Stephens County’s petition to FCC has been disseminated, decision expected soon

Stephens County’s petition to the Federal Communications Commission has been disseminated.

According to Stephens County Administrator Phyllis Ayers, this means the county’s petition to move its orphan county citizens, receiving satellite TV services, back under the state in which they live, has been received by an FCC Official who will now review the petition.

As WNEG News previously reported, the partial Government shutdown delayed the review process; however, as the county’s petition enters the next stage a decision from the FCC should be forthcoming.

Earlier this year, Stephens County received notice that the Greenville-Spartanburg-Asheville Stations had issued an appeal, in hopes of swaying the FCC from approving Stephens County’s request.

Throughout the application process, Stephens, Franklin, Hart and Elbert counties have worked in tandem to get their citizens with satellite TV services back under the Georgia TV Market, whereas of now, those citizens can only receive news, weather and sports from the Carolinas.

Both Franklin and Hart counties have received approval from the FCC to lift their orphan county status; however, similar to what Stephens County is facing now, the Carolina stations issued an appeal against the FCC’s initial approval.

According to Ayers, Stephens County is still at the early stage of a very lengthy process.

If the FCC does decide to approve the county’s request it does not mean that Stephens County citizens with satellite TV services will instantly be switched to Georgia stations.

It could potentially be years before the switch actually occurs.

WNEG News will continue to provide coverage as additional information is released.