FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 30, 2008

TIA Applauds New Law Enabling Smooth, Safe DTV Transition

Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act Allows for Continued Analog Broadcasts of Public Safety, Transition Information for Additional 30 Days

Washington, D.C. – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leader in advocacy, standards development, business development and intelligence for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, applauded President Bush and Congressional leaders for enacting legislation that will allow continued analog emergency broadcasts for an additional 30 days after the digital television (DTV) transition on February 17, 2009.

Congress has passed and President Bush has signed the "Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act," addressing concerns about the dissemination of public safety information during the period following the DTV transition. This law requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop and implement a plan that encourages and permits continued analog emergency broadcasts for an additional 30 days.

"The leaders in Congress and the Bush Administration understand that broadcasters must keep Americans informed during emergency situations – even if Americans have not yet taken the steps needed to receive digital broadcast transmissions by the DTV deadline," said Danielle Coffey, TIA Vice President for Government Affairs. "We're grateful that our leaders listened to public safety concerns and realized that allowing a short-term grace period for analog broadcasts is necessary to provide for a smooth, safe DTV transition."

The new law provides for analog broadcast of emergency information, including critical details, as well as information – in both English and Spanish – on the shift from analog to digital technology and the steps the consumer should take in order to switch to digital television.

"TIA is working closely with the FCC to ensure a smooth DTV transition. TIA representatives and members are also working closely with the FCC, providing input on DTV transition communications efforts, technical needs, troubleshooting and service logistics for those who need it. We offer our support to make the transition as unobtrusive into the lives of Americans as possible -- up to the DTV transition deadline and beyond," Coffey said.

Read TIA's FAQs on DTV Transition at tiaonline.org.

Sign up for TIA RSS news feeds on legislative and regulatory action.

About TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) represents the global information and communications technology (ICT) industry through standards development, advocacy, tradeshows, business opportunities, market intelligence and world-wide environmental regulatory analysis. With roots dating back to 1924, TIA enhances the business environment for broadband, mobile wireless, information technology, networks, cable, satellite and unified communications. Members' products and services empower communications in every industry and market, including healthcare, education, security, public safety, transportation, government, the military, the environment and entertainment. TIA co-owns the SUPERCOMM® tradeshow and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Visit tiaonline.org.

TIA's Board of Directors includes senior-level executives from ACS, ADC, ADTRAN, Alcatel-Lucent, ANDA Networks, ArrayComm, AttivaCorp, Avaya, Bechtel Communications, Inc., Cam Communications, Cisco Systems, Corning Incorporated, Ericsson, Inc., GENBAND, Inc., Graybar, Henkels & McCoy, ILS Technology, Intel Corporation, LGE, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks, Nortel, OneChip Photonics Inc., Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., Qualcomm, Research In Motion, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corporation, Tellabs, Tyco Electronics, Ulticom, Inc., and Verari Systems. Advisors to the Board include FAL Associates, Orca Systems and Telcordia Technologies.

##