Advanced Television

FCC

Pearl TV launching NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Programme

As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers next steps on the transition to ATSC 3.0 television broadcasting in the US, Pearl TV has announced the NEXTGEN TV Converter Box Programme, an industry-led effort focused on ensuring that over-the-air TV households have an affordable and user-friendly way to access NEXTGEN TV services while continuing to rely […]

January 5, 2026

FCC examines SpaceX’s 15,000 sat-constellation plan

The FCC’s Space Bureau has opened a consultation period into a SpaceX modified application to launch 15,000 satellites into a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). According to the FCC’s Public Notice DA 25-1018 (released December 5th) the Space Bureau confirmed the application meets the baseline technical requirements for consideration. This procedural milestone triggers a 30-day […]

December 11, 2025

EchoStar: “Severe uncertainty” led to spectrum sales

Denver-based satellite operator EchoStar has told the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that it had no intention of selling off its valuable spectrum, but said it did so due to uncertainty fuelled by the FCC’s investigation into its usage. EchoStar sold spectrum to AT&T and SpaceX. The FCC filing confirmed a meeting between EchoStar founder and […]

December 10, 2025

FCC votes in favour of C-band spectrum

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-0 on November 20th to advance plans to auction key wireless spectrum crucial for advanced technology uses, with one objective being to improve connectivity between airlines and telecom companies, according to Reuters. The FCC said it was considering whether some C-Band wireless auction proceeds – likely to happen in […]

November 24, 2025By Chris Forrester

FCC issues C-band plan

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued its much-expected Notice of Proposed Rulemaking covering its wish to tap into satellite’s Upper C-band (3.84-4.2 GHz) spectrum. The FCC is inviting comments on a range of options including auctioning up to 180 MHz with the ultimate goal of maximizing the amount of spectrum for next-gen wireless services […]

November 24, 2025By Chris Forrester

SES backs C-band action from FCC

The FCC unveiled plans earlier this week to again hold an auction of satellite C-band spectrum. It has now emerged that SES, the main satellite beneficiary of the restructuring, is firmly in favour of the FCC’s scheme. The FCC plan is to auction “at least” 100 MHz by July 2027. The FCC said the commission […]

October 31, 2025

FCC plans further C-band auction

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has circulated a proposal to advance America’s leadership in wireless by seeking comment on auctioning additional mid-band spectrum in the Upper C-Band. The draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will seek comment on a range of options, including auctioning up to 180 megahertz of spectrum in the 3.98-4.2 GHz band for next-gen […]

October 30, 2025By Colin Mann

FCC wants progress on ATSC 3.0 TV

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is pushing hard for broadcasting’s ‘next-gen’ ATSC 3.0 adoption – which can handle 4K, High Dynamic Range (HDR) immersive audio and other valuable benefits for viewers. But it means considerable investment for broadcasters. ATSC 3.0 was adopted by the FCC as a standard back in 2017, and if transmissions […]

October 9, 2025By Chris Forrester

FCC plans ‘Space Assembly Line’

FCC chairman Brendan Carr is not everyone’s favourite legislator, but his latest proposal looks like winning favourable support from the industry. He wants to create a ‘Space Assembly Line’ in order to ‘fast track’ applications and to demolish barriers to entry for the space and satellite sector. However, good as this idea is, he also […]

October 8, 2025By Chris Forrester

Academic calls for FCC disbandment

Mark Jamison, Non-resident Senior Fellow at public policy think tank The American Enterprise Institute, has suggested it is time to disband the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), arguing that it has “run its course”, having become “a convenient political tool”. Writing in the AEIdeas blog, he suggests that current FCC Chairman Brendan Carr now has the […]

October 3, 2025By Colin Mann