CCA Auction Repacking Stance 'Unreasonable and Unbalanced,' Says NAB
The Competitive Carrier Association's objections to a proposed loosening of the 39-month FCC repacking deadline and an expansion of the associated reimbursement fund for broadcasters are “unreasonable and unbalanced,” said NAB in a filing in docket 12-268 Monday. CCA’s “unwillingness…
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to engage in a factual discussion of the repacking challenge” is exposed by its recommendation of punishments for broadcasters who don't complete relocation inside 39 months, NAB said. “None of the sanctions CCA proposes depend on whether a broadcaster’s inability to complete its transition was within its control.” A CCA suggestion that broadcasters could abide by the timeline by beginning preparation work for the repacking now misunderstands the facts of the situation, NAB said. “Obviously, stations cannot possibly know in advance whether or not they will be repacked or to which channel they may be reassigned.” The CCA letter also wrongly dismisses broadcaster concerns about the availability of qualified tower crews, NAB said. The idea that more crews can easily be trained ignores the difficult “unique tasks” associated with broadcast antennas and “the tragic consequences of the wireless industry’s own experience with crash programs of antenna installation using unqualified personnel,” NAB said. Repacking deadlines shouldn't be set until the results of the incentive auction are known, NAB said. "It is irresponsible and unreasonable to take a 'fingers crossed' approach to one of the most complex transitions the Commission has ever undertaken.” “CCA continues to believe that the budget set by Congress and the FCC’s planned timeline based on the Spectrum Act, which was approved by the D.C. Circuit, for broadcaster relocation are reasonable and should be re-affirmed,” said CCA President Steve Berry in an emailed response. “Setting a definitive transition period and enforcing the congressionally mandated budget will encourage forward-auction participation, reallocate more spectrum for mobile broadband use that consumers crave, and help create next-generation technology investment. We continue to support the FCC’s transition timeline and look forward to a successful auction and transition.”