The FCC's Media Bureau has indefinitely postponed the start of nationwide digital-only licensing for low-power television and TV translator stations.

The Media Bureau began accepting applications for digital-only low-power television and TV translator stations in rural areas on August 25, 2009. The licensing was planned to be extended to all geographic areas on July 26, 2010.

The Media Bureau has postponed the nationwide licensing in order to facilitate proposals included in the National Broadband Plan. The National Broadband Plan recommended that the Commission initiate a rulemaking proceeding to reallocate broadcast television spectrum and to consider repacking techniques for television channels. To aid the Commission’s evaluation of spectrum reallocation, repacking proposals, and impact on licensing of low-power television facilities, the Media Bureau postponed the launch of nationwide licensing.

The Media Bureau will announce a start date for nationwide digital-only licensing following the conclusion of the rural broadband proceedings.

The Commission will continue to accept applications for new digital-only LPTV, TV translator stations, and for major changes to existing analog and digital LPTV and TV translator facilities in rural areas. Other applications permitted under the rules, such as applications for digital on-channel conversion (“flash cut”), will continue to be accepted. To ease the digital transition, the Commission will also accept digital companion channel applications from existing low power television, TV translator, and Class A television stations starting on July 26, 2010.

You can contact Hossein Hashemzadeh (technical) or Shaun Maher (legal) at the Video Division, Media Bureau at (202) 418-1600 with further questions.