Life | 3/23/08

Verizon Wireless paid more than $9 billion, most of it for a part called the "C Block," which covers pretty much all of the continental United States.

This will allow for better coverage for the cell phone service's customers on a wider range of devices. Can you hear me now?

AT&T was another big spender in the auction, taking most of the less comprehensive "B Block" of spectrum, giving their future services a boost in many parts of the country.

Besides the government and cell phone companies, the switch will likely be a boon to cable providers and other services. Regardless of government aid, I think many people will likely just go get digital cable to save the effort and avoid having a fairly useless converter box just casually dangling from their television constantly.

Unfortunately, the FCC's coupons are no good on cable bills.

Additionally, despite industry efforts, many people are not paying attention to the imminent switch. Some may even be surprised to find static when turning on their televisions in February.

Hopefully, the advertisements will drill into America's collective skulls that the coming revolution will be televised somewhat differently.

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