for DTV and, where feasible, replacing deleted NTSC vacant noncommercial allotments with new DTV allotments; -3- * Avoiding the use of TV channels 3, 4 and 6 to minimize interference to cable terminal devices, VCRs and FM radio service; and * Protecting land mobile authorizations on channels 14- 20. The Commission solicited comment on ways to minimize the effect of the DTV allotment process on LPTV and TV translator stations. The Commission proposed, however, not to change its earlier decision that low power TV and TV translator stations would remain secondary services. Finally, the Commission stated that it would not accept additional applications for new NTSC stations that are filed after 30 days from the date these proposals are published in the Federal Register and that it would not accept additional petitions for rule making proposing to amend the existing TV Table of Allotments to add new stations effective as of the close of business on the date of adoption of this Further Notice. It also stated that after the date of adoption of this Further Notice, it will continue to permit the filing of applications to modify the facilities of existing or authorized NTSC TV stations. However, the grant of any applications to modify the facilities of such stations, including applications on file before the date of the adoption of the Further Notice but granted after that date, will be explicitly conditioned on the outcome of this rule making proceeding. Action by the Commission July 25, 1996, by Sixth Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FCC 96-///). -FCC- News Media contact: Patricia A. Chew at (202) 418-0500. Office of Engineering and Technology contacts: Bruce Franca and Alan Stillwell at (202) 418-2470, and Robert Eckert at 418-2433.