Future of C-band Radio Content Distribution

[Titanium]

Always enjoy "The Broadcast Engineer's" take on technical subjects.


View: https://youtu.be/Pe3WvHQMf38?si=mGVeCQneDTqZ8KTN

 

[WhiteBeard]

So, bye-bye to video distribution also. I guess I won't buy another LNBF tp knock out the 5G encroachment. Which means that I'm going to have to pay for subscriptions at a time when costs are going up everywhere - especially medical insurance.

 

[telstar_1]

I serviced a radio station to keep them getting Rush Limbaugh. They were just using a home-type dish

 

[Titanium]

So, bye-bye to video distribution also. I guess I won't buy another LNBF tp knock out the 5G encroachment. Which means that I'm going to have to pay for subscriptions at a time when costs are going up everywhere - especially medical insurance.

Huh??? The distribution model evolves, but C-Band distribution will continue for many more years...

 

[WhiteBeard]

Huh??? The distribution model evolves, but C-Band distribution will continue for many more years...

The guy in the video said that the FCC was going to auction off the rest of C-band. If that means radio is going away then so is TVRO?

 

[comfortably_numb]

C-Band distribution will continue for many more years

Unless I misunderstood the proposed guidance from the FCC, they want to eliminate all but 100Mhz of the C-band, is that not still correct?

 

[Titanium]

The FCC will likely put up 100 MHz (1/2 of the remaining C-band frequencies) for auction in a few years, negotiate an spectrum abandonment buyout and interference mitigation with current licensees. Based on the last auction, maybe 5 years before implementation? The sky isn't falling, the window size is just changing.

 

[TNGuy84]

Unless I misunderstood the proposed guidance from the FCC, they want to eliminate all but 100Mhz of the C-band, is that not still correct?

100Mhz is not that much, though. With that being the only satellite TV frequencies not susceptible to rain fade, the going rate for remaining channel space will probably be through the roof. (The law of supply and demand) If channels pay through the roof for that privilege, they're not going to want to give away their programming for free for FTA use. They'll likely encrypt it.

 

[WhiteBeard]

I was planning on buying the C140 but should I wait? I'd "hate" to buy one and then have to replace it within the next year.

 

[Titanium]

Based on the last c-band auctions, likely be 4 or 5 years before any spectrum changes.

 

[comfortably_numb]

Based on the last c-band auctions, likely be 4 or 5 years before any spectrum changes.

Looks to be 2027

Thread 'FCC Votes to Clear at Least 100MHz of Upper C-Band Spectrum'

Nov 20, 2025

"The Federal Communications Commission by a 3-0 vote adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to advance Congress's mandate to clear a minimum of 100MHz of Upper C-band spectrum no later than July 2027 for auction and eventual use for 5G and 6G wireless service."

"The vote comes four months after Congress adopted and President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB Act) reinstituting the commission's authority to conduct spectrum auctions and directed the FCC to free up spectrum in the 3.7-4.2GHz band for competitive bidding for terrestrial wireless flexible use...

• Martyn
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

• 

 

[JFOK]

Looks to be 2027

Thread 'FCC Votes to Clear at Least 100MHz of Upper C-Band Spectrum'

Nov 20, 2025

"The Federal Communications Commission by a 3-0 vote adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to advance Congress's mandate to clear a minimum of 100MHz of Upper C-band spectrum no later than July 2027 for auction and eventual use for 5G and 6G wireless service."

"The vote comes four months after Congress adopted and President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB Act) reinstituting the commission's authority to conduct spectrum auctions and directed the FCC to free up spectrum in the 3.7-4.2GHz band for competitive bidding for terrestrial wireless flexible use...

• Martyn
• Replies: 9
• Forum: Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

• 

Hi all,

Looks like we're being slowly squeezed out of our hobby.

John

 

[Titanium]

An auction is one of the early steps of the process. Remember that once licenses are awarded, implementation took another 4 plus years (and in many areas, yet to be launched). My prediction remains... 4 or 5 years.

 

[WhiteBeard]

I ordered a C140. I hope it clears up the 5G interference that I'm currently experiencing. Hopefully I'll get a couple of years use out of it.

 

[k4otl]

To me, satellite is a reliable backup to terrestrial sources. Having lived thru Hurricane Helene and the substantial internet disruptions, where only landlines (sometimes) worked and two-way radio and broadcasters were the only means of communication, internet reliability is an oxymoron around here. Additionally, internet is normally very reliable, but during disasters it's the first thing to go.

If C band completely goes away, I'd say instead of a primary C band satellite feed with internet backup, it'll be a primary internet feed with a Ku band backup. Yes you have rain fade but I can deal with rain fade on my backup when my primary is gone. Not saying I like it, but makes the most sense, you still retain good reliability and save money.

 

[Comptech]

It does not matter, they have been getting us used to streaming service for years. Even ATSC 3.0 is tracking and selling stuff to us with the spying. I do not even watch TV anymore. Nothing worthwhile. I can not evenr give away a 10 foot perforated Unimesh wit a ortho feed and norsat LNB's, with a actuater and a ASC1. Plus the pc tuners and stb's. What does that tell you how people feel about the future?

 

[JFOK]

It does not matter, they have been getting us used to streaming service for years. Even ATSC 3.0 is tracking and selling stuff to us with the spying. I do not even watch TV anymore. Nothing worthwhile. I can not evenr give away a 10 foot perforated Unimesh wit a ortho feed and norsat LNB's, with a actuater and a ASC1. Plus the pc tuners and stb's. What does that tell you how people feel about the future?

Comptech,

I think most of the younger generation today, is basically too lazy to take part in our hobby.
They can get instant gratification by streaming. They don't possess the thrill of the search for feeds, like we have. They are too impatient.
Ours is a dying hobby that only we can appreciate, for what it allowed us to do.

John

 

[cpalmer2k]

To me, satellite is a reliable backup to terrestrial sources. Having lived thru Hurricane Helene and the substantial internet disruptions, where only landlines (sometimes) worked and two-way radio and broadcasters were the only means of communication, internet reliability is an oxymoron around here. Additionally, internet is normally very reliable, but during disasters it's the first thing to go.

If C band completely goes away, I'd say instead of a primary C band satellite feed with internet backup, it'll be a primary internet feed with a Ku band backup. Yes you have rain fade but I can deal with rain fade on my backup when my primary is gone. Not saying I like it, but makes the most sense, you still retain good reliability and save money.

Satellite is definitely much more reliable, but it's clear even the providers want to get out of that business sooner rather than later. A large amount of syndicated programming on both radio & TV is already delivered via IP today. The majority of the stations around where I live even do most of their live sports programming and remote events using 5G hotspots nowadays and have been for years. I realize it isn't universal, but with providers and fiber expanding the majority of stations have access to at least one or more high speed internet sources they can rely on now. If they're using Spectrum, but want a backup, AT&T, 5G, or even Starlink are all viable options nowadays.