Information on Low Power Television, FCC's Spectrum Incentive Auction, and Unlicensed Spectrum Use

The Government Accountability Office was asked to review the possible effects of the auction on LPTV and translator stations and their viewers.

This report examines: (1) LPTV and translator stations and how FCC’s incentive auction might affect their viewers, (2) selected stakeholders’ views on actions FCC has proposed to mitigate the possible effects of the auction on such stations, and (3) selected stakeholders’ views on the expected outcomes of preserving a vacant television channel for unlicensed use.

GAO reviewed relevant FCC proceedings and comments associated with those proceedings; surveyed a non-generalizable sample of 330 LPTV and translator station representatives with available e-mail addresses; and interviewed officials from FCC and industry stakeholders selected to represent various types of organizations, such as broadcast industry associations and technology companies.