FCC freezes channels’ maximization

[Gregg Lengling]

Bill McConnell
Broadcasting & Cable
1/24/2003 5:21:00 PM
   The Federal Communications Commission said Friday that it would no longer accept applications to maximize analog- or digital-TV coverage areas on channels 60 through 69.

The commission said it will waive the freeze on applications in cases where it is necessary to resolve interference or mutual exclusivity conflicts or to serve the public interest, and then only as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Pending applications as of Jan. 24 will continue to be processed.

The FCC is planning to auction the channels for new services, and it said preventing further signal maximization on the band will make it easier to turn over unencumbered spectrum to the winners.