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Feb. 3, 2009

Various reports are suggesting that the U.S. House is about to take another look at legislation that would give consumers more time to prepare for the transition from analog to digital TV.

In a prepared statement to the FCC Consumer Advisory Committee on Friday, acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps said the next few weeks will be as difficult as any that the FCC has ever faced and since he’s had a chance to “look under the hood,” things don’t look any better at all.

“If anything, they look worse,” Copps said.

“I wish we had a lot more time and additional resources to better prepare for this important transition, and maybe we will hopefully get them,” Copps added.

At the same time, the Commission is coordinating more closely with other government entities and increasing its efforts to maximize the number of consumers in the U.S. who will have access to an Analog Nightlight station.

For their part, Verizon and, to a lesser degree, AT&T, have supported a limited delay.

However, Qualcomm, which uses spectrum vacated by TV stations to offer its FLO TV service stands to lose the most if the transition delay gets approved.

Qualcomm asked that any legislation at least retain the Feb. 17 transition date for at least 9 TV stations in Boston, Houston, Miami and San Francisco.

The Obama administration has repeatedly said that it is in strong support of a delay.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told CNN and various other news agencies last week that the House is expected to pass a delay until at least June 12, maybe more.

It will be interesting to see how this whole thing pans out, since it has been dragging for so long, and since so much is riding on it.

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Source: The FCC.