Motorola Testifies Before Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation

Motorola Testifies Before Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation

The Digital Television Transition: To improve television, strengthen homeland security, and advance broadband

WASHINGTON, July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) speaking before the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, Mike Kennedy, senior vice president, Global Government Relations, Motorola, said Congress must act now to provide access to critical spectrum to enable first responders to have full interoperability and improved wireless communications to carry out their critical mission.

"The technology exists today to improve the quality and effectiveness of public safety operations," said Kennedy. "But, public safety must have access to the 700 MHz spectrum to deploy interoperable voice and advanced data technology as soon as possible."

Today, most metropolitan area public safety operations cannot use this spectrum, nor can they predict when it will be accessible. Because of the way the law is currently written, there is no "hard date" for ending the digital television transition (DTV) leaving the deployment of this vital technology uncertain.

Kennedy cited several examples of capabilities that 700 MHz spectrum could make possible for first responders

-- An officer or agent could transmit video of a potential bomb or
biological weapon and get real time counsel from an expert in another
location.
-- Local or state police could instantly send or receive a photograph of a
missing or abducted child.
-- Firefighters in the field could instantly access online building blue
prints, hydrant locations and hazardous material data.

Kennedy added that the importance of this spectrum to first responders was highlighted by a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission that the Congress make dedicated spectrum available to our nation's first responders.

Kennedy also discussed how digital-to-analog converter technology can facilitate the nation's transition to all-digital television broadcasts (DTV) by 2007.

"We are aware of what is involved in clearing these channels and we believe the adverse effects can be mitigated through the provision of converter boxes to some analog TV consumers who do not subscribe to cable or satellite TV services. To make it a success, consumer education, a subsidy, and a hard transition date will combine for a real win."

"We expect that by January 1, 2009 converter boxes would be available for approximately $50 assuming that a hard deadline for the end of the digital transition is set," Kennedy announced.

Kennedy also thanked Chairman Ted Stevens and ranking member Inouye for their dedication to first responder technology needs.

About Motorola

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) is a Fortune 100 global communications leader that provides seamless mobility products and solutions across broadband, embedded systems and wireless networks. Seamless mobility means you can reach the people, things and information you need in your home, auto, workplace and all spaces in between. Seamless mobility harnesses the power of technology convergence and enables smarter, faster, cost-effective and flexible communication. Motorola had sales of US $31.3 billion in 2004. For more information, please visit http://www.motorola.com/ .

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020307/MOTLOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020415/MOTNOTAGLOGO
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Source: Motorola, Inc.

CONTACT: Adrienne Dimopoulos, +1-847-576-6612,
Adrienne.Dimopoulos@Motorola.com , or Steve Gorecki, +1-847-538-0368,
Steve.Gorecki@Motorola.com , both of Motorola, Media Relations

Web site: http://www.motorola.com/

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