Cable Industry Opposes Reconsideration Of FCC Spectrum Fees
The National Cable Television Association (NCTA) is opposing a petition for the reconsideration of the 5 percent digital spectrum fees. The petition to the FCC was submitted by the NAB and the Association of Maximum Service Television. (See Todayís News, March 24.) The current FCC rule states that broadcasters must pay 5 percent of their gross revenues if they choose to use their digital television spectrum for ancillary or supplementary services. Both the NAB and the AMST were disappointed with the ruling, contending that the fees would limit the broadcasters from creating innovative new services. According to the NCTAís filing of opposition, the organization is hoping to ensure that the extra services will not be ""unfairly subsidized by the imposition of artificially low spectrum fees.""