Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses
| Technology
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
Technology
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Internet
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Environment
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses
Fri Jan 23, 2009 1:59pm EST
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A proposed Senate compromise to delay the nationwide switch to digital TV would extend the licenses of AT&T Inc and Verizon Communications Inc, which are waiting for the airwaves to be vacated when all TVs convert.
The proposal, announced late Thursday night by Democratic Sen. John Rockefeller and Republican Sen. Kay Hutchinson, would postpone the transition date to June 12 from the planned February 17, on worries that consumers are not ready.
It would also allow consumers with expired coupons, made available by the government to offset the cost of a $40 converter box, to request new ones. The government ran out of coupons earlier this month and about 2.5 million Americans are on a waiting list for them.
Many lawmakers fear an estimated 20 million mostly poor, elderly and rural households are not ready for the congressionally mandated switch, requiring owners of older television sets receiving over-the-air signals to buy a converter box or subscribe to cable or satellite TV.
The companies, which paid $16 billion for the public airwaves in an auction last year, would get 116 extra days on their licenses under the proposed legislation, expected to move to the Senate floor next week.
CTIA, the wireless trade association, has said a delay could hurt confidence in the FCC's spectrum auctions.
Momentum had been building for a delay since President Barack Obama backed it earlier this month.
One company definitely not happy about a delay is Qualcomm Inc, which bought public spectrum from the government for about $550 million to roll out a mobile video service.
The company wants an exception for two channels in the four big markets where they have not rolled out their service yet -- Boston, Miami, Houston and San Francisco.
But such an exception is not in the proposed compromise.
"We're pushing our request pretty hard," said Len Lauer, Qualcomm's chief operating officer said. "We feel we paid a lot of money for this spectrum ... Congress set a date and suddenly they want to pull the rug out."
(Reporting by Kim Dixon, editing by Dave Zimmerman and Andre Grenon)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
My Web
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
UPDATE 1-U.S. DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses
More Technology News
Intel's Barrett to retire as tech crisis simmers
Qimonda, Samsung hit by chip market crash
| Video
Mobile phone market to shrink in 2009
IBM tool helps companies cut costs and emissions
China says Web crackdown to be "long-lasting"
| Video
More Technology News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Obama's strong dollar policy may be for real
Knife attacker kills three in Belgian nursery | Video
Obama to lift funding ban for abortion groups abroad | Video
FDA allows first test of human stem cell therapy
GE profit down 44 percent, CEO stands by dividend
Republicans give Obama their own tax cut package | Video
Chrysler to be back with "Terminator" sponsorship
City of Nashville rejects English-only law
NY governor names Clinton's Senate successor | Video
Thain ousted from Bank of America amid losses
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Obama to pursue Middle East peace
Obama puts foreign policy in focus
Knife attack at Belgian creche
Business Update: Microsoft surprise
Debating troop levels
Kennedy withdraws Senate bid
Posthumous Oscar nod for Ledger
Gaza girl's grief
Al Qaeda leader threatens UK
Grief at China milk scandal verdict
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
technology
Microsoft stuns with profit miss, job cuts
The world's largest software maker sent shockwaves across financial markets with disappointing results that included plans to slash up to 5,000 jobs. Full Article
Ballmer explains cost cuts in email
Factbox: Microsoft's cost measures
Timeline: Key facts and dates
Blog: A tale of two companies
Reuters Deals
The global destination for corporate leaders, deal-makers and innovators
Knowledge to Act
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Interactive TV |
