WASHINGTON-Legislation has been introduced with the goal of speeding the transition to digital television, which in turn should make spectrum in the attractive 700 MHz band available more quickly.
“Our legislation breaks the logjam between the three industries and is vital for the transition to bring DTV to consumers,” said Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.).
One of the three industries, TV manufacturers represented by the Consumer Electronics Association, has indicated its support for the bill.
The bill gives the Federal Communications Commission 30 days to accept an agreement between CEA and the cable industry that would eliminate set-top boxes for digital content. Boxes would still be necessary for services such as video on demand.
The FCC must also set digital signal power levels by July 1, 2004, if the bill passes before then.
TVs advertised as digital-ready must be able to receive free over-the-air digital content, if the bill passes.
Boucher introduced the bill along with Nebraska Republican Rep. Lee Terry. Both serve on the House Commerce Committee.
TV broadcasters were given an extra channel (6 megahertz) of spectrum to convert to digital. After the transition, that spectrum is to be divided between public-safety (24 megahertz) and commercial (36 megahertz) uses. A guard band of 6 megahertz has already been auctioned to band managers, but the 30 megahertz for commercial use has yet to be auctioned.
The broadcasters must give back their extra spectrum by Dec. 31, 2006, or when 85 percent of the homes in their viewing area are capable of receiving digital signals, whichever is later.
