(Stock image)A consortium of advocates for the low-power television (LPTV) industry have asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider a voluntary transition that will allow them to use their broadcast spectrum for 5G wireless data and video transmissions. The petition for rulemaking was filed by XGN, X1 Mobile and Tyche Media, the licensee of experimental 5G Broadcast station WCRN-LD (Channel 30) in Boston. Copsidas framed the filing around public service obligations and public safety, saying 5G Broadcast can give low-power stations a more efficient technology path while maintaining free local broadcasting. Under the proposal, an LPTV station electing 5G Broadcast would be required to transmit at least one linear free-to-air broadcast stream at a minimum resolution of 720p. The filing says Copsidas’ companies have worked across the 5G Broadcast transmission chain, including exciters, core design, receivers and field testing in the United States and European Union.