TV Stations Urged to Protect 13GHz Operations or Lose License

posted on 10.23.2023

- Nov. 29 Deadline to Certify with FCC

Texas Television broadcasters have until Nov. 29 to certify the accuracy of their 13GHz licenses – commonly used for studio-transmitter links or ENG – or risk either losing interference protection or having their license canceled altogether.

Sam Matheny, NAB’s chief technology officer, noted in a missive to members last week that stations holding a fixed point-to-point or mobile/ENG license in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band must certify to the FCC by Nov. 29 that the information on the license is accurate and that the facilities are operating as authorized.

The certification is required to allow the FCC to open the 13 GHz band to new, non-broadcast, entrants.

Corrections and other “minor modifications” to the license data must be made in the Universal Licensing System (ULS) with detailed instructions provided in Section 3 of the FCC’s public notice.

Matheny, who has made several presentations at the annual TAB Show in recent years, explained that the FCC froze major modifications of 13GHz facilities unless a waiver is granted.

FCC rules provide the criteria for major modifications, including changes in transmit antenna location by more than five seconds and changes in emission type, and the commission is likely to consider waivers that do not increase relocation costs that must be paid by new entrants.

Questions? Contact TAB's Oscar Rodriguez or call (512 322-9944.

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