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As an avid wireless consumer, I am pleased to hear that Congress is addressing the long-awaited transition to digital television broadcasting (DTV) as part of the budget reconciliation bill. Completing this transition will free up airwaves for public safety communications and advanced wireless services.
The DTV transition will make airwaves currently occupied by broadcasters available for critical purposes such as upgrading communications systems for our nation's first responders. Every day, America's first responders face serious challenges due to dangerously congested radio communications systems. A swift and certain transition to digital television will make valuable analog spectrum available for our nation's emergency personnel to communicate more efficiently and effectively in crisis situations when every second counts, whether they are responding to natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, terrorist incidents like 9/11, or everyday crises like highway accidents or missing children.
Not only will first responders get much-needed spectrum to improve our public and personal safety, wireless companies will be able to provide innovative, affordable, and advanced wireless services throughout America, especially in rural and underserved areas beyond the reach of cable and DSL .
So, for the benefit of your constituents and all Americans, I urge you to fully support the budget reconciliation bill which includes language for a swift and certain transition to digital television. There's simply no reason to delay the public safety and consumer benefits of a successful DTV transition.
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