TV Sets Will Cost More

September 2002


FCC Decrees Digital TV

The FCC has just ruled that all TVs in the US will have to be able to receive digital transmissions in the 2004-07 range. This will tack on $25 to $50 per set effective quite soon. Some see it as a tax on TV watchers, but in fact, it is an investment in the future of wireless telecommunications in America -- and an excellent executive decision.

Proponents of the technology say that digital TV offers a better picture and sound. And if that were the only issue at hand, Kensington couldn't care less. But the real point is that the airwaves of America, which are public property, will be more efficiently and effectively run as a result of this change.

In the old days, there was more than enough room in the radio spectrum for the broadcasters, and the military, and civil amateur radio operations. But then, there were only 3 TV networks, no cell phones, and AM radio dominated FM.

The communications revolution has required us to refine the way we use this public space. Digital transmission offers us more data in less space, and the airwaves are finite. Digital transmission may not be as profound as the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the nation, but increasing the space available for broadcast communications will give us the room to move that Americans view as a birthright.