Recent CRS Reports on Telecom Issues

THE DIGITAL TV TRANSITION: A BRIEF OVERVIEW
CRS Publication Date: 11/18/2005
Document No.: RS22217
Author(s): Lennard G. Kruger and Linda K. Moore, Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Abstract: Congressional policymakers are seeking a way to accelerate the nation's transition to digital television and to expedite the transfer of radio frequency channels from the broadcast industry to public safety and commercial users no later than 2009. Broadcasters are holding spectrum in the 700MHz band (channels 52-69) that they would be required to relinquish after the transition to digital television (DTV) is achieved. Without a hard deadline, the transition to digital television has been postponed. Meanwhile, public safety officials want 700 MHz spectrum that has been assigned to them, but not delivered, in order to build new interoperable networks, while the commercial wireless industry would like access to the spectrum for new services. Bills to clear spectrum and facilitate the transition to digital televison are under consideration in the House and Senate. To meet the goals of H.Con.Res. 95, the Senate has passed a budget reconciliation bill (S. 1932) that covers some parts of the DTV transition process. The House has passed a budget bill, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (H.R. 4241, Representative Nussle) with more extensive provisions for DTV. Although policymakers continue to discuss different proposals for legislation, it appears that consensus has been reached on several points. For example, there is general agreement to set a firm date for the clearing of 700 MHz spectrum; to use $4.8 to $5.0 billion of auction proceeds toward Congressional commitments to reduce the budget deficit by 2010; and to take measures so that TV viewers will not lose access to television programming. The steps needed to achieve the latter remain a major point of disagreement, within and outside Congress. There is also debate about expanding must carry rules to include multicasting must carry. The Federal Communications Commission has ruled that broadcasters will be entitled to request must carry for a primary video stream only, applying current must carry rules to digital programs. Broadcasters are pushing for rights to multicasting must carry, requiring that all digital over-the-air programs be carried.

SPECTRUM USE AND THE TRANSITION TO DIGITAL TV
CRS Publication Date: 11/18/2005
Document No.: RS22218
Author(s): Linda K. Moore, Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Abstract: The United States, like most of the world, is moving to replace current television technology with a new, technically superior format generally referred to as digital television (DTV). As part of this transition, Congress is seeking to provide the impetus that would move television broadcasters out of 700 MHz spectrum currently in use for the old, analog technology - thereby ending these broadcasts. Channels at 700 MHz would subsequently be available for other uses. Both public safety communications networks and commercial advanced wireless service companies are eager to have access to frequencies already designated for their use but not released. Congress, therefore, is also considering aspects of spectrum policy as part of the transition process. In addition, the budget resolution H.Con.Res. 95 anticipates auctioning some of the cleared spectrum to provide at least $4.8 billion toward closing the budget gap. The Digital Television Transition Act of 2005, marked up by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, has been included for consideration by the House in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (H.R. 4241, Representative Nessle). Some measures to assist a DTV transition have been approved as part of the Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005 (S. 1932, Senator Gregg). The reconciliation bills have been approved and will move to conference to resolve significant differences unrelated to DTV and spectrum. Other bills in the 109th Congress dealing with the transition to digital television and spectrum use include H.R. 1646 (Representative Harman), S. 1268 (Senator McCain), and S. 1600 and S. 1767 (Senator Snowe).

INTERNET DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION CONTROL IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
CRS Publication Date: 11/22/2005
Document No.: RL33167
Author(s): Michelle W. Lau, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division

Abstract: The government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) places strict limitations on its domestic and foreign news media. Information that is considered "politically sensitive" or that conveys organized dissent and criticism of the Communist Party is not tolerated. As a result, information or objective reporting on subjects such as China's human rights record, Tibetan independence, Falun Gong, Taiwan, or the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, among other topics, are largely absent in China. Journalists have allegedly been harassed, sometimes with violence, and jailed for reporting content that is undesirable or that implicate government officials in corruption. In addition to reporting that is critical of the government, PRC leadership actively suppresses coverage of events that it considers a threat to social stability. State coverups of the early spread of AIDS, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in April 2003, and fatal industrial disasters are notable examples of issues that have been censored in the Chinese media.

