Future of Local TV Hinges on Mobile Revolution and a Collaborative Path
In the US a pivotal debate is underway at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with low-power television (LPTV) stations asserting that the future of local broadcasting depends on embracing 5G Broadcast as a direct path to the mobile-first world. This position stands in contrast to the National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) recently intensified push urging the FCC to implement a mandatory nationwide transition to ATSC 3.0 for full-power stations by 2030 and require ATSC 3.0 tuners in all new TV sets. Meanwhile Sinclair Group is stimying HC2's recent petition to the FCC which seeked approval for LPTV stations to adopt the 5G Broadcast standard. The LPTV community asserts 5G Broadcast is a complementary solution and advocates for a future where both protocols can thrive by serving distinct market segments.
"The 5G Broadcast standard is 'complementary' to ATSC 3.0, not in competition with it," stated Frank Copsidas, President of the LPTV Broadcasters' Association, in comments to Communications Daily earlier this year. This sentiment is echoed in HC2 Broadcasting's petition to the FCC, which seeks authorization for LPTV stations to voluntarily adopt 5G Broadcast. HC2's filing emphasizes that "Limiting 5G Broadcast eligibility to LPTV stations will mitigate any impact on the rollout of ATSC 3.0 by full power and Class A TV stations," clearly outlining a vision of distinct operational spaces for each technology.
Advocates argue that ATSC 3.0, while robust for fixed, large-screen viewing, has not adequately addressed the booming mobile consumption trend. As Ron Bruno, a Pittsburgh LPTV broadcaster, stated, it's "in the public interest for us to use our spectrum to serve consumers by broadcasting to the devices that they use, which is cell phones," noting that "U.S. adults now consume more video on 5G-compatible devices than they do on TVs." Qualcomm, a key technology provider, reinforces this, asserting that "because the 5G Broadcast standard is informed by mobile technologies, it makes its incorporation in mobile handsets, tablets, and other portable devices attainable."
However, significant resistance still persists from influential industry players. At the core of the dispute are two visions for how broadcast spectrum can best serve the public and generate revenue in a mobile-first world: On one side is the more cautious stance of groups like Sinclair and the NAB, who raise concerns about insufficient technical data regarding 5G Broadcast's potential for interference. On the other side is a collaborative approach from proponents who are actively presenting research to address these claims. HC2 has already filed an engineering report on experimental testing, and Milachi Media supports this, arguing that tests of the technology "showed no interference with existing broadcast or mobile networks, confirming that 5G Broadcast can coexist with current infrastructure."
The LPTV community's proposal for 5G Broadcast's complementary approach reflects a sound strategy to ensure economic sustainability, leveraging a standard tailored for mobile engagement. This push highlights the nuanced challenges facing the FCC as it navigates complex technical considerations and the broader industry's path toward maximizing broadcast spectrum's value in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
