Cable companies are excited about the impending switch to digital TV. It’s not just about broadcast, but also the elimination of analog signals via cable as well. That means the operators will require a set-top box for all customers, not just digital subscribers as it is now. This frees up much valuable bandwidth for more digital services, such as HD programming.
Not only that, but many basic broadcast customers will become cable subscribers in the switch when their sets no longer work with the analog signals.
The cable companies could also resell much of this national bandwidth to the government or other communications providers.
In short, the cable indsutry’s lobby is paying off.