meirda
12-12-2007, 04:34 PM
After release of a government report that suggested hurdles remain for the nation's transition to digital TV in February 2009, a key Capitol Hill lawmaker criticized federal agency efforts so far to educate and inform consumers about the pending changes.
In the report released Tuesday, the Government Accountability Office said while the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and private sector stakeholders have made progress in educating consumers about the DTV transition, "these efforts are mostly in the planning phase, and challenges remain."
Challenges include prioritizing resources, educating consumers who do not need to take action with the DTV switch, and reaching out to underserved populations. "It remains unclear whether public-private sector interaction can ensure a consistent message to prevent consumer confusion," the GAO said.
In response, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, criticized government responses so for the coming DTV change.
"Without a comprehensive plan that also addresses managing risks and mitigating against potential problems, tens of millions of consumers could be adversely affected and this important transition put needlessly in jeopardy," he said.
"Given the high stakes for consumers, public safety, and wireless innovation posed by this transition, the GAO's call for the FCC and NTIA to develop an overarching strategic framework for success is one that these agencies would do well to heed," Markey said.
In the report released Tuesday, the Government Accountability Office said while the Federal Communications Commission, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and private sector stakeholders have made progress in educating consumers about the DTV transition, "these efforts are mostly in the planning phase, and challenges remain."
Challenges include prioritizing resources, educating consumers who do not need to take action with the DTV switch, and reaching out to underserved populations. "It remains unclear whether public-private sector interaction can ensure a consistent message to prevent consumer confusion," the GAO said.
In response, Ed Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, criticized government responses so for the coming DTV change.
"Without a comprehensive plan that also addresses managing risks and mitigating against potential problems, tens of millions of consumers could be adversely affected and this important transition put needlessly in jeopardy," he said.
"Given the high stakes for consumers, public safety, and wireless innovation posed by this transition, the GAO's call for the FCC and NTIA to develop an overarching strategic framework for success is one that these agencies would do well to heed," Markey said.