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Chairpersons

Tech Giants Urge Congress to Set "Hard Date" for DTV Transition

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The CEOs of 31 leading high-tech companies, including Alcatel, AT&T, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and QUALCOMM, have signed a letter urging the House and Senate Commerce Committees to enact legislation setting a "hard date" for the successful conclusion of the transition from analog to digital television. The letter, sent on October 12, 2005, emphasizes the economic benefits of freeing up spectrum for broadband access and next-generation mobile services. The CEOs also highlight the benefits of releasing spectrum for public safety communications upgrades, as recommended by the 9/11 Commission.

Key Takeaways:

  • 31 CEOs of leading high-tech companies, including Alcatel, AT&T, Dell, Intel, Microsoft, and QUALCOMM, signed a letter urging Congress to set a "hard date" for the DTV transition.
  • The letter emphasizes the economic benefits of freeing up spectrum for broadband access and next-generation mobile services.
  • The CEOs estimate that extending broadband access to all Americans would result in 1.2 million new jobs.
  • The letter highlights the benefits of releasing spectrum for public safety communications upgrades, as recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
  • The High Tech DTV Coalition, a group of leading trade associations and companies, advocates for an early date-certain for the DTV transition.
  • The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has scheduled a mark-up next week of legislation to set a hard date for completing the DTV transition.

Statistics:

  • 31 CEOs signed the letter urging Congress to set a "hard date" for the DTV transition.
  • The estimated 1.2 million jobs that would result from extending broadband access to all Americans.
  • The letter was sent on October 12, 2005.
  • The High Tech DTV Coalition includes 10 trade associations and 21 companies, representing multiple sectors of the U.S. economy.

Sources:

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"Letter to Congressional Leaders," High Tech DTV Coalition, October 12, 2005.

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"About the High Tech DTV Coalition," High Tech DTV Coalition.

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