| Description |
1 online resource (ii, 39 p.) : col. ill., maps |
| System Details |
System requirements: Adobe Reader. |
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Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
| Note |
Title from cover screen (viewed on Dec. 4, 2011). |
|
"September 2011." |
| Summary |
Television stations that broadcast at lower power levels were not required to meet the 2009 digital transition deadline for full-power stations. These low-power television stations transmit over a smaller area, and most are less regulated than full-power stations. Low-power television stations use valuable radio frequency spectrum, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) noted the stations' digital transition could aid its efforts to clear spectrum for wireless broadband. GAO examined (1) low-power television stations' location and status in transitioning to digital, (2) FCC's steps to transition low-power television stations to digital and whether these stations are facing challenges transitioning to digital, and (3) why low power television stations were established and the extent to which FCC collects information to determine if low-power television service is meeting FCC's statutory and policy goals. GAO analyzed FCC data and documents, reviewed stakeholder comments, and interviewed agency officials, stakeholders, and low-power television licensees. FCC should (1) explore options for assessing the impact of low-power stations on the communities served and on FCC's goals, and (2) work with Congress as necessary to determine what the long-term role of Class A stations should be, whether additional stations should be permitted to apply for Class A status, and what criteria stations must meet to qualify for such status. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Note |
"GAO-11-790." |
| Subject |
United States. Federal Communications Commission -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
|
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Digital television -- Government policy -- United States.
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Low power television -- Government policy -- United States.
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Television -- Transmitters and transmission.
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Television frequency allocation -- United States.
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| Indexed Term |
television digital FCC 'television stations' 'low-power television stations' |
| Added Title |
Telecommunications : enhanced data collection and analysis could inform Federal Communications Commission's efforts to complete the digital transition of low power television stations and reallocate spectrum |
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Enhanced data collection and analysis could inform FCC's efforts to complete the digital transition of low-power television stations and reallocate spectrum |
| Running Title |
Low-power television service |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-11-790 |
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