U.S. radio industry technical leaders are emphasizing the importance of registering your downlinks by mid-July.
We’re reported recently about reminders from organizations like NPR and the Society of Broadcast Engineers. In this week’s Monday Morning Coffee Technical Notes, Larry Wilkins of the Alabama Broadcasters Association expands on the point.
He reminds readers that the FCC will be evaluating the C Band (3.7–4.2 GHz) for possibly repurposing for wireless broadband use. The band is used by many broadcasters for satellite distribution of programming.
[Read more about the history of this topic. “Mid-Band Spectrum Talk Worries Broadcasters,” Jan. 2018]
He stresses: “It is critical that you register your downlink so the FCC is aware of it during this 90-day window or you risk losing ALL of your satellite programming. The 90-day window closes on July 18, 2018.”
Wilkins adds, “Stations are also encouraged to contact your FCC attorney and let him or her know where you stand on the issue.”
C Band downlink stations need to be registered no later than July 18, according to Wilkins. There is a $435 fee, though NCE stations can get that waived.
He also shares a link to useful specific directions from space providers SES and Linkup Satellite. Read his post.
