The Telecommunications Industry Association is praising the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for reporting out of the committee the Digital Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005.
The bill now goes to the Senate Budget Committee to be included in the reconciliation bill scheduled for a vote this week.
"TIA strongly supports provisions of the legislation that establish a hard deadline for completion of the DTV transition," says TIA President Matthew Flanigan. "We are encouraged that revenue raised during the auction of recovered broadcast spectrum will be allocated to fund the needs of first responders for interoperable wireless communications systems.
"Once it is completed, the DTV transition will dramatically increase the availability of additional spectrum which will allow for the emergence of innovative products and services, improve wireless communications for public safety agencies, and stimulate jobs and the U.S. economy," Flanigan continues.
Flanigan says the TIA appreciates the resolve of the Commerce Committee and its members to continue the momentum towards a timely completion of the digital television transition. The association is calling on the Senate and the House of Representatives to pass the legislation and move the package to President Bush's desk as soon as possible.
The TIA is based in Arlington, V.A.. For more information visit www.tiaonline.org.
