The simple reason is that the FCC mandates broadcasters use the ATSC standard. ATSC Mobile DTV is compatible with this standard, so viewers with DTV set-top boxes and DTV sets will be able to receive the legacy ATSC signals while the station is transmitting a Mobile DTV stream. The use of any other standard, such as DMB-T or DVB-H, even if it were allowed by the FCC, would not be compatible with existing over-the-air DTV in the U.S. These viewers wouldn’t be happy if they lose their TV service. Non-broadcast spectrum holders in the 700 MHz and 1400 MHz spectrum use whatever standard they wish, including DVB-H or DMB-T, but broadcasters are limited to ATSC.

However, with the wide range of content the will be offered on broadcast Mobile DTV stations including local news, traffic and childrens’ programming, don’t be surprised if some of the 700 MHz spectrum users use ATSC Mobile DTV to provide the maximum number of channels to their subscribers.

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