SATELLITE WAIVER INFORMATION

By FCC rule, you must apply for a waiver through your satellite provider

Waiver FAQ

Q. Why did I receive waiver grants from some stations but not yours?

A. The coverage area of each broadcast station is a unique “footprint” that is determined by many factors such as terrain, antenna height, and frequency to name a few. One of the most influential factors is frequency of the station. The rule of thumb goes: The higher the frequency the more attenuation from the atmosphere. WICU, being the lowest frequency broadcast station in Erie, has the largest coverage area.

Q. My neighbor has a waiver, why can’t I get one?

A. Under Congressional law certain satellite subscribers were granted “grandfathered” waivers that eventually expire. Grandfathered subscribers often do not know they have this type of waiver. Also a request that is not processed within 30 days is granted automatically.

Q. I had a waiver and lost it. How did that happen?

A. Under FCC rule if a subscriber changes providers or moves they must reapply for a waiver. If the original waiver was a grandfathered waiver or granted by the 30-day rule then the household may not meet the requirements to receive a new waiver.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. We’ve found that the FCC is the best source for unbiased information. You can find Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act information at this link: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/shva/

Q. Can I get WICU on satellite?

A. Yes. WICU is currently carried by Dish Network from Echostar. When contacting Dish Network ask about "Local-into-Local" service.

Because of the high volume, WICU can no longer accept phone calls regarding waivers

Rooftop Antenna Tips

Make sure your antenna is pointed directly at the station you are trying to receive. Use a compass to be sure of the proper direction of the station(s). Then, because TV signals can “bend”, peak your reception by turning the antenna. Installing a rotor is a great way to remotely peak the tuning on your antenna on a regular basis.
Make sure the poles on your antenna are not bent. If they are replace the antenna.
Waterproof any out side connections with a good quality waterproof tape (electrical tape is not sufficient). Water will attenuate the signal.
If you are using a coaxial cable (rather than flat twin lead wire) an impedance matching transformer must be place between the coax and antenna. A mismatch in impedance will cause signal attenuation. The transformer is about the size of a tube of lipstick with wire lugs (“pigtail”) on one end and coax connection on the other.
Avoid putting kinks in cabling by running around sharp bends or pinching cable with staples.
While amplifiers are usually not necessary for cable runs under 100 feet, if you do use one be sure the gain is not adjusted too high. See manufacture’s instructions.
Above all, observe all safety instruction provided by the manufactures of the equipment.

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Waiver FAQ

Because of the high volume, WICU can no longer accept phone calls regarding waivers

Rooftop Antenna Tips