The Truth Behind the Proposed DTV Conversion Delay

Today's article by Nate Silver reminded me of this little bit of old news.  In his article Silver complains that the Republicans are simply being "uncooperative", most recently with their unanimous opposition to the porkulus bill, but, as he cites, also with their opposition to the DTV transition delay. 

But, in terms of the DTV transition, the House Republicans were more than merely "uncooperative" - they were absolutely right.  The purported rationale for the delay was that the $40 coupon program has run out of money, people are being put on a waiting list, and it will take time for everyone to get their converter boxes.

Here's closer to the real reason: The Obama advisor for telecom policy, R. Gerard Salemme, just also happens to be an Executive Vice-President for Clearwire.  Clearwire has a cooperative agreement with Sprint to build a 4G wireless internet network.  When it comes online, it would be the fastest wireless internet network in the country.  Naturally other wireless companies are working on their own 4G networks too.  Clearwire's major competitor in this capacity is Verizon.  Verizon is also planning a 4G network, and they are planning on using the soon-to-be-vacated analog TV spectrum in which to operate their network.  So, a delay in the DTV transition only helps Sprint/Clearwire and hurts Verizon.

So, is Clearwire, via Salemme, manipulating government to obtain a competitive advantage over Verizon?  No!  It can't be!  Only evil Rethuglicans do that!