Amont the first recommendations offered to Congress the FCC is starting with USF reform, mobile data roaming, set-top-box reform and cybersecurity. The agency plans to implement more than 40 policy proposals from its plan.

The number of broadcast viewers has risen over recent years with the digital transition bringing more channels to many areas and the overall awareness being raised through last year’s transition and advertising campaigns. With the inevitable on-set of Mobile Digital Television (MDTV) broadcasters see additional revenue models through use of the spectrum.

Wireless broadband advocates argue that the smartphone and tablet explosion will require more bandwidth than is currently available and the spectrum will help alleviate some of the traffic concerns.

“I think it’s a false choice to think it has to be either broadband or broadcasting,” said NAB executive vice president Dennis Wharton. “[Broadcast] is a one-to-everyone transmission system as opposed to a one-to-one transmission system as used by the internet and cellphone providers … We are much more spectrum-efficient than are other communications providers.”

The FCC’s proposal would require broadcasters to return the 120 MHz spectrum to the government so it can be auctioned off for broadband use. Broadcasters say this would limit channels available in many areas often eliminating say niche programming such as foreign-language and religious channels.

Wharton also claims Verizon and AT&T haven’t yet deployed any of the 108 MHz of wireless spectrum gained during the last year’s digital transition, which required broadcasters to reduce channels from 2 – 69 to 2 – 51. “Now we’re being asked to return more spectrum to the government, and we think there’s a way to work with government to maybe accomplish the goals that they are seeking without threatening all the television stations throughout the country,” said Wharton.

10TV Becomes First In Ohio To Offer Mobile TV

COLUMBUS, Ohio

— Taking the next step in technology, WBNS 10TV has become the first station to deliver live broadcasts to mobile devices, 10TV’s Andy Hirsch reported Tuesday. 

New technology allows viewers to watch their favorite 10TV programs right in the palm of their hand, on a cell phone or other mobile device. The 10TV tower is the only one in Ohio transmitting the mobile digital signal, Hirsch reported. The devices capable of receiving the mobile signal were unveiled at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.

“There’s a lot of people who can’t get home to see newscasts or the shows they want to see,” said Pat Ingram, WBNS-TV director of engineering. “They have their kids at soccer practice they’re in the grocery store, waiting in line or something.”

Using phones or USB drives that connect to laptops and desktop computers, several new devices that receive the mobile signal are set to be released this spring, Hirsch reported.

“It’s local programming, local content, plus this is free,” Ingram said. “We’re not charging a service for this, we’re not charging a monthly agreement like cell phone companies do.”

You will also be able to watch 10TV’s mobile signal on a laptop using a USB drive device that acts as a receiver and there is no cell phone or Wi-Fi connection needed, Hirsch reported. You should be able to retrofit some phones, like iPhones and Blackberry’s, and new devices with the technology built in are scheduled to hit store shelves this spring, Hirsch reported. 
 
Article Source: http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2010/03/02/story-columbus-10tv-mobile-television.html?sid=102