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NTIA says LightSquared proposal could pose national security threat
Last summer it looked like Philip Falcone's LightSquared was on the path to a democratic LTE solution: a coast-to-coast network, incorporating satellite connectivity to cover the entire country. It's an ambitious goal to be sure -- perhaps too ambitious. In a letter to the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) warned that the wholesaler's wireless network, which would operate on the MSS spectrum, could interfere with systems like Department of Defense communications. Here's the snag: last year the FCC approved the company's initial proposal to create a network that would incorporate both terrestrial and satellite services. Now LightSquared wants to offer the option of terrestrial-only phones to their clients. According to the NTIA, such a system would require far more land-based stations, causing potential MSS overcrowding and increasing the risk of interference with everything from aeronautical emergency communications to Federal agency systems. The FCC has yet to make a decision on the revised proposal, and LightSquared hasn't made a peep, leaving us to wonder whether it was all too good to be true.
White House gets involved in spectrum fight, says more is needed for competition's sake
The Fed's already been aggressively moving to get out ahead of this impending spectrum crisis that everyone seems to be predicting these days, but now the NTIA -- the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration -- is chiming in, and the sentiment pretty much echoes what's already been said by everyone else (besides the broadcast TV peeps, that is). The NTIA's coming at it from the angle that wired broadband alone won't be enough to support sufficient competition for rural internet access, something that the FCC has made a priority, and that digging up free airwaves is now "a primary tool for promoting broadband competition." They've got some headwind and plenty of bigwig opposition to make that a reality, but there's some hope for freeing up a few slivers of government-owned spectrum as well; at any rate, it's said an additional 300MHz is necessary to keep pace with demand over the next six years, so it'll take a small miracle to keep everyone out of a crunch.
Number of folks unready for DTV transition falls to 4 million
Just days ago, we heard that the DTV voucher waitlist was completely gone, and now that those have started to flow again, the amount of Americans still unready for the switchover sits at 4.1 million. Compared to right around two months ago, that's definitely a marked improvement from 6.5 million still in the dark, and we fully anticipate that number to continually shrink as we inch closer to June 12th. Of course, there's going to come a time when the figure simply won't fall any lower, as a sliver of those still not ready will, frankly, remain that way. More power to 'em we say -- just keep the booze and bullets locked up and everything will be okay.
DTV voucher waitlist gone, expired coupon holders can re-apply
Good news for those of you going bonkers over your expired DTV converter coupons -- the voucher waitlist has been cleared out a little early and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is ready to accept new applications. No word on how many vouchers are left in the budget or how long it'll take for this last batch to clear out, but hey -- you should have had this taken care of months ago, Chico. Hop to it.
DTV coupons begin flowing once more, waitlist should vanish in 3 weeks
For all of you still waiting for a little governmental assistance in buying that DTV converter box that you should've purchased months ago (we kid... a little), we've excellent news. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is overseeing the program, has announced that it has finally begun to ship $40 vouchers towards the purchase of these very boxes once more. The waitlist has grown some 4.1 million deep since the subsidy program ran dry back in January, but the agency is hoping to have that cleared within three weeks. Of course, you better not procrastinate on your second chance -- who knows how quickly the $650 million it has left will last.[Image courtesy of BreakItDownBlog]
Converter coupon waitlist still 4 million deep
Sure, Tuesday the 17th doesn't hold the same luster as before, but a key reason for this day coming and passing is the converter coupon program running out of cash. The waiting list recently measured around 4 million strong, with 100,000 or so coupons going out each day as older ones expired and freed up funds. It'll only take two weeks to clear the list completely once the additional funding from the stimulus package comes through, unfortunately too late to avoid a pushback of the DTV switch. Waiting for a coupon and live in a place where all / most of the stations are shutting off analog today? You're still on the same first-come, first-served list as everyone else, but we're sure you followed our advice and picked up the necessary equipment with plenty of time to spare.
Retrevo matching people who have DTV converter coupons, people who want them
Really? Congress and the NTIA couldn't figure this out? As we all know, many people have coupons that they aren't using, and many other people are on the waiting list for those coupons while the coupon program waits on more cash. If you belong to either group, the folks at Zatz Not Funny have pointed out Retrevo, a site you can visit to connect with each other. It's just that simple.[Via Zatz Not Funny]
Rockefeller details DTV Delay Act: No guarantees this is the only one, stations can go all-digital before June
Now that Senator Jay Rockefeller's bill seems likely to pass, we're able to find out more about it, and what compromises were made. Besides heaping blame upon the outgoing administration for this mess (and rightfully so, but since most of the people on Capitol Hill today have been there for several years -- albeit in different positions -- we figure there's plenty to go around), a statement notes this should be the last delay "barring emergencies" but don't expect any guarantees just yet. As it stands, while we still wait for that additional funding to come through for the converter coupon program the bill will allow the NTIA to re-issue coupons to households with expired, unused ones, while letting broadcasters shut off analog before the new June 12 deadline and public safety organizations use the now-vacated spectrum once it's available. Is 115 days enough/too much to straighten things out, or just the new administration delaying what seems like an inevitable PR disaster? Expect more details once it comes to a vote next week.
