The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, regarding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the Voluntary Adoption of ATSC 3.0:

“Yesterday’s announcement by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai will help the U.S. transition to the next-generation of broadcast television.  The proposed ATSC 3.0 rule will bring 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range, advanced emergency alert information, mobility and other innovations to broadcast television viewers across the United States - a win for innovation and a win for consumers.

“However, while well-intended, this initial version includes troubling language about a TV tuner mandate. We stand by our initial joint filing supporting a voluntary, market-driven transition. We also support the Commission's tentative agreement that a TV tuner mandate is unnecessary. 

“CTA has long been an advocate for the development of this voluntary rule and applauds the FCC’s swift work to make the most immersive broadcast TV viewing experience a reality. We look forward to working with the Commission to move the proposal forward as originally intended to bring the benefits of this standard to American consumers nationwide.”