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<br />DTV Transition Update
<br />The DTV Delay Act - S. 352 - passed the United States Senate on January 29, and the House on February 4,
<br />2009, and is expected to be signed into law soon. It implements a number of steps to mitigate the impact on
<br />consumers who use non-cable/non-satellite means to receive television signals (such as roof or set-top
<br />antennas). Severe problems were experienced during the implementation of the transition that were adversely
<br />impacting vulnerable populations such as the disabled, seniors, and the low-income. More than 6.5 million U.S.
<br />households, or 5.7 percent, were not ready for the crossover last month, according to an estimate from the Nielsen
<br />Company. Major provisions of the bill are:
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<br /> Delay the transition by 115 days, extending the license terms of the commercial and public safety entities
<br />that will use the DTV spectrum after the transition by a corresponding number of days.
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<br /> Permit consumers who never redeemed coupons to reapply for replacement coupons, provided that no
<br />household can redeem more than two coupons.
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<br /> Preserve the ability of broadcasters to transition before the new transition date, if such a move does not
<br />interfere with another broadcast signal. The act makes clear that the existing FCC rules and regulations
<br />concerning interference and consumer education will continue to apply.
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<br /> Preserve the ability of public safety entities to use the DTV spectrum before the new transition date,
<br />subject to existing FCC rules.
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<br />Authorization/dollars for new coupons and education efforts are not in the bill. Those terms are in the House and
<br />Senate stimulus bills (H.R. 1 & S. 336). Congressional discussions indicated 143 stations have turned off their
<br />analog transmissions. Between now and June 12, many more will change. Thus, the City cannot assure Eugene
<br />residents that all of their analog signals will remain available until June 12; the Register-Guard recently reported
<br />that three local broadcast stations have already transitioned. Several federal agencies are formulating plans and
<br />new public announcements. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) outreach staff has contacted libraries,
<br />senior centers and other agencies in the Eugene area to offer assistance and training, such as, help in setting up
<br />DTV converter boxes, ordering coupons, or providing other information. The City cannot endorse any business
<br />that might offer that assistance, but if public agencies are offering help, City staff would appreciate that
<br />information.
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<br />Throughout the process, Telecommunications and Cable Program Manager Pam Berrian and representatives of
<br />other local governments have been fielding calls about the DTV transition. Local governments have made strides
<br />in bringing service gaps to the FCC's attention, such as technological problems with their telephone
<br />assistance service. Although many problems have been corrected, this transition delay appears to have brought
<br />relief to many. Eugene Public Service Officer Michelle Mortensen and Pam Berrian, will continue to field calls,
<br />although the primary contact information for this federal program is as follows:
<br />1. For general information about the federal DTV transition, call 1-888-225-5322 (toll free) or visit www.dtv.gov.
<br />2. For information about converters or ordering coupons for converters, call 1-888-388-2009 or visit
<br />www.dtv2009.gov.
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<br />The FCC scheduled its first open commission meeting under its acting chairman on February 5. The only item on
<br />the agenda is an update from commission staff, industry, and consumer groups on the status of the DTV
<br />transition. The meeting was designed to help improve public awareness of issues surrounding the transition, as
<br />well as find out what still needs to be done to ensure as smooth a transition as possible. For additional
<br />information, please contact Telecommunications and Cable Program Manager Pam Berrian at 682-5590.
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<br />Workshops Help Plan Safer Streets for Rasor Mixed-Use Center
<br />On January 15, approximately 120 people attended two public workshops for the Rasor Mixed-Use Center project.
<br />The workshops focused on improving transportation in the area, specifically along River Road between Hilliard and
<br />the Chambers Overpass. Over 18,000 vehicles move through this major arterial every day. Currently, it poses a
<br />barrier between the large residential neighborhoods west of the road, and the parks, open space, bike paths, river,
<br />and commercial services to the east. During the workshop, participants learned how transportation improvements
<br />could make this section of River Road safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and automobiles. Groups then worked on
<br />identifying new pedestrian and bike crossings to improve connections, as well as potential sites for stop lights.
<br />The Rasor Mixed-Use Center project is planning for the future of this area to protect the historic character of the
<br />neighborhood while developing a walkable community that can accommodate more density. A nine-member
<br />Community Advisory Committee meets regularly to guide project progress and will review the final concept plan
<br />and implementation strategies this June. Next steps include two more public workshops on the topic of land use to
<br />be held on March 19, 2009. For more information, visit the web site at www.eugene-orgov/rasorpark or contact
<br />Ken Guzowski at 682-5562 or via e-mail (ken.j.guzowski@ci.eugene.or.us).
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<br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
<br />February 5, 2009
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