Number: RL34165
Title: The Transition to Digital Television: Is America Ready?
Authors: Lennard G. Kruger, Specialist in Science and Technology Policy 
Abstract: The preeminent issue for Congress is ensuring that American households are prepared for the transition, thereby minimizing a scenario whereby television sets across the nation "go dark" on February 17, 2009. Specifically, Congress is actively overseeing the activities of federal agencies responsible for the digital transition-principally the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)-while assessing whether additional federal efforts are necessary. The Congress is also monitoring the extent to which private sector stakeholders take appropriate and sufficient steps to educate the public and ensure that all Americans are prepared for the digital transition.
Pages: 28
Date: January 21, 2009