FCC Issues Declaratory Ruling To Promote Broadcast Internet Services

The Federal Communications Commission took important steps to foster the growth of next-generation data services enabled by the transition of digital television (DTV) to the ATSC 3.0 standard. That standard expands the potential ancillary and supplemental uses of broadcast spectrum for new and innovative services, such as autonomous vehicles, smart agriculture, or telemedicine, that will complement the nation’s burgeoning 5G network. These new offerings over broadcast spectrum are referred to as “Broadcast Internet” services to distinguish them from traditional over-the-air video services, which will continue to be offered alongside new data services. In its Declaratory Ruling, the FCC clarifies that long-standing television station ownership restrictions do not apply to the lease of spectrum to provide Broadcast Internet services.