Digital TV subsidy program nearly dry: get your vouchers now
When the FCC's Kevin Martin asserted that the 2009 digital TV transition subsidy program was nearing the end of its financial rope back in October, no one really paid him any mind. After all, this ain't the FCC's gig. Now, however, an AP report on the topic is confirming the fears, noting that the NTIA itself is "warning that unless lawmakers step in quickly with more funding or new accounting rules, it will have to create a waiting list for coupon requests." Should this occur, new vouchers would only be sent out once previously mailed vouchers expired without being used. As of now, only $68.2 million of the $1.34 billion set aside for this program remains free, and after February 17th comes and goes, you can bet the interest will skyrocket. Moral of the story? Get your request in now if you're in need (check here to see if you are).[Via ShellyPalmerMedia]Update: The well is dry! Yikes!
DTV coupon requests surging in LIN TV blackout markets
Here's an interesting one. While we'd say it's perfectly normal to see upticks in voucher requests from areas affected by early analog shutoff drills, this here is just bizarre. According to a release put out by the American Cable Association, an irregular surge in coupon requests has occurred in three markets where Time Warner Cable dropped LIN TV's stations after the two couldn't come to a retransmission agreement. On top of that, FCC chairman Kevin Martin has reportedly asserted that the voucher program is running out of cash, but given that this isn't the FCC's program, we'd take that as speculation more than anything. Either way, because of this blackout, it seems consumers are asking for items (and thus, cash) they probably don't even need. Look LIN TV, we know you loathe TWC, but please -- put your stations back online. Do it for the taxpayer. Do it for love.
Digital TV switch facing hurdle over...postage stamps?
We expected some potential issues concerning the analog TV shutoff next year, but even we (and apparently the Commerce Department) could not have predicted they'd run low on stamps necessary to send out $40 discount coupons for digital television converters. Apparently nearly 60% of the coupons sent out expired before they were actually used -- maybe people are waiting to see which digital converter to buy -- resulting in n unexpected number of new mailings. Funds from the unused coupons goes back to the program and will still be available for more requests, however the budgeted administrative funds to actually mail the things is limited, and may need to be expanded. According to Reuters, the NTIA should have a clearer picture after July 1, but this could cause some issues for those still waiting to request the discount.
Digital Stream DTX9950 converter box touts analog pass-through
Dilly-dallying around, are you? Even if you haven't taken the time to secure a digital converter box for the impending 2009 analog shutoff just yet, RadioShack has a box incoming that may tickle your fancy. The Digital Stream DTX9950 not only enables your antiquated set to receive OTA signals long after the February 17, 2009 switchover (Wilmington, North Carolina notwithstanding), but it also features an analog pass-through. According to the company, said feature will "enable consumers who watch full and low-power TV stations to do so without the need for a splitter or A/B switch to a digital-only converter box." Better still, this one is NTIA approved, meaning that your $40 government voucher can be used on the $59.99 device if it's still valid as of this week.
Microtune blows the whistle on converter boxes
Did you get a DTV converter box yet? If so, Microtune, a company that makes tuners used in some of the boxes, may have some bad news for you. In a test of five different boxes (off the shelf) that did not employ its tuners, all five showed interference problems. Unfortunately, there's no detailed description of the observed problems, but in a letter to the NTIA, the company's President said that the units did not meet the FCC requirements for coupon-eligible converters. Sure, the fact that Microtune is the only U.S. manufacturer of tuners used in any of the DTV converters puts an air of skepticism over the whole matter. But we're in agreement with the company's contention that trouble-free operation is well worth a marginal cost increase to the consumer. Hopefully the company will come forth with a more detailed description of its findings so we'll know whether to add "has a Microtune tuner" to the list of criteria for DTV converter selection.[Via TVSnob]
Channel Master CM-7000 DTV converter box now coupon eligible
Although Channel Master's CM-7000 was announced some time ago, many assumed the "HDTV compatible" logo on the front would keep it from becoming eligible for use with those $40 government-issued coupons. Granted, the marketing is still a bit wonky here -- after all, you can't really "Get Free HDTV" when the maximum output of the unit is 480i -- but at least it has finally slid into the NTIA's list of voucher-eligible boxes. According to early reviews, the reception / interface isn't half bad, so those who've been holding out in hopes that this critter would make the list, you know what to do.Read - Channel Master Digital To Analog Converter Box Now NTIA Coupon EligibleRead - CM-7000 user impressions
NTIA chief reaffirms that DTV converter boxes will be on shelves next month
Unhealthily anxious to wrap your hands around a shiny new DTV converter box for that aging analog set in your guest room? According to acting National Telecommunications and Information Administration chief Meredith Baker, she's still confident that they'll be ready for purchase by February 18, 2008 -- a full year before all US broadcast stations are required to make the jump to digital. Reportedly, she also suggested that the FCC wouldn't need to require cable operators to air public service announcements about the upcoming change, as she felt that "voluntary industry efforts remained the best way to get the message across." Apparently, there are already plans in place to dedicate certain weeks throughout the year to drawing attention to the switchover process, with one of the final ones being codenamed "Life Without Television." Yeah, that should certainly wake up the procrastinators.
