ITC committee focuses on digital TV transition, broadband access.

NLC's Information Technology and Communications (ITC) steering committee held its spring meeting June 12-14, addressing a number of timely issues. Meeting in Aurora. Colo., the committee considered potential policy amendments while also focusing on the local challenges associated with the digital television transition.

Chaired by Mayor Jim Haggerton of Tukwila, Wash., the committee has identified the digital transition as a priority for the year. While there may not be policy changes needed, the committee recognizes the unique position local elected officials find themselves in as the February 2009 mandatory switch to digital signals looms. Local officials are in a position to widely publicize information in advance of the switch, and once it occurs, they will likely be confronted by any potential problems once the transition occurs.

The committee reviewed an ongoing NLC outreach strategy to prepare local elected officials. The plan has already resulted in a workshop at the Congressional City Conference, a series of articles in Nation's Cities Weekly, and a webpage on the NLC website containing information and links. In addition to looking at the next steps in the strategy, the committee provided input on potential best practices for forming local partnerships and disseminating information.

Revisiting an ongoing policy issue, the committee took a close look at broadband access. The committee decided to consider several updates to policy, and will consider revisions to the current resolution on broadband access. The committee intends to reiterate the twin goals of universal broadband access for all Americans along with the need for higher national broadband standards in order to compete internationally.

The committee will also consider the potential role of the federal government in addressing the need for comprehensive mapping of existing service, and will coordinate with the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Policy Committee to address the availability of broadband spectrum for public safety uses.

Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, an advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., addressed the committee on the benefits of universal broadband access, and detailed one of its statewide initiatives--ConnectKentucky--as a potential model worth replicating.

The final policy issue on the committee's workplan is the status of Public, Educational and Government (PEG) channels. These channels, currently a right that may be exercised by municipalities in franchises with cable providers, are under an onslaught of threats. Faced with unfriendly, preemptive legislation and statewide franchise laws, the potential switch to premium tiers with higher fees for consumers, and the introduction of non-traditional carriers to the television field, the committee will continue to monitor the situation for potential advocacy opportunities.

On a related matter, the committee also received an update on the Federal Communications Commission rules and national trends affecting franchising. Former ITC chair Ken Fellman provided a detailed overview, and stressed the need for local governments to work to preserve services in existing agreements, including PEG channels and emergency alert override systems, and to update local codes to comprehensively address permitting in the rights-of-way.

Aurora Councilmember Larry Beer hosted the meeting, which included a visit to the state-of-the-art television studio in the Aurora Municipal Center. The steering committee will reconvene for its fall meeting, September 18-20, in Piano, Texas. Policy recommendations will then be referred to the full ITC policy and advocacy committee in November at the Congress of Cities in Orlando, Fla.