Labs |
Reuters in Second Life |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Saturday, 24 January 2009 Marine commandant wants his troops out of Iraq
Gaza recovery in doubt as Israel pressures Hamas
| International
|
Gazans crowd markets and mosques as calm holds
'Obameter' keeps track of Obama campaign promises
Suspected US missiles kill 15 in Pakistan
Siemens planning to give up stake in Areva: source
Venezuela's Chavez warms to Obama after insults
| International
|
DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses
Iraqi government struggles to win Sunnis' trust
Saakashvili lambasts 'relentless enemy' Putin in TV phone-in
Suspect On Paris Hilton's House Burglary Arrested
Censured U.N. agency to return to North Korea: officials
| International
|
Encyclopaedia Britannica to let readers edit content
Russia ready to cooperate with Obama on Afghanistan
World stocks close bad week on poor footing
Iraq's Zebari sees no dramatic U.S. disengagement in '09
| International
|
Iraq PM urges big poll turnout despite violence
Pope on YouTube fails to excite web surfers
US approves first human embryonic stem cell therapy
Turkey, Iraq, U.S. step up efforts to fight PKK
| International
|
Obama warns crisis must be dealt with rapidly
German chipmaker Qimonda files for insolvency
Iraq's Zebari sees no dramatic U.S. disengagement in '09
Israel readies for fight against war crime charges
'Hacker' wins right to fight extradition to US
UN seeks massive aid for Gaza, US wants border open
British man killed wife over 'single' Facebook status
Gaza recovery in doubt as Israel pressures Hamas
Number of Internet users tops one billion: comScore
China says Web crackdown to be "long-lasting"
Pope becomes one of world's oldest YouTube stars
Qimonda, Samsung hit by chip market crash
Intel's Barrett to retire as tech crisis simmers
| Technology
|
Suspected U.S. strikes in Pakistan kill 14
DTV deal would extend Verizon, AT&T licenses
| Technology
|
Suspected US missile strike kills 18 in Pakistan
U.S. Marines force of 20,000 seen for Afghanistan
China says Web crackdown to be long-lasting
| Technology
|
NKorea's Kim meets Chinese official
Oil prices jump in volatile market
At least 15 dead as US missiles strike Pakistan
VeriSign to buy Certicom; RIM backs out
| Technology
|
Suspected US missile strikes kill 18 in Pakistan
Pope becomes one of world's oldest YouTube stars
| Technology
|
Dubai police arrest man in US consulate threat
'Slumdog' gets weak welcome in real Mumbai slums
FDA Allows First Test Of Human Stem Cell Research
Obama Praises "Wonderful" Choice To Send Gillibrand To Senate
Suspected US missile strikes kill 14 in Pakistan
NY Gov. Paterson Officially Names Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand To Hillary's Senate Seat
Suspected US missile attacks reported in Pakistan
Hawaii Rides On Brief Obama Stay To Boost Tourism
Jan 23 Highlights Of Low Points In The U.S. Economy
Obama Makes Case For Stimulus, Warns Of Crisis In First Meeting With Congressional Leaders
Defense Sec. Robert Gates To Undergo Surgery
Board: Satyam to have funding and new CEO soon
Cancer-struck Patrick Swayze to write memoir
| Entertainment
|
China tells Obama's Treasury pick it is not manipulating currency
Sundance films shine spotlight on global struggles
| Entertainment
|
Idol David Cook to hit colleges on U.S. tour
| Entertainment
|
Brendan Fraser masters CGI again in Inkheart
| Entertainment
|
Indian court stubs out ban on smoking in Bollywood: report
| Entertainment
|
FDA Approves Trials For Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
After Endorsing iTunes Prayer Book, Pope Launches Own YouTube Channel
Sienna Miller set for her Broadway debut this fall
Cancer-struck Patrick Swayze to write memoir
Publicist: Patrick Swayze to write book with wife
Obama inauguration classical music was canned and frozen
Sculptor George Segal exhibit opens in Dallas
Aretha gave Obama collection of dad's sermons
English-only proposal defeated in Nashville referendum
Brendan Fraser masters CGI again in "Inkheart"
Best-selling author modest about Slumdog's success
Wood worth more than money at Mexican market
Barack O Blend Made Up Of Hawaiian, Indonesian, Kenyan Beans Sold In Hawaiian Bar
Officials: gunmen kill Sunni family of 8 in Iraq
Iraq repeats pledge to close Iran opposition camp
Demand for peacekeepers exceeds troops, funds: U.N.
