At this point, we're doing little more than protecting adults from themselves and destroying over-the-air broadcasting in the process.

"Ironically it is free, universal over-the-air broadcasting that is being singled out and asked to pay for spectrum in order to stay in business," he said.

For television, IPG support is built into almost all modern receivers for digital cable, digital satellite, and over-the-air digital broadcasting.

In their letter, the Representatives said they want "rules establishing a broadcasting standard for over-the-air digital broadcasting" set no later than April 1.

While that argument might be convincing for over-the-air broadcasting, it isn't for cable.

"Broadcasters are the ones who pioneered over-the-air broadcasting in this country," said Roy J. Stewart, chief of the F.C.C.'s mass media bureau.

By November 2008, the station resumed over-the-air broadcasting after the FCC rejected the notice to cease terrestrial operations.

The programs will reach viewers via what is known as over-the-air broadcasting, or cellular television.

"He is tearing up 10 years of planning of the orderly evolution of over-the-air broadcasting, from analog to digital," he said.

The rival systems are all intended for over-the-air broadcasting and must be able to cope with everything from electrical storms to noise from police radios.