April 10, 2008

DTV Countdown: Cable's Education Efforts Lauded, But Worries Persist

Rep Mike Doyle (D-PA) thinks cable's done a pretty good job educating people about the DTV transition, but that doesn't mean he thinks Feb 17, '09 will go off without a hitch. "I'd like to say that Feb 20, no one calls us, but that's not going to happen," Doyle told ACA Summit attendees in DC Wed. While he questions the amount of money and planning that has gone into the cut-off of broadcasters' analog signals, he does think that Congress will "react rapidly" if it doesn't go smoothly. While the govt continues to wring its hands over the transition, ACA members' biggest concern right now is the retrans consent process. Asked about the issue, Doyle said he thinks ACA is doing a good job educating Congress about what they face. "A lot of us will be watching what the FCC does," he said, referring to a rulemaking on retrans and tying currently at the Commission. "I think there's room for the FCC to step in and be an arbitrator so to speak." In his speech to the association, Doyle complained about the FCC's decision not to grant Comcast a waiver to the set-top integration ban, while granting waivers to some other operators. He said it doesn't seem fair to make Comcast subs pay for more expensive boxes. He also trashed the Broadband RUS loan program for providing loans for companies to offer broadband in areas that already have it. Another area of concern for Doyle is USF, which he called "broken." He wants cable to be able to access the fund for broadband and advanced services. As for the upcoming primary in his home state, Doyle offered no predictions, remarking that he's one of the uncommitted super delegates. Some of his friends support Hillary Clinton, while others back Barack Obama. So, how we'll he vote? "I'll stick with my friends," he quipped.