Benjamin Gilman: “H.R. 3615, the Rural Local Broadcast Signal Act, was introduced in response to the announcement by the major satellite…”

“H.R. 3615, the Rural Local Broadcast Signal Act, was introduced in response to the announcement by the major satellite carriers that, following enactment of the Satellite Home Viewer Act last fall, satellite carriers would be providing only newly authorized local network TV broadcast services in the largest markets, rather than the more rural areas. These satellite providers have stated it is not economically feasible to provide such service to our rural areas. Since many rural areas of our Nation are not served by broadcast TV or cable service, legislation is necessary to encourage the delivery of local network TV service to our rural Americans. This legislation amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 in order to provide local TV networks to rural satellite customers. The purpose of this bill is to ensure improved access of local TV signals into unserved or underserved rural areas by December 31, 2006. The bill is languaged to provide local TV signals to rural Americans, which will not only benefit consumers, but it can save lives.”