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The new deadline for the transition to digital TV in the U.S. is now June 12. Stations can make the switch before then, freeing up the spectrum for public safety responders and telecommunications companies that paid almost $20 billion for the spectrum.
To date, 143 TV stations have made the switch, and many more are likely to follow. A February 3 letter from the FCC said that another 60 stations are planning to make the switch before February 17 and another 276 have notified the Commission that they plan to stick to the February 17 date. Altogether, about 61% of the TV stations in the U.S. (almost 1,100 in all) can make the switch without causing any interference.
For some stations, it's too expensive to extend the deadline, possibly adding between $10,000 to $20,000 a month to power both digital and analog signals. PBS said it would cost its stations $22 million to continue to run both signals until June 12.
The bill passed because of the concern that 5.7% of American households were unprepared for the DTV transition as of January 17. In addition, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is responsible for managing the $40 converter box coupons, ran out of money in early January, forcing it to put 2 million consumers on waiting lists.
While Republicans offered alternative legislation to get the coupon program back on track, the Democrats rejected the bill.
David Rehr, CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, says that " 'broadcasters remain deeply committed to helping viewers get their televisions digital-ready in time.' " The Association is preparing new TV spots and providing additional resources to promote the new deadline.
Source: Adweek, 02/04/2009
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