The Media and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus have scheduled a 12-day window for the filing of applications for digital companion channels for LPTV, TV translator and Class A TV television permittees and licensees.
From May 1, 2006, through May 12, 2006, the commission will permit the filing of applications for such digital companion channels. Applicants must electronically submit a short-form application (FCC Form 175) and technical data from FCC Forms 346 or 301-CA to specify their proposed digital companion channel.
The bureaus will announce at a later time the specific procedures for the filing of FCC Form 175 and associated technical data. Only existing LPTV, TV translator and Class A TV station permittees and licensees will be permitted to file for digital companion channels during this window.
According to commission rules, existing permittees and licensees in these services must choose between one of two methods for making the DTV conversion. They may select an on-channel digital conversion of their analog channel or they may seek a digital companion channel that may be operated simultaneously with their analog channel.
Any permittee or licensee with a license, construction permit or pending application for on-channel digital conversion cannot submit an application for a companion digital channel for the same station.
The Media Bureau also announced a freeze on the filing of LPTV, TV translator and Class A analog and digital minor change, analog and digital displacement, and digital on-channel conversion applications from April 3, 2006, through May 12, 2006.
For more information, visit www.fcc.gov.
