By Monica Alleven
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
It took years to get this far, so what’s four more months?
It means a lot to Qualcomm, which opposed any more delay in the digital TV transition. The Senate voted on Monday to delay the deadline until June. The House could vote on it as early as today.
“We are very disappointed with the passage of legislation in the Senate. As the House considers legislation, we are continuing to request that the legislation retain the February 17th date for nine TV stations in four markets - Boston, Houston, Miami and San Francisco,” said Qualcomm spokeswoman Christine Trimble in a statement.
Since the transition date was set three years ago, Qualcomm has invested “hundreds of millions of dollars,” including over $550 million to acquire spectrum in the FCC's 700 MHz auction last year, to extend the FLO TV service and build out the network, she said. “We have abided by the laws and regulations set by Congress and the FCC. Unlike other companies, we are prepared to launch our FLO TV service and turn on 100 new transmitters across the U.S. immediately after the transition date.”
In a letter to lawmakers earlier this month, Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs said any delay in the DTV transition date would prevent 40 million Americans – most of whom reside in the four above-referenced markets – from enjoying its MediaFLO service.
Qualcomm hasn’t released subscriber figures for the existing FLO TV service, which is offered through AT&T and Verizon Wireless, saying it’s not its place to release them.