As the DTV transition legislation progresses it is good for first responders to be aware of various points interested parties are making. and the financial universe that the public safety spectrum fits into.

Telecomweb reports:

"The approximate market value of the 60 megahertz of unauctioned spectrum at 700 MHz, to be freed by the transition from analog to digital television, could be worth between $20 billion and $24 billion, according to a new study released by the High Tech DTV Coalition (a group of 19 trade associations and technology companies).

The 20-page research work - conducted by Coleman Bazelon, vice president of consulting firm Analysis Group and commissioned by coalition member Intel Corporation - also suggested there between $233 billion and $473 billion in "social value" connected with the transition by combining an estimated producer surplus, consumer surplus, public-safety benefits and federal financing effects."

Drew Clark in National Journal's Insider Update notes that:

"If draft legislation unveiled by House Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton, R-Texas, becomes law, the High Tech DTV Coalition says $28 billion could be generated by the sale of the 60 megahertz the bill would make available for auction by the end of 2008.

That estimate is based on a 12-page study by the Brattle Group, which developed its projections from three recent spectrum valuations -- including one in February. That study was done for Qualcomm Inc., one of the members of the High Tech DTV Coalition..."

It is also good to know how public safety spectrum fits into the overall spectrum picture. As Mr. Clark continues,

"The House Energy and Commerce Committee draft would relocate television stations with channel numbers from 52 to 69 to lower channels. While the legislation would require broadcasters to vacate 108 Mhz, only 60 Mhz would be available for auction because 24 Mhz already have been allocated to public safety, 18 Mhz already have been purchased at auction, and six Mhz are to be used as "guard bands" separating broadcasters from other services."

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Furthermore, one has to always remember that the transition involves all the products that receive the digital signals.

The Consumer Electronics Association overview states:

"The analog to digital television (DTV) transition is going strong. TV manufacturers are still leading the DTV charge, offering more than 450 models of DTV products including integrated sets, digital monitors and set-top receivers at affordable prices. CEA research shows a remarkable level of satisfaction with the product with, as expected, the biggest disappointment being the relative dearth of HDTV programming. We're making progress in the transition and we're now in the home stretch."

Lot of money, lot of intersts. First responders have to know who there friends are and who can be helpful in advancing public safety's interests.