TV Stations – Check Your Broadcast Auxiliary Licenses

TV Station licensees should review all broadcast auxiliary licenses to determine whether they authorize operations in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band.  If they do, a certification action is required by November 29, 2023.  Earlier this year, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order proposing to repurpose some or all of the 12.7-13.25 GHz band spectrum for mobile broadband or other expanded use.  That Order directed non-exempt fixed and mobile Broadcast Auxiliary Services licensees in the band to certify the accuracy of the information reflected on their licenses, including whether their facilities are operating as authorized. Doing so is designed to assist the FCC in identifying incumbent operations entitled to protection or relocation during an anticipated transition period.

No later than November 29, 2023, TV stations with auxiliary authorizations in the 12.7 GHz band should take the actions outlined in this public notice to ensure they are protected.  Broadcast Auxiliary licenses include the following types of licenses classified by the prefixes shown: RP-Broadcast Auxiliary Remote Pickup; AI-Aural Intercity Relay; AB-Aural Microwave Booster; AS-Aural Studio Transmitter Link; TI-TV Intercity Relay; TV-TV Microwave Booster; TP-TV Pickup; TS-TV Studio Transmitter Line; TT-TV Translator Relay; LP-Broadcast Auxiliary Low Power; and LV-Low Power Wireless Assist Video Devices.

Accuracy certifications are only required for broadcast auxiliary authorizations in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band, so if yours are in another band, no action is required.