The FCC has released an agenda for its December 15 Open Meeting. Broadcasters may be interested to know that a Second Report and Order and Second Memorandum Opinion and Order concerning unlicensed operation of Ultra-Wideband (UWB_ Transmission) Systems is being considered. Satellite operators are concerned about interference to C-band downlinks from UWB operations, as UWB systems can radiate energy around 4 GHz. The item responds to proposals made in the previous Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and addresses the petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the previous Memorandum Opinion and Order in this proceeding," according to the agenda.
There were no digital TV items on the agenda, although rumors persist about the FCC moving on a transition plan early in 2005. See DTV: The Wheels Grind On in TV Technology's NewsBytes.
Broadcasters and consulting engineers are still waiting for the FCC table showing stations' Form 381 coverage elections and their protected coverage areas. With the delay in issuing the table, it appears certain the deadline for filing FCC Form 382 will move into mid-January, as requested by MSTV and NAB. See last week's RF Report for details on their filing.
The agenda also states that the FCC will consider a Report and Order governing the use of satellite earth stations operating in the C and Ku-band (uplink and downlink) onboard vessels.
