FCC Provides Flexibility for Phase 9 Repack Stations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that it would allow stations assigned to phase 9 that are impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to move to phase 10. Testing for phase 10 begins on May 2, 2020 and ends on July 3, 2020. Many stations have reported supply chain delays and tower crew cancellations related to the shutdowns being ordered to slow the spread of COVID-19. To request authority to move to phase 10, a station should submit a waiver request using the legal special temporary authority (STA) form in a licensing management system (LMS), and indicate that such a delay is due to circumstances related to COVID-19.
It remains important to coordinate transition schedules with linked stations. A station that is assigned to phase 9 that is not experiencing COVID-19 related delays may transition on its planned phase 9 schedule, provided that it does not have any direct downstream linkages to stations moving from phase 9 to phase 10.
Please let us know if you need our assistance in requesting a waiver of the phase 9 deadline and reassignment to phase 10.
