DTV Transition Delayed

Opinion Article:
Okay, yesterday the Senate approved the DTV transition to be delayed from Feb 17th until June 12th. I feel very strongly that this is the wrong move to make.

What it is?
The digital television transition will free up the airwaves in the 700-799Mhz spectrum.

What did it do?
From Wikipedia -
Original Usage
The 700 MHz spectrum was previously used for analog television broadcasting, specifically UHF channels 52 through 69. The FCC has ruled that the impending switch to digital television will make these frequencies no longer necessary for broadcasters, due to the improved spectral efficiency of digital broadcasts.[2] Thus, all broadcasters will be required to move to channels 2 through 51 as part of the digital TV transition. This reallocation is an ongoing effort; the lower channels of the band, 52 through 59, have been used considerably more for analog and digital broadcasts than the upper channels, 60 through 69, which have been largely abandoned.
Some of the 700 MHz spectrum was already auctioned in Auctions 44 and 49. Channels 54, 55 and 59 were sold and in some areas are already being used for broadcasting and Internet access. For example Qualcomm MediaFLO in 2007 started using Channel 55 for broadcasting TV to cell phones in New York City, San Diego and elsewhere.[3]

Why do we need to free up the 700Mhz spec?
The Gov wants to use part of it for emergency purposes. Ambulances, Fire, Police, and other Gov agencies will now have a new dedicated block of airwaves to broadcast on. These broadcasts will likely include voice and data communications.

What about the rest of it?
The rest of it has been sold in an auction. The biggest winner gaining the largest block was Verizon.

Why did they want it?
These airwaves are particularly good at penetrating walls.

What will Verizon do with it?
It will likely enable them to create a very fast data network that is far reaching. This is not a guarantee. They could also do nothing with it, though that's unlikely.

What is the transition and who does it effect?
Only people who currently use a "bunny-ears" type setup or similar. If you're paying for a service, like cable or satellite, you'll be fine.



Now that you have a greater understanding of what this is, I can now explain why I think a delay isn't a good idea. Part of the reason of the sale was to free up airwaves so that the government emergency responders would be able to more effectively communicate. Another big part of this is the advancements in technology that this will bring to the cellphone industry. It doesn't seem to me that spending millions of dollars on advertising a Feb 17th switch transition date then changing the date is a good use of money.

On top of that, there will be people who receive there channels over the air that will think they're in the clear after Feb 17th. Then when the next "cut-off date" rolls around, they will think it's already happened once and they survived just fine without doing anything. What they may fail to realize is that their television will fail to work without getting the necessary equipment.

Finally, a great reason for the switch is -- people who have already taking the proper measures to be ready are currently getting crippled service. The range of the transmission antennas can be upped once the 700 mhz spectrum is repurposed.

The process can be confusing if you're completely unfamiliar with technology. There are people who are willing to help you. Thousands of kids across the nation could be called to duty on this initiative. If the American people, and their teenagers, were smart -- they can start a small one man show for this. The installation is easy for anyone over the age of 12 and less than 30. Run an ad in the paper offering your services. Charge 10$ and be done with it.

The below video makes a good point of how confusing the process could be when jumping through all the hoops. This is meant to be funny and poke fun at the gov'n for lack of congruency and ease throughout the process.




Help Links / References:
What it is - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/700_MHz_wireless_spectrum_auction
What to get - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CECB_units
Engadget article - http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/26/digital-tv-transition-officially-delayed-until-june-12th/