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Congressman Asks House Panel For Hearing On Incentive Auctions, Broadcast Radio Chips In Cellphones
August 6, 2012 at 12:33 PM (PT)
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Rep. HANSEN CLARKE (D-MI) has sent a letter to House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications Chairman GUS M. BILIRAKIS (R-FL) and Ranking Member LAURA RICHARDSON (D-CA) asking for a hearing on the FCC's incentive auction plans and the use of broadcast radio chips in cellphones.
In his letter, CLARKE says that the meeting would "highlight critical opportunities for protecting and strengthening our emergency communications capabilities."
CLARKE's letter asserts that the TV incentive auctions "could directly impact the growing number of Americans that rely exclusively on free, local television, which provides lifesaving news and alerts to millions of viewers."
Then, on broadcast radio chips in cellphones, CLARKE writes, "the use of broadcast radio chips in mobile devices is important to emergency communications and response. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is critical in times of an emergency. I believe the use of broadcast radio chips can provide consumers with fast and reliable access to both emergency alerts and in-depth emergency information. The success of our Emergency Alert System ultimately depends on the availability and reliability of the network it is built on."