[opendtv] Senators Support Funds to Fill DTV Gaps
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:30:53 -0400
http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/80070
Senators Support Funds to Fill DTV Gaps
04.28.2009
Maine Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins have
introduced legislation to help broadcasters acquire additional DTV
transmission gear to fill gaps in broadcast coverage in rural areas of
the United States.
The "DTV Cliff Effect Assistance Act" would provide $125 million to
broadcasters, primarily in rural areas to purchase digital translators
that would boost DTV reception. The estimated cost for construction of
digital repeaters or translator towers run approximately
$80,000-$100,000 each to build. The FCC last year approved the use of
digital repeaters for such use.
"Delaying the conversion to digital television until June 12th has
afforded families and seniors additional time to prepare for the digital
update and ensure a smooth and easy transition for their home television
equipment. However, there are still several geographic areas in Maine
and throughout the nation that will have a weak digital signal or no
signal at all, posing a real threat to the access of digital
television," said Senator Snowe, a senior member of the Senate Commerce
Committee, which has jurisdiction over the issue. "By providing critical
funding for the construction of digital broadcast towers, this
legislation will close gaps in the digital coverage of full-power
stations and ensure the upcoming transition is as seamless as possible
for all Americans, regardless of where they live."
As a strong and ardent supporter of the Universal Service Fund, Snowe,
in particular has been a strong advocate for providing federal
assistance to expanding technology to rural areas.
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