Martin Stresses Firm Date For DTV Transition

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin last week told technology company representatives that the communications needs of public safety officials in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina had raised the importance of Congress setting a firm date for the transition to digital television. Martin made the comments in a private luncheon for him last Wednesday sponsored by the Information Technology Industry Council, according to several individuals who attended the meeting. "He thought the DTV transition had gained momentum as the most critical wireless spectrum issue, and he recognized that public safety needs would be at the forefront, even though the spectrum will be used for other advance commercial purposes," ITI chief Rhett Dawson said.