| International
|
Recession grips Britain for first time since 1991
Recession hits Silicon Valley as layoffs pile up
Senator asks Microsoft about job cuts, visas
N.Korea's Kim says wants denuclearization of peninsula
| International
|
Google loses best workplace crown to NetApp
Intel board chairman retiring in May
Japan launches orbiter to probe greenhouse gases
Cuba FM welcomes Obama order to close Guantanamo
Obama overturns ban on overseas abortion funding
Recession hits Silicon Valley as layoffs pile up
| Technology
|
Venezuela to ask new US gov't to hand over Posada
NKorea's Kim Jong Il meets with Chinese official
Senator asks Microsoft about job cuts, visas
| Technology
|
Japan launches orbiter to probe greenhouse gases
Suspected US missile strike kills 18 in Pakistan
Oil prices baffle traders; soar 6 pct to end week
Asian clubs raid top A-League clubs for stars
Year of the Ox looking very un-bullish, seers say
U.S. Drone Attacks Resume In Pakistan, Kill 20
Wall Street Pares Early Losses On Financials, Tech Rally
President Obama Wrangles With Lawmakers Over Stimulus Package Proposal
Russia, China revise aluminum projects in Guyana
China Vows To Continue Filtering "Vulgarity" On Internet
Bahamas police investigate Travolta extortion plot
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Mike Myers bomb leads Razzie Award contenders
"Idol" David Cook to hit colleges on U.S. tour
CORRECTED: "Benjamin Button," "Slumdog" lead Oscar nominees
Indian court stubs out ban on smoking in Bollywood: report
Indian PM Singh undergoes bypass surgery
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Russia says ready to work with U.S. on Afghanistan
| International
|
Senegalese centre signals Africa's will to wipe out leprosy
Obama to meet with economic team as he works on stimulus, budget
China says 90 percent of families take toxic milk deal
| International
|
China denounces U.S. currency accusation
| International
|
Bolivia nationalizes Chaco oil company
Mexico suspect says he dissolved 300 bodies
| International
|
China warns of economic distress and long-term ills
| International
|
WW2 mortar rounds found in Manila's U.S. Embassy
| International
|
Obama order ends 'unwarranted' restrictions on abortion
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,230
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 570
Intel's Barrett to bow out as tech crisis simmers
| Technology
|
Rusty Serena on track as French tennis opne revolution gathers pace
Maryland Teen Who Killed Parents, 2 Brothers Get 4 Life Sentences
Indian prime minister begins heart bypass surgery
Deputy Leader Of Al-Qaeda In Yemen Was Former Gitmo Detainee
Senator asks Microsoft about job cuts, visas
| Technology
|
US, Afghan villagers differ over 15 killed in raid
Ex-New York State Senate Majority Leader Indicted For Corruption
Indian PM in heart surgery
Fannie Mae Starts Laying Off Hundreds Of Staff
WWII bombs found in US Embassy compound in Manila
Obama Orders Lifting Of Funding Ban For International Family Planning Groups Offering Abortion
Malaysia seeks return of 2 citizens in Guantanamo
Thailand calls conference on refugees
Chinese FM, Clinton talk about bilateral relations
New Zealand dairy accepts milk scandal verdicts
Pakistani cenbank sells 11.5 bln rupees of T-bills
Japan to offer public funds to non-financial firms: reports
Nissan's loss seen to top 100 billion yen: report
Top Taiwan steel maker reports first loss -papers
Bahamas police probe Travolta extortion allegation
| Entertainment
|
Indian court stubs out ban on smoking in Bollywood: report
| Entertainment
|
Three killed in Indonesian land dispute: police
Dudamel wants 'innovative' stay at LA Philharmonic
Bahamas police probe Travolta extortion allegation
'Slumdog' gets weak welcome in real Mumbai slums
Uranium nations urged not to sell to Iran
Gaza recovery in doubt as Israel pressures Hamas
| International
|
U.S. military kills 15 Afghan militants
| International
|
Iraq asks Iran opposition group to move voluntary
Suicide car bomb kills 14 in Mogadishu: witnesses
| International
|
Gaza's war-scarred children go back to school
China hits back at U.S. in currency row
| International
|
Suicide car bomber kills five policemen in Iraq
Iran seen to rank students and housewives as employed
Russia says ice thawing with NATO: envoy
| International
|
Pope rehabilitates Holocaust denier, angering Jews
| International
|
Sudanese forces bomb town in Darfur: U.N.
| International
|
Uranium nations urged not to sell to Iran: report
| International
|
Obama pitches his plan to reverse economic slide
Kim Jong-il alone to decide North Korea successor
4 die in insurgent attack in southern Thailand
Indian PM Singh reported stable after surgery
One whale survives mass Australia beaching
Report: Kim's son hints no decision on successor
Pakistan should get more US aid: Musharraf
Sri Lanka soldiers seize rebel camp in north
China reports fourth bird flu death in a month
Islamic clerics mull smoking ban in Indonesia
Pacific meeting on Fiji sanctions to go ahead
Indian critics praise 'Slumdog Millionaire,' audiences mixed
Gaza's war-scarred children go back to school
Some 700 illegal migrants flee Italian detention centre
Sudanese forces seen to bomb town in Darfur
Four children killed as storms rage across Spain, France
Belgium reels after creche stabbings, man charged
| International
|
Gaza schools open but young minds closed to peace
Obama aims to ink $825bln stimulus within a month
Anarchists clash with Greek police in Athens march
| International
|
Jailed China dairy boss to appeal verdict
Update: Toy Company Selling 'Sasha' And 'Malia' Dolls; First Lady Not Happy
Blagojevich's Defense Attorney Quits Case
Nine People Wounded In Miami Shootout; Two Dead
Taraji P. Henson caps a stellar week at SAG Awards
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights