1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS22306Updated February 16, 2006 Spectrum Auctions and Deficit Reduction:FY2006 Budget Reconciliationname redactedAnalyst in Telecommunications and Technology PolicyResources, Science,
2、 and Industry DivisionSummaryCongressional policymakers are seeking a way to accelerate the nations transitionto digital television (DTV) and to expedite the transfer of certain radio frequencychannels from the broadcast industry to public safety and commercial users no later than2009. The Congressi
3、onal Budget Office has informally estimated a value of $12.5billion from auction proceeds for these commercial channels; many believe the amountcould be higher. Broadcasters are holding this valuable spectrum (channels 52-69) butwould be required to relinquish it after the transition to DTV is achie
4、ved. Without ahard deadline, the transition to digital television has been delayed and the spectrum hasnot been made available for other uses. Congress anticipates applying some of theproceeds received from auctions of the spectrum to be cleared to help meet deficit-reduction goals passed in H.Con.R