Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of legislation that will enable first responders to communicate more effectively in times of emergencies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved legislation setting December 31, 2008 as the “hard date” for the transition of all televisions from analog to digital transmission. By freeing the space currently used by analog transmissions, public safety officials will gain access to 24 megahertz of radio spectrum and an additional 60 megahertz of spectrum for radio.

“It was apparent after 9/11 that first responders were greatly hampered by the inability to communicate with one another,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “I have been a long-time advocate of making the switch to digital transmissions, but it was the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and Rita that made it clear to my colleagues that we could not wait another four years to take action.”

Passage of the bill will trigger a required spectrum auction to commence on January 7, 2008. The sale of the spectrum alone is estimated to bring in somewhere between $10 and $30 billion the federal treasury.

“Fort Worth, and all Texans, are grateful to the leadership of Congressmen Barton and Burgess to ensure analogue spectrum is returned for public safety purposes by a fixed date in 2008,” commented Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. “I am also grateful for the efforts to dedicate revenue from the sale of the remaining spectrum for interoperable communications.”

“As we improve our public safety service delivery options, it's vital that we ensure and provide for efficient and effective radio communications,” said Euline Brock, Mayor of Denton, Texas. “This legislation is a huge step in that direction.”

Specifically the bill:
 Sets a hard date of December 31, 2008 for the end of analog TV broadcasts.
 Authorizes the use of spectrum auction proceeds to provide as many as two $40 coupons per household for converter boxes to enable viewers to watch digital broadcasts on their analog sets.
 Requires the FCC to complete a series of proceedings necessary to assign broadcasters final digital channel assignments.
 Mandates all new televisions of 13 inches or more must include a digital tuner by March 1, 2007.
 Obligates broadcasters, cable operators, retailers and television manufacturers engage in a consumer education campaign regarding the transition.