AT&T, Verizon split over DTV delay

AT&T Mobility and Verizon Wireless are split over whether or not to support a proposed Congressional delay in the digital TV transition.
Verizon Communications, which partly owns Verizon Wireless, sent a letter to Congress urging them to "resist" calls from President-elect Barack Obama to delay the switch. AT&T, meanwhile, said in a letter to Congress that it was supportive of a "short extension" of the deadline of 90 days or less. Both companies sent their letters to the chairmen and ranking Republican members of the House and Senate commerce committees, responsible for handling the transition. AT&T also sent its letter to the FCC. The switch is set to happen on Feb. 17, unless a delay is approved.

Verizon, which was a major winner in the 700 MHz spectrum auction last year, will gain access to the spectrum once the DTV transition occurs, paving the way for it to upgrade its wireless network to LTE. "Delaying the transition will postpone the availability of spectrum critical for advanced commercial and public safety communications systems that will achieve two important objectives: more extensive broadband deployment and interoperable first-responder communications," Verizon's letter said. 

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