KUID-TV signal moves to channel 25 in Kellogg area

KELLOGG – In August, the KUID-TV signal broadcasting from the translator at Wardner Peak will change from channel 49 to channel 25.

Beginning August 1, viewers in the vicinity (Kellogg, Wardner, Pinehurst, etc.) who receive the KUID signal via an over-the-air antenna will need to perform a rescan of their digital TV sets or tuners in order to lock the new channel into their receiver’s channel maps. The signal currently broadcasting on channel 49 will no longer be available after August 15.

Information on performing a rescan is located at fcc.gov/rescan.

According to Rich Van Genderen, Idaho Public Television’s director of technology, the Wardner Peak translator serves the Kellogg area and repeats or translates the KUID-TV signal from Moscow.

Last year, as part of the FCC’s nationwide Broadcast Spectrum Incentive Auction, telecommunications company T-Mobile purchased spectrum in the 600 MHz block across the continental United States to bolster their cellular network. The Kellogg translator sits right in the middle of T-Mobile’s purchased spectrum and is required to change channels no later than October 17, 2018. IdahoPTV was successful in applying for and receiving a new channel assignment to remain whole in the Silver Valley area.

“A nod should be given to T-Mobile in that they graciously offered to pay for the equipment and services necessary to relocate our service to a new channel,” says Van Genderen. “So although this is an inconvenience, at least it isn’t an unfunded mandate for us to meet.”