ATSC 3.0 Multicast Licenses Go Into Effect

FCC licensing rules for ATSC 3.0 multicast streams are now in effect, the FCC Media Bureau said in a public notice Thursday. The Media Bureau “is ready to accept Next Gen TV license applications that involve simulcast multicast streams and/or non-simulcast 1.0 multicast streams,” according to the PN. The multicast rules for broadcasters hosting each other’s content as part of the 3.0 transition were approved in June as part of the agency’s order on ATSC 3.0 sunsets (see 2306230067). With the rule changes effective, the bureau will no longer process or extend grants of special temporary authority connected with 3.0 multicasts. Before the June order, the bureau used the STA process to permit broadcasters to host the programming of other broadcasters. Broadcasters airing multicast streams under STAs have a “grace period” until Dec. 18 to file a multicast license application, the PN said.