NAB, NCTA, ACA, NPR defend their distribution 'backbone'

Broadcasters and cable operators are on the same page when it comes to the FCC doing lots more looking before leaping into expanding terrestrial wireless access to the C-band spectrum.

That came in a joint filing that included the American Cable Association and NCTA-The Internet & Television Association, the National Association of Broadcasters and NPR.

Related: NPR says U.S. Should Divide C-Band to Conquer 5G

They point out in a joint letter to the commission that video and audio programming delivered via the C-band serves 142 million Americans, representing what they called "the backbone of the infrastructure for delivering video content to American consumers.”

The FCC sought input on the band as part of the MOBILE NOW Act requirement it produce a report on expanding access, as well as in its Notice of Inquiry on expanding use of mid-band spectrum.

Related: NAB Says C-Band Sharing Isn't a Given

To make the point that the FCC still has a lot of questions to answer, they listed more than 40 in their letter, including how interference risks would be mitigated if the band is repacked; how the FCC determines whether or not they will be effective; how big would the guard band between new wireless users and incumbent broadcast and cable users; how incumbents would be compensated if the band is repacked and spectrum auctioned to wireless; what costs would be reimbursed; and the veritable host of others.

The bottom line, they say, is that "much more information is required before the Commission can make an informed decision."