We're on the same wavelength! TV stars cosy up to flog spare Hz

A pair of TV stations in Los Angeles, California, will squeeze into the same frequency band in a test that clear the way for better wireless broadband.

KLCS and KJLA have agreed to share a single over-the-air stream to broadcast standard-definition and HD video, freeing up spectrum space in the process. If that works out, it means more stations can budge together and sell off newly vacated, valuable radio bands to wireless broadband carriers.

For the test to be a success, viewers should not notice any changes in quality of the broadcasts on either station, and each broadcaster must remain accessible on their current channels. US communications watchdog the FCC must green-light the project before it can be carried out sometime in this quarter.

If that all goes according to plan, wireless industry group CTIA said it hopes to free up spectrum space nationwide, and then auction off that spectrum to carriers. TV broadcasters will receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their spectrum, we're told.

"Since spectrum is a finite and valuable resource, channel sharing is truly a win-win-win for consumers, broadcasters and wireless providers," boasted CTIA chief executive Steve Largent.

"This helps broadcasters ensure that over-the-air customers may continue to enjoy their programming while the wireless industry continues to invest and innovate so it can meet the insatiable demands of its consumers for everything from broadband access to the internet of things." ®