NAB Says C-Band Sharing Isn't a Given

Broadcasters are warning the Federal Communications Commission not to weaken protections for current spectrum users, like broadcasters, in its race to free up more spectrum for wireless broadband. While that sounds like it could be a 2014 advisory on the potential impact of the broadcast incentive auction, it was actually the National Association of Broadcasters calling on the commission to require "detailed" technical proposals for sharing C-band spectrum rather than simply "assume that technical solutions will appear that will allow incompatible services to share spectrum."

The FCC is preparing a report--Mandated by the MOBILE NOW Act--on the feasibility of current C-band satellite spectrum users sharing their 3.7-4.2 GHZ spectrum band with terrestrial wireless broadband users. That report needs to be in the hands of the appropriate committees by Sept. 23, 2019, so there is still time to hash out the issue. Broadcast networks use the C-band to deliver their content to over 1,000 affiliates, as do cable networks to their MVPDs, as does NPR to get its programming to public radio stations. NAB told the FCC that before it allows the band to be shared with unlicensed devices or licensed wireless broadband services, it needs to do its due diligence to make sure incumbents are not subject to harmful interference.