Microsoft, ACT Clash With NAB, APTS on DTS

Microsoft, ACT|The App Association and business group Voices for Innovation want the FCC to shelve ATSC 3.0-connected rule changes to allow distributed transmission systems (DTS), but public TV and NAB say the rule changes would help finalize transition plans and serve viewers (see 2011100067). “Allowing the extension of the DTS signal beyond a station’s protected contour would adversely and unnecessarily impact the availability of television white spaces spectrum,” said Microsoft in a call last week with an aide to Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, according to a filing in docket 20-74. “The proposed rule changes will provide unneeded service area expansions to broadcasters that will substantially reduce available spectrum for TV white spaces,” said Voices for Innovation in an ex parte filing posted Friday. The FCC's “laudable work” on TVWS “is already being placed in jeopardy” by the DTS proposal, said ACT. “Contrary to some claims, amendment of these rules would not change the interference protections to which broadcasters are entitled and would not change the size of ‘white spaces’ exclusion zones,” said NAB and America’s Public Television Stations in a call with Rosenworcel aides. “We urge the Commission to move forward with these technical changes.”