The U.S. House is expected this week to take another stab at legislation that would give consumers more time to prepare for the transition from analog to digital TV.
In remarks to the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee last week, acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps said the next few weeks will be as difficult as any that the commission has ever faced and since he’s had a chance to “look under the hood,” things don’t look any better. “If anything, they look worse,” he said.
“I wish we had more time and additional resources to prepare, and maybe we will get them yet,” he said. Meanwhile, the FCC is coordinating more closely within the FCC and other entities and stepping up efforts to maximize the number of consumers nationwide who will have access to an Analog Nightlight station.
AT&T and Verizon have supported a limited delay, but Qualcomm, which uses spectrum vacated by TV stations to offer its FLO TV service, stands to lose if the delay gets approved. The company has asked that any legislation at least retain the Feb. 17 transition date for nine TV stations in Boston, Houston, Miami and San Francisco.
The Obama administration is in support of a delay. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told news agencies last week the House is expected to pass a delay until June 12.