AN EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SAFETY NET: INTEGRATING 911 AND OTHER SERVICES
CRS Publication Date: 11/01/2005
Document No.: RL32939
Author(s): Linda K. Moore, Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Abstract: This report reviews key points about the implementation of 911 and reviews some of the ways in which it might be integrated with existing or envisioned networks or services.

PUBLIC SAFETY, INTEROPERABILITY AND THE TRANSITION TO DIGITAL TELEVISION
CRS Publication Date: 11/04/2005
Document No.: RL32622
Author(s): Linda K. Moore, Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Abstract: Because of the announced intention to use spectrum funds to meet the Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 95), key points for DTV transition could be treated as part of the reconciliation process. The Senate has approved some measures, provided in budget reconciliation bill S. 1932, as passed on November 3, 2005. The House is preparing to consider steps to facilitate the DTV transition as part of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Other bills that would free 700 MHz spectrum include the HERO Act ( H.R. 1646, Representative Harman) and the SAVE LIVES Act (S. 1268, Senator McCain).

SAFE HARBOR FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS UNDER THE DIGITAL MILLENNIUM COPYRIGHT ACT
CRS Publication Date: 11/04/2005
Document No.: RL32037
Author(s): Brian Yeh and Robin Jeweler, American Law Division

Abstract: This report describes the safe harbor and subpoena provisions, along with the responsibilities and obligations of service providers under 17 U.S.C. section 512. In addition to highlighting specific aspects of the statutory text, the report examines case law to date interpreting and applying the Digital Millennium Copyright Acts safe harbors and subpoena procedure.

BROADBAND OVER POWERLINES: REGULATORY AND POLICY
CRS Publication Date: 11/01/2005
Document No.: RL32421
Author(s): Patricia Moloney Figliola, Resources, Science, and Industry Division

Abstract: The telephone, cable, satellite industries, and more recently the electric utilities, all provide broadband services to consumers. Driven by the growth of the Internet and the increasing demand for broadband services, electric utilities began exploring ways to turn a previously internal communications capability into a commercially viable, consumer service Broadband over Powerlines (BPL). BPL has the potential to play a significant role in increasing the competitive landscape of the communications industry but also has the potential to extend the reach of broadband to a greater number of Americans. BPL, like any technology, has its advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, (1) BPL is less expensive to deploy than the cable and telephone companies broadband offerings, (2) it does not require upgrades to the actual electric grid, and (3) it is not limited by certain technical constraints of its competitors. However, some parties have expressed concern about BPLs effect on licensed radio spectrum. Other FCC proceedings are also related to BPL. For instance, the Commission ruled on August 5, 2005, that providers of certain voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services , such as BPL providers , would be required to accommodate law enforcement wiretaps. Additionally, the FCC is conducting another proceeding specifically on the regulatory classification of VoIP, which will also have an impact on BPL providers and services. On April 21, 2005, Representative Mike Ross introduced H.Res. 230, to express the sense that the FCC should reconsider and revise its rules governing BPL. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet on May 13, 2005.

DIGITAL TELEVISION: AN OVERVIEW
CRS Publication Date: 11/04/2005
Document No.: RL31260
Author(s): Lennard G. Kruger, Resources, Science and Industry Division

Abstract: On November 3, 2005, the Senate passed S. 1932, the Deficit Reduction Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 2005. Title III is the Digital Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 which sets a digital transition deadline of April 7, 2009 and allocates $3 billion for a program to assist consumers in the purchase of converter boxes. Also on November 3, 2005, the House Budget Committee reported out the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Subtitle D of the House budget reconciliation bill is the Digital Television Transition Act of 2005, which sets a digital transition deadline of December 31, 2008 and allocates $990 million for a digital-to-analog converter box program.

CRS reports listed above are available from GalleyWatch.com

Ron Jones, University of Cincinnati Law Library