House Energy and Commerce Chairman Emeritus John Dingell (D-MI) told the FCC in a letter that television broadcasters have already returned a great deal of spectrum, and that it should be looking elsewhere as it seeks to site broadband applications.
Noting that broadcasters turned in nearly a third of their spectrum upon completion of the digital transition, Dingell wrote, “…I believe that a further loss of spectrum by broadcasters may have an adverse effect upon consumers by limiting their choice in available broadcast television. This in mind, it is my belief that the Commission can accomplish its statutorily mandated duty to complete a national broadband plan and promote the expansion of broadband infrastructure in the near-term, while at the same time preserve to the greatest extent possible for consumers the availability of free, over-the-air local broadcasting.”
RBR-TVBR observation: In matters relating to the House Commerce Committee it is much better to have Dingell with you than against you, even now after the Committee has veered into the Henry Waxman (D-CA) era. We’ll take all the positive unsolicited testimonials we can get – they’re especially nice when the source also packs some legislative muscle.
