During 2016 the US FCC decided to sell
some of the airwave spectrum to align the use of broadcast
airwaves with 21st century consumer demands for video and
broadband services. The idea was to ease congestion and open up
spectrum for the upcoming 5G wireless service. Bidding closed
during March 2017.
Since that time over
the air (OTA) stations have begun transitions to new station
numbers. It continues through 2019.
Dallas, for instance
has a number of stations transitioning between April 2019 and
June 2019. Dallas is also transitioning some stations to the new
ATSC3 format. The way it is making the transition is grouping
some stations together as sub numbers. No need to worry as any
station that converts must still be available for five years as
is (although the station number may change) after the change.
Next year when you get your new whizbang ATSC3 converter box you
will be able to see better live free TV with some 4K promised
and interactive programming, plus many more features.
The bottom line is that
if you are using an antenna for watching TV, it is a good idea
to re-scan for stations every few months. It only takes a few
minutes and you may find new stations. You may also discover why
a few stations seemed to stop working, but are now working
again.