2026 Priorities
As Presented to the FCC Media Bureau
1. Increase of ERP within the Existing LPTV/Class A/Translator Contour
LPTV power limits were established over 30 years ago and reflect the technology of the time. To place in perspective, AOL just rolled out emails and internet access in 1994. LPTV maximum digital power levels of 3 kW for VHF stations and 15 kW for UHF stations were devised more than 30 years ago using engineering theory available at the time and without the benefit of real-world receive antenna testing. These power levels are insufficient for digital stations to deliver an adequate signal to OTA viewers, especially to viewers with low cost, indoor digital antennas. Broadcast technology has come a long way and the technology exists to allow LPTV/Class A stations to increase their power while keeping their signal within the licensed contour. This would result in much improved reception for consumers and/or first responders, definitely serving the best interest of the public.
2. Pilot Programs and Innovative Deployments of 5G Broadcasting for LPTV
LPTVBA requests that the FCC Media Bureau unlock opportunities for pilot programs and innovative deployments nationwide for 5G Broadcast by LPTV operators consistent with LPTV secondary status and the call for innovation. Unlocking such opportunities would place the United States as a world leader in 5G Broadcast, particularly for first responder solutions and critical, backup emergency alerts that are critical in natural disasters such as the Texas floods and Maui fire where cell phone service went down. 5G Broadcast could have saved lives. New commercial smartphones and CPE chips are being released that combine 5G Broadcast reception on a smartphone or CPE with a return path via cell or WiFi. Many countries around the world are looking to commercially deploy 5G Broadcast with commercial receivers coming to the market in 2026, and LPTV is perfectly situated in the United States to implement this exciting new delivery system for an emergency alerts. The LPTV sector is positioned to innovate quickly, providing data to inform broader broadcast ecosystem changes.
3. Emergency Alert System
The LPTVBA strongly believes that the current EAS System is outdated and ineffective, requiring LPTV broadcasters to pay annual “update” fees to vendors using antiquated hardware vs software for delivery of alerts. Newer technology for delivering Emergency Service Alerts are more reliable and effective, delivering alerts over the internet, cell, or satellite to LPTV station
4. No ATSC 3.0 Mandate and no Sunset for ATSC 1
LPTV licensees do not wish to be mandated to convert facilities to ATSC 3.0. With the use of certificates to air “authorized” broadcasts to “authorized” receivers, annual fees are charged by private entities, many of which are full-power broadcasters, effectively eliminating free, over the air broadcasting. LPTV stations are small business operations on very tight budgets. To mandate LPTV stations to convert to ATSC 3.0 is a financial hardship unless the FCC will subsidize the costs and distribute converter boxes so no viewer is left behind. The LPTVBA strongly believes that LPTV broadcast facilities, as secondary service, should be able to use any standard that best serves the public interest of their communities, be it ATSC 1.0, ATSC 3.0, or 5G Broadcast.