[20041210]RS21990_卫星电视和“数字白色区域”：2004年《卫星家庭观众扩展和再授权法案》的规定.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21990Updated December 10, 2004Satellite Television and “Digital White Areas”: Provisions of the 2004 Satellite Home ViewerExtension and Reauthorization Actname redactedSpecialist in Aerospace and Telecommunications PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryIn November 2004, Congress passed the Satellite Home Viewer Extension andReauthorization Act (SHVERA), which extends and expands upon earlier Acts thatregulate the satellite television (TV) industry. One of the most contentious issues waswhether to allow satellite TV companies to retransmit broadcast network digital TVsignals to their subscribers who cannot receive digital TV from their local networkbroadcast stations that is, they live in “digital white areas.” SHVERA provideslimited authority for satellite companies to offer “distant digital signals” if certainconditions are met. This report will not be updated.Grade B Signals, Unserved Households, and “White Areas”Congress has passed several laws regulating the satellite television industry. Inthose laws, and others that regulate cable television, C