March 18 Deadline for Comments on the NPRM to Enable Repurposing of VHF/UHF Bands

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would permit new uses for spectrum in the VHF and UHF bands and lay the groundwork for incentive auctions of television broadcast spectrum has now been published in the Federal Register, triggering comment deadlines.  Comments are due March 18 and Reply Comments on April 18.

The NPRM seeks comments on three items: (1) adding new allocations for fixed and mobile broadband services in the existing television bands to make all television spectrum available for future broadband use; (2) establishing a regulatory framework for television stations to share channels; and (3) improving television service on VHF channels.