*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 46855.doc* STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. POWELL Re: Second Periodic Review of the Commission’s Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television Increasingly, the American public is experiencing the benefits of the digital television transition— from high- definition video and audio, to more over- the- air services, such as multicasting and new low- cost entrants in the pay- television marketplace. Over the past three and a half years, this Commission, in partnership with each segment of the television industry, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to leading the consumer adoption of DTV. The results of our collective efforts are finally coming to bear. Broadcasters continue to build- out their over- the- air digital facilities; cable and satellite operators are carrying more digital and high- definition programming than ever before; broadcasters and cable programmers are producing more high- definition programming and introducing new channels every day; set manufacturers are churning out more digital and high-definition television sets, many with over- the- air tuners, and set prices are dropping dramatically; and finally, as a result, consumers are experiencing the wonders that digital and high- definition television have to offer. In making this substantial progress, the national dialogue has shifted from wondering if the DTV transition would ever end to exploring when it should end. The importance of the end of the DTV transition for our country cannot be overstated. Completion of the transition will recoup a significant amount of spectrum for first-responder, public safety use and for innovative wireless broadband services— enhancing our homeland and economic security in the process. We take today’s actions, most notably to set channel election and replication and maximization deadlines not only to bring consumers more over- the- air digital services, but to help usher in the beginning of the end of the DTV transition. The government-industry partnership has excelled in the last several years to break the log- jam that was the DTV transition. That said, there is more work to be done to achieve our dual goals of bringing the benefits of digital and high- definition television to the American public and reclaiming valuable spectrum for public safety and wireless broadband services. This Commission stands ready continue to do its part. 1