Since its law in 2009 for airwaves to be digital, does that mean all the old analog signals are up for grabs?

Question

Like if I wanted to put out my own pirate tv station on unused signals, is that theoretically possible?

Answer 1

One of the biggest reasons for the switch over to digital was because the government was going to make a good sum of money selling the analog signals.  I would guess most of them are already spoken for, but I really have no idea about that.  I do know that they will still be used by someone, however.

Answer 2

Most will be used for things like emergency broadcasts, amber alerts, and the like.

As far as the pirated tv station...it is possible but like the previous post says, the FCC will pay you a visit.

Answer 3

>does that mean all the old analog signals are up for grabs?

No. What are now channels 2-51 will be used for digital TV broadcasts. Channels 51-69 are being sold off or used by the government.

Of course in most areas, not all channels are used. But just like now, running a non-licensed TV station can lead to a very unpleasant visit by the FCC.

Have you thought about starting an Internet TV station? No regulation that I know of.