DTV Bill Heads to President’s Desk

The U.S. Senate has finally approved Feb. 17, 2009, as the last day of analog broadcasting in the United States, setting the stage to complete the country’s digital television (DTV) transition.

As part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the DTV transition is expected to raise billions from wireless broadband providers when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctions off the analog spectrum returned by broadcasters.

Part of the returned spectrum will also be used by public-safety officials to improve interoperability between first responders, a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

Although the Senate made no changes to the DTV portion of the legislation, Democrats managed to make some healthcare-related changes that will require House approval before sending the bill on the White House for President Bush’s approval.

The House may meet as early today in a pro forma session to deal with the Senate changes.

“After years of debate and negotiation, the stage is now set for a groundbreaking change in American innovation and public safety,” Ralph Hellmann, senior vice president for Government Relations at the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), said in a statement.

“The expected presidential approval of the reconciliation package means that the last hurdle has been cleared.”

Hellmann said with a hard date set for the DTV transition, “America’s tech companies can move forward with innovation that takes advantage of the available spectrum. The door will finally be open for the development of new technology products and services that provide exciting benefits for consumers and businesses.”

The legislation provides $1.5 billion in digital converter-box subsidies for the approximately 15 percent of U.S. households (20 million) that currently receive exclusively over-the-air broadcasts.

Other subsidies included in the bill include $156 million for a national alert system, $43.5 million for a fully enhanced 911 emergency system, $75 million to help low-power television stations upgrade to digital TV standards and $30 million to help New York City’s DTV transition.

First responders will also receive $1 billion in grants for interoperable equipment and training.

All of the subsidies will be funded through the returned spectrum auction expected to happen within the next two years.
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