FCC Sets Comment Deadlines for Next Gen TV Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The FCC’s Media Bureau has set January 20, 2026 as the deadline for comments to its further proposed rulemaking related to use of the ATSC 3.0 “Next Gen” transmission standard for broadcast television.  Reply comments will be due February 18, 2026.  The FNPRM seeks volumes of information about technical issues, elimination of ATSC 1.0 simulcast requirements, application processing, coverage requirements, mandatory carriage implications, signal strength measurement levels and techniques, and the wisdom of allowing widespread elimination of ATSC 1.0 signals before consumer devices are capable of receiving 3.0 signals.