Protect My Antenna

Americans have had the right to access over-the-air broadcast TV using an antenna for decades. The right to use modern technology to do so is now at risk. Speak out and ask your lawmakers to protect your right to use a cloud-based antenna.

On June 25, 2014, the United States Supreme Court issued a decision that could deny you the right to use an antenna of your choice to access live over-the-air broadcast television. This is a massive setback for consumers.

Make your voice heard

Contact your lawmakers and tell them how disappointing it is to you that the nation's highest court has issued a decision that could take away your right to use a cloud-based antenna to access live over-the-air broadcast television.

The spectrum that the broadcasters use to transmit over-the-air programming belongs to the American public and you should have a right to access that programming whether your antenna sits on the roof of your home, on top of your television or in the cloud.

Ask your elected officials to take action to protect your right use an antenna to access live free-to-air broadcasts, including a modern antenna located in the cloud.

Enter your zip code to find your representatives and send an email, Tweet or Facebook post. Take action today.

Learn More

Since the dawn of television, American consumers have had the right to use an antenna to watch over-the-air broadcast television. And since that time, new technologies have emerged that have enhanced the television watching experience. From VCRs to DVRs, from rabbit-ear to cloud-based antennas, innovations in technology and equipment have made consumer access to free broadcast television simpler and more convenient.

Using an antenna to watch TV is still meaningful for more than 60 million Americans across the United States. And when new technology enables consumers to use a smarter, convenient antenna, consumers and the marketplace win. Broadcast television should not be available only to those who can afford to pay for a cable or satellite bundle.

The Supreme Court’s decision is troublesome for consumers and the future of technology and innovation. Find more information about Aereo’s journey below.

Background Information

+-Opinions
- US Supreme Court Majority Opinion & Dissent(June 25, 2014)
- Second Circuit Court of Appeals Decision(April 1, 2013)
- Southern District of New York Decision(Judge Alison J. Nathan) (July 11, 2012)
+-Aereo’s Briefs
- Aereo’s US Supreme Court Respondent’s Brief(March 26, 2014)
- Aereo’s U.S. Supreme Court Brief on Petition for a Writ of Certiorari(December 12, 2013)
- Aereo’s Second Circuit Court of Appeals Appellee’s Brief (Second Circuit) (October 19, 2012)
+ - Amicus Briefs
- Brief of Dish Network L.L.C. and Echostar Technologies L.L.C. as Amici Curiae in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of the American Cable Association in Support of Aereo (April 2, 2014)
- Brief of Competition Law Professors, Southwestern Law Student Andrew Pletcher, and Professor Michael M. Epstein, in Association with the Amicus Project At Southwestern Law School, as Amici Curiae in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Public Knowledge, the Consumer Electronics Association, and Engine Advocacy in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of Small and Independent Broadcasters in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of Amici Curiae of Law Professors and Scholars in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of the Consumer Federation of America and the Consumers Union in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of Computer & Communications Industry Association and Mozilla Corporation as Amici Curiae in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- Brief of 36 Intellectual Property and Copyright Law Professors as Amici Curiae in Support of Aereo(April 2, 2014)
- The Consumer Federation of America and Consumers Union in Support of Aereo (Second Circuit)(November 13, 2012)
- Intellectual Property and Copyright Law Professors in Support of Aereo Amicus Brief (Second Circuit)(October 26, 2012)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation, Public Knowledge, and the Consumer Electronics Association Amicus Brief in Support of Aereo (Second Circuit) (October 26, 2012)
- CCIA & Internet Association Amicus Brief in Support of Affirmance (Second Circuit)(October 25, 2012)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation & Public Knowledge Amicus Brief (District Court)(May 23, 2012)
- NetCoalition and CCIA Amicus Brief (District Court)(May 22, 2012)

An Inside Look

Hear from the individuals behind Aereo’s creation and operation as they give you an inside look at Aereo and its technology:

About This Site

We've created this website to provide information about these very important issues. In the Background Information section, you'll find various court briefs including ones written by policy and industry thought leaders such as the Consumer Electronics Association, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Computer & Communications Industry Association, Public Knowledge, the Center for Democracy in Technology and others.

We hope you’ll take the time to read about these issues and why the stakes are much bigger than just Aereo.