The FCC has updated its rules to promote the introduction of ancillary and supplementary broadcast services known as Broadcast Internet that are enabled with the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 television broadcasting standard. According to the FCC, the spectrum efficiency advancements provided by ATSC 3.0 will allow broadcasters to provide high-quality, free, over-the-air digital television with extra capacity to complement 5G wireless networks with Broadcast Internet data services. The FCC’s order clarifies fee structure issues so that broadcasters can partner with third parties to provide new services without paying excessive government fees. The Order also adopts proposals aimed at facilitating noncommercial educational television (NCE) station services, including nonprofit, noncommercial, educational Broadcast Internet services provided alongside television programming.