Philips DTV converter boxes get approved, pictured
Up until now, we've heard a whole lot about what these things will do, where you can eventually pick one up and how to apply for your government-issued coupon, but outside of a stray Zenith, we really haven't seen what many DTV converter boxes will actually look like. Now, Philips has announced that three of its digital-to-analog converters have been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the trio will be sold under the Magnavox / Philco brand names. Reportedly, the Magnavox TB-100MW9 (pictured above), Philco TB-100HH9 and Philco TB-150HH9 (pictured after the jump) will be "available through large retail stores beginning in early 2008" for those in need, and yes, your handy coupon will indeed apply to any of the (admittedly unsightly) three.
Slew of retailers to carry TV converter boxes; coupon requests open in 2008
Yeah, we pretty much expected every big box retailer known to man to carry these things, but just in case you were worried about locating a TV converter box in preparation for the upcoming cutover, here's some comforting news. Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Target, Sears and Sam's Club are all on the list to carry equipment necessary for analog TV owners to receive OTA programming after February 2009, and just in case one of the aforementioned giants aren't anywhere near you, around 100 more smaller retailers have been certified to stock 'em. Also of note, you can start the new year off right by reminding your great grandparents (or other family members, too) that they can go on and apply for up to two coupons -- which should arrive around six weeks later -- worth $40 apiece to purchase the required boxes. Or, of course, you could just pick them up a new television this holiday season and be done with it.[Via BroadcastingCable]
Americans to get DTV coupons before analog gets the kibosh
In 2009, we'll all say our final farewells (good riddances) to sub-par analog television. Despite congressional apprehension, the Department of Commerce has gone forward with a plan to ease old-hat Americans into the digital TV age. Our source article's coughed up some wacky numbers, so we can't really tell whether the budget will suffice or not. Any household will be allowed to claim two $40 coupons each for a discount on digi-to-analog set-top boxes until nearly $1 billion has been spent. If old-hat peeps are still left hanging, another $500,000 ($500 million?) will be available only to those depending on antennas for reception. Apparently only 15% of the current 73 million analog TV users are catching their TV via antenna, so they shouldn't have much trouble scoring the discount at least. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's plan alots for a max amount of about 33,750 (37.5 million?) coupons -- hopefully enough to keep everyone glued to the tube. In the case of a shortage, one idea is to sit tight and hope enough people opt out of the coupons and volunteer to throw down for a new TV that supports digital broadcasting. Another is for the government to increase the subsidy -- a measure the Democrats already tried to push for with no success. Either way, we're talking about a historic shift in the way we watch television in America, people -- it's sure to be rat possum race and if you snooze 'til February 19, 2009, you'll royally lose.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Digital Converter STB details decided
Your government has finally announced their plans to spend the money congress you gave them to help ease the digital transition burden on those with older TVs. While we knew these boxes weren't going to be free, we now know that everyone who is willing to call, go online, fax or mail in to "self-certify that they rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts", will be eligiable for two $40 vouchers that can go towards the purchase of a DTV converter box -- at least until the $850 Million runs out. The OTA STBs are expected to cost ~$70, which seems high considering they can be found for $89 today. If you are one of the estimated 20 million households that really do relay solely on OTA, you may want to sign up on January 1st 2008, before all the unscrupulous eBayers get them all. If they do run out, NTIA plans on asking congress for another $450 mil to fill the gap.[Via 1080eye.com]
Digital TV converter coupons: Who gets them and how much?
There's been a lot of concern over the upcoming digital broadcast conversion and how it will affect those who currently get TV via over-the-air broadcast and haven't upgraded to sets with digital tuners. Under the proposal recently submitted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, only homes that do not have cable or satellite TV currently would be eligible for coupons to reduce the price of two boxes by $40 each. That might not seem fair to people who have say, one cable TV and that one TV in the basement/attic that you could always use to watch the game on Sunday if need be. Luckily if you disagree with the proposal -- which you can read in its entirety here -- they are inviting public comment.Check out the FAQ for info on how to make your voice heard, much like us they will publish your comments on the website for all to see. Sort of makes you wonder why the government doesn't just start up a blog for this kind of thing.