FCC Releases New Incentive Auction Repacking Information

The Federal Communications Commission’s Incentive Auction Task Force released a Public Notice that seeks input on certain data and updated computer software relevant to the repacking component of the upcoming incentive auction.

Repacking is one of three major components of the FCC’s incentive auction, along with the reverse and forward auctions. It refers to the process of reassigning broadcast TV channels to free up contiguous blocks of spectrum for mobile broadband use. The notice and accompanying materials released includes the results of a preliminary analysis of whether any particular television station could be assigned or reassigned to particular channels in the incentive auction repacking process, consistent with statutory and other requirements. This information and analysis will permit broadcasters to validate the accuracy of the information regarding their stations or facilities contained in the FCC’s databases, to ensure that the staff has correctly identified all relevant constraints on repacking. It also provides an opportunity for broadcasters to evaluate the range of channels to which they could be repacked consistent with the requirements of the Spectrum Act and the Commission’s rules if they are not a “winning bidder” in the incentive auction.