Nexstar completes ATSC 3.0 rollout across top 25 U.S. markets

Completing the top 25 markets provides the physical scale required for Nexstar and its partners to commercialize datacasting beyond traditional television. By using IP-based broadcast infrastructure, Nexstar can now push for mass-market adoption of its EdgeBeam Wireless services, including digital signage and precision GPS backups. This technical alignment across major metros also strengthens the industry's leverage with the FCC to eventually set a sunset date for the legacy ATSC 1.0 standard. Watch for the activation of commercial datacasting contracts as EdgeBeam begins using this unified footprint for automotive software updates and localized data delivery.

Additional context

The completion of the Cleveland rollout follows an aggressive period of infrastructure building by EdgeBeam Wireless, a joint venture between Nexstar, Sinclair, E.W. Scripps, and Gray Media. Per Light Reading in April 2026, EdgeBeam acquired the Broadspan datacasting platform from Sinclair to serve as the control plane for its national hybrid network. This allows broadcasters to route data via ATSC 3.0 for high-bandwidth tasks while utilizing 4G connectivity for lighter dual-connectivity requirements. EdgeBeam leadership indicated in the same window that the venture intends to target the automotive and CDN markets, which they estimate to have a collective annual addressable value of over $7 billion.

While the technical rollout is maturing, the standard remains in regulatory flux. Per TV Technology in June 2026, broadcast industry groups continue to petition the FCC to establish a definitive sunset date for legacy ATSC 1.0 signals. Broadcasters argue that mandatory simulcasting creates a 'worst of both worlds' scenario where they must fund two parallel transmission systems. However, consumer advocacy groups have warned the FCC that a premature shutdown could leave millions of households with older TV sets disconnected, leading to ongoing debate over tuner subsidies and transition timelines.

Hardware adoption has also seen steady gains, though it trails the infrastructure pace. Data from Business Research Insights in June 2026 showed that approximately 14 million ATSC 3.0-enabled televisions were sold in the U.S. during 2024, with that number growing as over 70% of premium 2025 TV models now include integrated NextGen TV tuners. As of mid-2026, ATSC 3.0 signals are estimated to cover roughly 76% of all U.S. television households, providing the reach necessary for interactive features and localized 4K content to become a standard part of the over-the-air viewing experience.