Microsoft Wants Waiver Process, Not DTS Changes, for ATSC 3.0

Create a waiver process for broadcasters to use ATSC 3.0 distributed transmission systems, rather than loosening rules to allow them, said Microsoft in calls with aides to FCC Commissioners Mike O’Rielly and Geoffrey Starks last week, per a filing in docket 20-74. A draft order on proposed DTS changes has been circulated to eighth-floor offices (see 2010260051). “Given the technical complexity of the issue, it is difficult in a conversation, to discern the full impact of the rule changes,” Microsoft said. Extending a station’s DTS signal beyond its protected contour “would adversely and unnecessarily impact the availability of television white spaces spectrum,” the company said. “Instead couple the current standard with a waiver process to permit coverage of communities located just beyond the protected contour.”