Incentive Auction Webinars Coming Up

The FCC has now released more details about two TV Incentive Auction webinars to be held on February 21, 2014.

The first webinar is from 10 am – 12 noon EST and will describe the FCC’s computer program and methodology for performing “feasibility checks” during the auction to confirm – before accepting bids on spectrum offered for sale — that a viable and technically compliant arrangement of remaining TV channels can be assigned in a particular market.  The FCC needs a way to do this rapidly during each round of bidding, but to do so, they want to use computer software that will provide rough estimates of repacking scenarios instead of more precise interference calculations.  The webinar will include a moderated question and answer session at the end.  To participate in this webinar, you must RSVP to Cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov to receive login information, and specify the “feasibility check webinar.”

The second webinar is from 1-3:30 p.m. EST and will present information on a proposed methodology for predicting potential interference between broadcast television and licensed wireless services, and then answer questions.  The FCC has published its proposed methodology and requested comments, which are due February 28, 2014.  The public notice acknowledges that the FCC’s record in the incentive auction rulemaking proceeding does not address situations where TV channels will potentially be interleaved with wireless channels in some markets, and therefore does not consider interference that may be caused by TV to wireless operations.  To participate in this webinar, you must RSVP to Cecilia.sulhoff@fcc.gov to receive login information, and specify the “inter-service interference prediction” webinar.

Both webinars have potential far-reaching effects, and we encourage all TV broadcasters to participate.