Local TV frequencies changing

Consumers who use antenna will need to rescan their televisions

About 1,000 television channels will be changing their frequencies from now until July 2020 to make room for more mobile broadband services, said Jean Kiddoo, a Federal Communications Commission spokeswoman.

This will require consumers who use antenna to rescan their televisions.

But what does rescanning mean? Will I have to do it? What channels are changing? Here’s what you need to know.

What channels are changing?

Locally, there are seven Connecticut channels that will be changing frequency beginning August 2:

WCCT- TV (CW200)

WEDH (Ch24: Connecticut Public Television/PBS)

WFSB-TV (CBS3)

WHPX-TV (Ch26)

WTIC-TV (Fox61)

WUTH-CD (UniMás Hartford Ch47)

WVIT-TV (NBC30)

What do I have to do to get these channels?

Cable and satellite subscribers will not need to change their services or rescan their televisions, Kiddoo said.

Most viewers will not need new devices or services to access the channels, but follow the instructions provided on the FCC website for rescanning a TV.

To rescan the television locate the “setup” or “menu” button on the television remote and follow the on-screen instructions for the television to conduct an autoscan, often labeled as “Chanel Scan,” “Auto Search” or “Chanel Tuning.” The auto scanning will pick up all available television stations in the local viewing area.

Viewers who use antenna to access local stations should rescan their TV periodically throughout the next few weeks as the stations across Connecticut changing frequencies will do so on a rolling basis, Kiddoo said.

Why are the channels changing frequencies?

The change in frequencies will help open airwaves for new high-speed wireless services, according to the FCC website.

The channel number on the television will not change, just the frequency used to by the television to access the channel over the airways.

“Nationwide, millions of U.S. households watch TV exclusively over-the-air with an antenna on local channels affiliated with the major networks and hundreds of independently owned-and-operated television stations,” Kiddoo said in a statement regarding the changes.

How can I get help in rescannning?

For assistance in rescanning your TV, visit www.fcc.gov/TVrescan. Representatives are also available for assistance over the phone daily from 8 to 1 a.m. at 1-888-225-5322.