CEA/CTIA Pitch Low-Power Broadcast Model

Groups argue that alternative to high-power/high-tower broadcasting would free up spectrum for wireless broadband

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/22/2009 11:04:58 PM

The Consumer Electronics Association and CTIA-The Wireless Association say they know how to preserve over-the-air broadcasting, including HD, while freeing up spectrum for wireless broadband. But it will take a radical remake of the current broadcasting system.

In a filing at the FCC on spectrum reclamation, the pair said it would require re-engineering a system that now depends on full-power stations with interference protection that leaves too many channels unused.

Instead, they say, the government could change the current high power-high tower system into a low-power network of multiple transmitters that would allow stations to operate close to each other and free up channels for other uses.

The groups argue that could free up 100-180 MHz for mobile broadband, while leaving consumer equipment intact and allowing broadcasters to continue to use all of their 19.4 mbps data stream and 6 MHz channels.

They also say broadcasters should not be asked to cover the cost of such a transition. Though they concede there would be some disruption as broadcasters went from one transmitter to a network of them, they add that would be balanced against the value of freeing spectrum for other uses.

The groups project the cost at between $1.37 billion and $1.83 billion, which they call "well within the realm of reason given the value of the spectrum." That value has been estimated as high as $60 billion.

CEA and CTIA said the proposal was an effort to make "spectrum available for important wireless broadband needs while ensuring no disruption for consumers and no injuries to over-the-air full-power broadcast television capabilities while, at the same time, potentially enabling next generation television services along with next generation wireless spectrum."