Media Bureau Grants 5G Broadcast Experimental License

The FCC Media Bureau has granted an application to allow Milachi Media-owned low-power television station WWOO-LD Westmoreland, New Hampshire, to test 5G broadcasting, said a letter Friday. LPTV Broadcasters Association President Frank Copsidas has touted the tech as a datacasting alternative to ATSC 3.0 (see 2306120003). Data transmitted through 5G broadcasting can be received by existing 5G devices, Copsidas has said. “During the testing period, Milachi will continue to provide traditional television programming using 5G Broadcast, while also using 5G Broadcast to work with first responders to provide enterprise video and data services, as well as emergency alerts,” the letter said. “Emergency alerts could be received by members of the public on 5G enabled devices, such as their smartphones, tablets and televisions, in less than one second as opposed to between 30 seconds to 3 minutes on a cell phone or 15 seconds by FM radio,” the letter said. The grant lasts until Jan. 16, and doesn’t include an expectation of renewal, the letter said.