The Replacement Digital Translator rules adopted by the Commission earlier this month were published in the Federal Register on May 20. According to the item as published, the new rules go into effect on June 19, except for Section 74.787(a)(5)(i), which governs the application process for the new service. Since that subsection involves “information collection requirements”, it must first be approved by the Office of Management and Budget. The Commission has shipped the item over to OMB with a request for expedited review. The smart money figures that OMB won’t have any problem with the new application forms and related rules, so it’s entirely possible that the Commission will be hanging out the “Welcome” sign for new applications just about the time (June 19) that the rest of the new rules take effect. Stay tuned and check back here for updates.
