Broadcasters to square off with FCC

This week, the FCC submitted a long-range plan to Congress for approval that includes reducing the spectrum for television broadcasters by about 40 percent, CNet News reported Wednesday.

The FCC is betting the country will orient itself to digital broadband and wants to claim space on the spectrum for Internet and wireless mobile phone providers.

About 300 MHz of spectrum is currently allotted to television. The FCC wants the industry to give back about 120 MHz in the next five years.

"The FCC is staking out a really aggressive stance on spectrum," said John Hane, an attorney at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. "And if there isn't a lot of political opposition to do this now, just wait. They'll rally it," he said, referring to television broadcasters.

"If I am a broadcaster, I'd see this as a coercive plan that may include a voluntary escape hatch. But in general, I don't see how it can be good for broadcasters," Hane said.

"This fight will go on for a long time. I don't see any way they can stick to this schedule," he said.

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