Groups Urge Congress To Give Rural Areas Free Spectrum.

This article reports that groups urge the U.S. Congress to give rural areas free spectrum. As lawmakers consider legislation to expedite broadcasters' transition to digital television, advocacy groups are urging the U.S. Congress to make a portion of the returned analog spectrum available for free to improve high-speed Internet access in rural towns and other underserved areas. A draft House bill by Energy and Commerce chairman sets a December 31, 2008, deadline for broadcasters to complete their shift to digital signals and return all analog channels to the federal government.