After the DTV transition was completed, I stopped publishing my DTV Station Status updates but promised to continue offering the spreadsheets I create using the FCC CDBS data files that provided the data used for the updates. This week I updated the tvdb.zip file with data from the Sept. 28, 2009 CDBS files. This spreadsheet lists all current applications, permits, licenses and petitions for channel changes in the FCC TV engineering database. Effective radiated power, antenna make and model (for directional antennas), coordinates, antenna height above average terrain and other technical data is available for most U.S. stations. Data for Canadian and Mexican border stations is more limited. With the analog shutdown I'm no longer providing a DTV only spreadsheet.
I've been keeping an eye on ex-parte filings. Some interesting filings since the last RF Report include a presentation from the American Bird Conservancy in Docket WT 03-187 [PDF], looking at the impact of towers on migratory birds and compliance with the Endangered Species Act.
Clarity Media was back at the FCC, visiting Commissioner Michael Copps, apparently pushing its “Trucker TV” plan using the entire 2 GHz ENG band. The Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) discussed Clarity Media's plans as well as some other proceedings with the Media Bureau. The filings are listed in the following Public Notices: DOC-293637 [PDF], DOC-293638 [PDF] and DOC-293639 [PDF].
The FCC is seeking comments on spectrum for broadband [PDF]. The focus of the Public Notice is on determining how much additional spectrum is needed. Broadcast spectrum is not discussed, but the Public Notice does note that a 2004 National Science Foundation study found less than 20 percent of the frequency bands below 3 GHz were in use over the course of a business day, implying this spectrum may be available for wireless broadband.
