Over-the-air frequencies destined for wireless, no funds for new translators
The public owns the nation’s airwaves, but the public is far from unanimous about how that spectrum of wavelengths ought to be allocated.
A case in point is the growing need for more capacity for mobile broadband users and the need for rural television viewers to get broadcast signals from KUED via translator stations.
KUED’s General Manager James Borgese outlined the issue to the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government’s board last Thursday.
He said the Federal Communications Commission will be auctioning off frequencies next spring. This continues a process begun in 2006, when the FCC moved television to digital channels to provide more room for wireless communication ranging from cell phones to tablets.
The spectrum includes shifting channels between 31 and 52 to lower assignments.
While Congress has authorized funds from the sale of frequencies to cover channel conversion costs for high-power broadcasters, rural viewers depend on low-power translators on mountaintops for their signal.
Price (42) and Helper (49) are two of many rural translators that could be affected. Some cable TV companies also depend on airwave signals.
If translators are displaced, it could cost as much as $3 million to retrofit them statewide, Borgese said. And if that happens, the affected areas will “go dark” on antenna signals without help from the legislature.
The University of Utah station provides free educational, informational and entertainment programming across the state.
The alternative to antenna reception would be paid subscription service via cable or satellite.