NAB has filed comments with the FCC opposing a request of CTIA-The Wireless Association and the Rural Cellular Association (RCA) for the FCC to freeze TV facilities located on Channel 51. CTIA and RCA argue that the presence of TV stations on Channel 51 around the country has made it more difficult for wireless broadband operators who purchased spectrum in the lower portion of the 700 MHz frequency band (where adjacent Channel 52 was located) to launch services. Specifically, CTIA and RCA ask the FCC to prohibit the future licensing of TV stations on Channel 51, as well as freeze the modifications of existing TV stations on Channel 51. The broadcasting industry is unanimously opposed to the petition. NAB argued that the wireless operators knew of the presence of TV stations on adjacent Channel 51 before the 700 MHz spectrum auction, and factored this into their decisions whether to participate in the auction and the prices they paid for the spectrum. NAB also highlighted the negative impact on the public interest in viewers' access to free, over-the-air television if stations on Channel 51 are prohibited from improving the quality of their service. Reply comments are due May 12, 2011.

Click here to view NAB's comments.