FCC Proposes DTS Rule Changes For ATSC 3.0.pdf

1. In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), we seek comment on changes to the Commission's rules governing the use of a distributed transmission system (DTS) by a broadcast television station. Consistent with the joint petition for rulemaking submitted by America's Public Television Stations (APTS) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), we seek input regarding technical changes to the DTS rules that could enable the broadcast television industry to expand DTS use as it deploys the next generation broadcast television standard (ATSC 3.0). The Commission's current rules regarding DTS use were first adopted more than a decade ago in advance of the digital television (DTV) transition, which was completed for full-power television stations in 2009. Petitioners contend that, while certain characteristics associated with ATSC 3.0 make the use of DTS more efficient and more economical in conjunction with that standard, the Commission's current rules inhibit expanded DTS deployments, particularly near the edge of a station's coverage area.

2. We seek to facilitate the use of new and innovative technologies by broadcasters. In particular, as the Commission has recognized, the voluntary transition to ATSC 3.0 could enable broadcasters to offer enhanced over-the-air programming, wireless broadcasts and emergency alerts, and advanced data services supported by broadband connectivity. DTS technology used in conjunction with ATSC 3.0 technology thereby has the potential to promote enhanced service offerings to broadcast television viewers, public safety organizations, and consumers of next generation services.

3. Traditionally, a broadcast television station transmits its signal from a single elevated transmission site central to the service area, resulting in a stronger signal available near the transmitter and a weaker signal as the distance from the transmitter increases. Non-uniform terrain or morphological features can also weaken signals, regardless of distance from the transmitter. One way for a station to augment its signal strength is to provide fill-in service using one or more separately licensed secondary transmission sites that operate on a different radiofrequency (RF) channel than the main facility, i.e., a television translator. By contrast, a distributed transmission system employs two or more transmission sites located around a station's service area, each using the same RF channel and synchronized to manage self-interference.

4. Current DTS Rules. More than a decade ago, the Commission first recognized the potential uses and benefits of DTS technologies when the transition from analog to digital broadcasting brought with it the ability to transmit multiple television signals on the same channel without causing harmful interference, thus making DTS feasible for television for the first time. In November 2008, the Commission adopted a Report and Order establishing rules for the use of DTS technologies by television stations. The Commission's current rules regarding DTS use were first adopted more than a decade ago in advance of the digital television (DTV) transition, which was completed for full-power television stations in 2009.

5. We seek comment on whether and, if so, how to modify our DTS rules to ensure that broadcasters planning to deploy ATSC 3.0 are able to use DTS effectively while at the same time minimizing potential impacts on other spectrum users. To that end, we seek comment on amending our rules consistent with the changes proposed in the Petition. As Petitioners note, the Commission has recognized numerous potential benefits of DTS technology, including the ability to serve hard-to-reach viewers, improved indoor and mobile reception, and the more efficient use of TV spectrum.