As seen in the Timeline the Government has been involved in the adoption of  Digital Television since the beginning. Of course if the Government is involved there must be some financial effects of these changes. All of the Analog Frequencies will still be monitored by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) but will be auctioned off for use by wireless services & priority services (911, police, ambulance, ect.).

Here is a list of links in the FCC website that are specific to DTV & their involvement:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html

DTV Plug & Play information (requires Adobe reader)

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-238865A1.pdf

DTV FAQs

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/policy/dtv/

Periodically check back to the FCC website for updates on changes to DTV and its implementation.