Hatch Wants FCC to Take Steps Now to Avoid DTV 'Cliff Effect'

Sen Orrin Hatch (D-UT) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin asking the FCC to act now to avoid the "digital cliff effect" that could leave viewers in rural Utah and across the US in the dark when the nation switches from analog to digital television in February. Sen Hatch is asking the FCC the following: 1) What has the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration done to educate consumers about the potential digital cliff effect? 2) What will happen to viewers who purchase a new television or converter box and still cannot receive reception because of the digital cliff? 3) Are there plans to assist people affected by the digital cliff, especially those who have acted in good faith by ordering a converter box or purchased a new TV, but who find themselves unable to receive free, over-the-air television? Sen Hatch noted that tens of thousands of homes in Utah rely on free analog TV signals. That is why the senator said it is important to act now to prevent problems rather than wait to address them after the transition takes place.