FCC Assigns DTV Channels

WASHINGTON -- Today, the FCC released a new DTV Table which provides television stations across the country with their final channel assignments for broadcasting following the DTV transition on February 17, 2009. The new DTV Table specifies channels for over 1,800 stations. This is a significant and necessary step towards completing the transition to digital television. DTV provides consumers with better quality television picture and sound, and can make new services available through multicasting. The switch from analog to digital technology will also make valuable spectrum available for public safety uses and expanded wireless competition and innovation.

The new DTV Table is based on the tentative channel designations (“TCDs”) proposed in the Seventh Further Notice for eligible television stations, which, in turn, resulted from the channels that stations selected during the channel election process. The adoption of the new DTV Table achieves two important goals: (1) finalize the single channel on which each eligible broadcaster will operate, in digital, post transition, and (2) reduce the amount of spectrum used for television service.

Stations chose a channel for post-transition operation within the new core spectrum for TV broadcast channels (channels 2 through 51). The remaining channels (52-69) will be reclaimed for public safety and advanced wireless services.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)