S 1600 Digital Translator and Low-Power Television Transition Assistance Act

Bill would end transition to digital only broadcasting 4 years after the date beyond which a television broadcast license may not be renewed.

Establishes the "Low-power Digital Television Transition Trust Fund," administered by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. Funded by proceeds from auction of spectrum now allocated for TV channels 52 through 69. National Telecommunications and Information Administration would make grants to upgrade low-power television translator stations from analog to digital in eligible rural and other communities.

Within 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall transmit to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce and report and recommendations on the status of low-power television stations and low-power television translator stations.

Beginning February 1, 2006, and ending when international coordination with Canada and Mexico of the DTV table of allotments is complete, the Federal Communications Commission shall submit reports every 6 months on the status of that international coordination to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.