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Local TV volunteer outlines plan to restore Hamtana TV channels with fiber feed
Summary
A local presenter said using a fiber connection from Miles City and a mix of a new and an old transmitter would expand free broadcast channels for residents, with an expected $80/month fiber cost and additional transmitter purchases needed.
Doug Ryan presented a technical plan and timeline to restore and expand Hamtana TV's broadcast channels by bringing fiber to a transmitter site and reusing an older transmitter as a supplemental channel. Ryan said the new configuration would enable several additional channels (CBS, NBC, and others) and move the signal onto a fiber feed "instead of across the air," which he said should improve reception in the area.
The group discussed the cost tradeoffs: the county would not charge residents for over-the-air reception, but the project will require purchasing additional transmitters and incur a recurring fiber charge estimated at about $80 per month. Ryan asked to be placed on a future agenda to provide more technical details and copies of proposed configuration documents.
Clerks agreed to add the item to a future meeting agenda so the group and commissioners could review cost breakdowns, licensing and any associated contract language.
