BAS and CARS Licensees in the 12.7-13.25 GHz Band Must Certify Accuracy by November 29, 2023

Broadcast Auxiliary Services (BAS) and Cable Television Relay Services (CARS) licensees who hold licenses in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band must certify the accuracy of the information on their licenses by November 29, 2023. The FCC is proposing to repurpose spectrum in the band for mobile broadband or other uses, and wants to determine the accuracy of information in the FCC database for BAS and CARS facilities currently operating in the band.

While many broadcasters and cable systems or other MVPDs use BAS and CARS licenses, their facilities may be licensed to frequencies not in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band. If licenses are not in the band, no filing is required. In addition, where a license is for facilities in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band, but the application for that license, or for a modification of that license, was filed on or after January 1, 2021, the license is exempt from the certification requirement. All other holders of BAS or CARS licenses in the 12.7-13.25 GHz band must file certifications by the November 29 deadline. A licensee that cannot certify the accuracy of the information on its license (for example, because information on the license is incorrect or the facilities are not operating as authorized) must cancel the license or file a modification by November 29, 2023.

If you would like more information about the certification requirements, please contact an attorney in our Media practice group.