Federal Communications Commission	FCC 20-43


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR

Re: 	Rules Governing the Use of Distributed Transmission System Technologies, MB Docket No. 20-74; Authorizing Permissive Use of the “Next Generation” Broadcast Television Standard, GN Docket No. 16-142.

I know the term ATSC 3.0 does not exactly roll off the tongue.  And we can probably rest assured that no one burned through scarce marketing dollars when they came up with it.  NEXTGEN TV (as it’s known in the industry) is a significant improvement, but I think that only tells half the story.  Because what we’re talking about is an innovative technology that can bring new and creative services to market—from an efficient means of delivering updated data files to entire fleets of autonomous vehicles to supporting IoT and telemedicine applications.  That’s why I think a better term is “Broadcast Internet.”

	In my view, Broadcast Internet services are part of a broader shift we’re seeing towards next-generation connectivity—one that is going to usher in a new wave of innovation and opportunity for Americans.  So I was glad the FCC moved the ball forward in 2017 when we authorized broadcasters to begin a voluntary transition to Broadcast Internet services.	 

Barriers to the widespread buildout of Broadcast Internet services remain.  And that is why I am pleased the Commission is proposing to remove some of them in this item.  We do so by making it more efficient and economical for broadcasters to use distributed transmission systems (or DTS), which will improve signal strength, allow for geo-targeted programming and services, and help speed the adoption of Broadcast Internet technology.  And I thank my colleagues for supporting my edits that highlight the potential for broadcasters to provide next-gen services alongside traditional—but enhanced—broadcast programming.

I want to thank the Media Bureau for its work on the item.  It has my support.
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