NAB and the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) filed a pair of joint comments in the last few weeks largely in support of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) efforts to create a new class of digital translator that will help broadcasters ensure complete digital coverage post-transition. If implemented, the FCC rules would allow broadcasters to expeditiously secure approval and construction permits for television translators to fill in so-called "loss areas" that may be an inevitable result of the transition to all-digital broadcasts. According to the proposed rules, the new translators, unlike existing translators, could be owned and operated only by broadcast stations and only to cover a "demonstrated loss area." This new class of translators comes on the heals of another FCC Report and Order dealing with distributed transmission system technology (DTS) that together give broadcasters more tools in the all-digital world.

While few commenters in the translator proceeding opposed the new class of translators outright, wireless companies mounted fierce opposition to one aspect of the proposal that would allow broadcasters to place translators on channels 52-59 as a secondary service. Channels 52-59 represent the so-called "lower 700 MHz" band that was auctioned off last year to a number of wireless companies that hope to build out broadband networks. The FCC rules, however, explicitly say that any translators operating in that band would be secondary to new wireless services and would be removed if they caused harmful interference. In reply to wireless company and association filings, NAB and MSTV argued that broadcasters would rarely build translators to operate in the lower 700 MHz band, largely because of the built-in limitations and possible short life span. In most instances where translators are necessary, in-core channels will be available. NAB/MSTV initial comments are available here and reply comments are available here.