What Good Is Your DTV With No Picture?
America is in the midst of the most exciting revolution in television since color TV debuted in the early 1950s – the transition to digital.

Digital television offers more programming choices for consumers, a clearer picture and better sound quality, and best of all – it’s free. All you need is a television with a digital tuner, or digital analog converter box.

But as Americans invest millions in the transition to digital television, some high tech companies are lobbying the government to operate unlicensed mobile devices in the television spectrum – a move that could severely impact television viewing, causing interference to millions of televisions.

If these companies get their wish, you could be watching the big game, your favorite movie or breaking news when your pristine digital picture freezes, pixelates and the sound shuts off. Not exactly the ideal way to watch television.


What Are Interference Zones
Interference zones, sometimes referred to as "white spaces," are areas where frequencies in the television spectrum are not currently occupied by television signals. When unlicensed mobile devices operate in these white space zones, they can cause interference to televisions in the area. And because the devices are not licensed, they are impossible to track down, so the interference can not be stopped. This interference has been confirmed by the Federal Communication Commission’s Office of Engineering and Technology in a report released in August 2007. How to Keep Your TV Interference Free Want to make sure your digital TV is interference free? Call or write the Federal Communications Commission or your member of Congress, and tell them not to allow unlicensed personal and portable devices to operate in the "white spaces" of the television spectrum. American consumers deserve and expect to have interference free digital television.

Filings, News and Opinions
Lawmakers Voicing Opposition
Click the links below to view PDFs of letters sent by lawmakers to FCC Commissioner Kevin Martin voicing concern over the use of white space devices.

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