Philips lobbying reaches $550,000 in first quarter

The U.S. subsidiary of Netherlands-based Royal Philips Electronics NV spent $550,000 in the first quarter to lobby on digital television, Internet service and other issues, according to a disclosure report.

The company lobbied the federal government on oversight and consumer education issues related to the nationwide switch to digital broadcasting next February, and on the unlicensed use of vacant TV airwaves to provide high-speed Internet service.

A coalition of technology companies, including Philips, and others say using the vacant airwaves would provide affordable broadband service, especially in rural areas.

Philips also lobbied on intellectual property protection, Medicare spending, medical device issues, miscellaneous trade and tariff legislation, recycling electronics and other matters, according to the report filed April 21 with the House clerk's office.

Besides Congress, Philips lobbied the Energy Department, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and others in the first three months of the year.