Senate Republicans Agree to June 12 DTV Delay Bill

January 27, 2009

By Mike Peters

After initially blocking Senator Jay Rockefeller's (D-WV) legislation to delay the DTV transition from February 17 to June 12, Senate republicans have agreed to an amended version of the bill and will now support an extension of the analog-to-digital television transition deadline.

Senate DTV Transition Delay Bill Amended

The FCC program to prepare the public for the DTV transition has received a great deal of criticism recently from members of Congress - as well as several FCC commissioners - who have stated that if the transition takes place on the original date, millions of Americans who are not ready may lose their television signals completely. Concerns have also been expressed that the FCC call centers are not equipped to handle the expected overwhelming number of calls for help from consumers when the DTV switch goes into effect.

President Obama has requested that Congress delay the DTV transition and the additional time be used to remedy the flaws in the program - including the lack of funds in the converter box coupon program that was set up to assist with the cost of analog-to-digital boxes for consumers with older TV sets.

Consumers Can Replace Expired DTV Converter Box Coupons

In answer to Republican concerns about the bill, the amended legislation will allow television stations who have prepared and are ready for the original transition deadline to start broadcasting in digital signals on February 17 if they so choose. Also, consumers with expired converter box coupons will be able to apply for replacement coupons with an extended deadline of July 31.

In a statement, Senator Rockefeller said that barring unforeseen circumstances, the amended legislation should now go through without delay.