For Immediate Release
February 1 , 2006

Arlington, Va. -- The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) applauds Congress for passing digital television (DTV) transition legislation. After twenty years of persistence and debate over this issue, DTV-related provisions were included in Congress' budget reconciliation bill, which was amended by the U.S. Senate at the end of last year, and was ultimately passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 216 to 214.

The final bill sets February 17, 2009, as the date certain for completion of the DTV transition; it allocates $990 million of the analog spectrum auction proceeds toward a digital-to-analog converter box program, with a provision that allows for the amount available to increase to $1.5 billion if Congress needs more money to fulfill the program; and the bill allocates $1 billion to be used for a grant program to help public safety agencies obtain and deploy interoperable communications systems.

"We applaud the efforts of Congress and greatly appreciate the final passage of DTV legislation that allocates a portion of the revenue raised during the auction of recovered broadcast spectrum to fund the needs of our first responders for interoperable communications systems," comments TIA President Matthew J. Flanigan.

Flanigan adds, "Once the transition is completed, the availability of additional spectrum 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. TIA applauds Congress and looks forward to the package being sent to President Bush's desk for his signature as soon as possible."

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TIA is the leading trade association for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. As owner and producer of GLOBALCOMM™, TIA serves ICT suppliers serving global service provider and enterprise customers through its leadership in standards development, domestic and international policy advocacy, and facilitating member business opportunities. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.

GLOBALCOMM™ is a trademark of the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The Next-Generation Communications Marketplace and Summit will take place June 4-8, 2006, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Visit www.globalcomm2006.com.

P.A. Release 06-06/02.01.06