Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


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.

Whether you are talking about Broadcast Internet or NextGenTV, ATSC 3.0 is the future of broadcast television.  With this item, the FCC brings that future another step closer to reality.  We do so by making it more efficient and economical for broadcasters—including Class A, LPTV, and television translator stations—to use distributed transmission systems (or DTS), which will improve signal strength within local markets, allow for geo-targeted programming and services, and speed the adoption of ATSC 3.0.  Thanks to this dynamic new technology, broadcasters will have a seat at the table in the next-gen wireless ecosystem, where broadcast spectrum can leverage its inherent strengths to compete in this market.  

Indeed, increased DTS deployment will result in greater cellularization of the broadcast signal.  Outdated single-stick antennas will be replaced with multi-node systems that enhance coverage in a station’s authorized service area while limiting interference outside the market.  And early transitions suggest that broadcasters are looking to deploy more nodes throughout a market, which will greatly enhance their ability to provide next-gen services.  As the number of nodes increases, the likelihood of interference outside the market will decrease.  Our action today will help facilitate this advanced architecture, and I want to credit the Media Bureau staff for identifying a path forward from the NPRM that will promote DTS deployment while providing greater protection for other spectrum users, such as LPTV stations and white space devices.  The TV band is not a zero-sum game, and we’ve left plenty of space for multiple services to flourish.  Now it’s time to build.

When we authorized broadcasters to begin a voluntary transition to ATSC 3.0 in 2017, not everyone was on board.  But I think it’s clear that the approach we’ve taken is working.  Broadcasters are making great progress in their NextGenTV offerings—even during the pandemic—and many are already exploring ways to support advanced data services.  And as I learned first-hand when I helped lead the FCC’s efforts to promote Broadcast Internet offerings, the industry is eager to build upon these early successes.  So as we move forward, I hope the FCC will continue to support the deployment of ATSC 3.0 and the consumer benefits and innovations it will enable.
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