Each digital channel uses about the same amount of bandwidth as an analog channel -- about 6 MHz -- but the old analog channels had to be spaced apart or else they would interfere with each other. Digital channels can be packed close together.

The usable radio spectrum is finite. Separate parts of it are used for radios, televisions, garage door openers, cell phones, cordless phones, WiFi and a lot of other things. Every year there are more and more wireless uses and users so the efficient use of this valuable resource is very important.

The Federal Communications Commission recently auctioned off what in the press is referred to the 700 MHz spectrum (it is actually from 698-806MHz and is currently used for TV channels 52 to 69) for about $19 billion. Verizon spent $9.4 billion and AT&T spent $6.6 billion. They will be able to use these frequencies starting next February when analog TV broadcast ends.

What are these cell phone companies going to do with this? More data and video capabilities.

$19 billion for channels 52 to 69 - there is a lot more of the spectrum for the government to sell. And you thought that the government just wanted you to have a better picture.