Snowe, Collins Champion Bill to Close Gap in Digital Coverage

Press Release

New Legislation Eases Upcoming DTV Transition

As the nationwide conversion to digital television approaches, U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (R-Maine) are championing new legislation to ensure even the most rural parts of the nation have access to the cutting-edge technology of digital broadcasting. The DTV Cliff Effect Assistance Act would provide broadcasters with the resources they need to construct digital translators to ensure consumers have access to top-notch picture quality and service options, regardless of their geographic location.

"Delaying the conversion to digital television until June 12th has afforded families and seniors additional time to prepare for the digital update and ensure a smooth and easy transition for their home television equipment. However, there are still several geographic areas in Maine and throughout the nation that will have a weak digital signal or no signal at all, posing a real threat to the access of digital television," said Senator Snowe, a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the issue. "By providing critical funding for the construction of digital broadcast towers, this legislation will close gaps in the digital coverage of full-power stations and ensure the upcoming transition is as seamless as possible for all Americans, regardless of where they live."

"I have talked to many people in Maine who have purchased a converter box yet they still cannot receive a digital signal or they are experiencing a drastic decrease in service. This is simply unacceptable," said Senator Collins. "Unlike analog signals, digital signals are more susceptible to interference from mountains, hills, and tall buildings. Our legislation would provide funding to help increase signal strength by purchasing digital translators. Without action, too many Americans will be left with dark televisions once we fully transition to digital television broadcasting."

Often times in rural areas, a weak broadcast signal will result in a blank screen for television viewers. Known as the DTV "cliff effect," this occurs because of the different propagation characteristics that the new digital broadcast signals have compared to traditional analog signals. The terrain, distance from the broadcast tower, sensitivity of existing antennas, as well as the weather play an integral role in the strength of a broadcast signal and contribute to the cliff effect. The DTV Cliff Effect Assistance Act would provide $125 million in reimbursements for the construction of digital repeater or translator towers, which run approximately $80,000 to $100,000 each to build. These repeaters are essential in filling the dead zones that will result from the switchover.

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