From: "Eric Bridges" <[log in to unmask]
I wanted to share this update from NTIA with all of you. The news isn't
very encouraging but I think they are finally being realistic concerning the
challenges that lie ahead with the conversion.
Eric
_____
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 1:04 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: NTIA Overview of Current Coupon Program Status
Greetings:
NTIA greatly appreciates your continued support in educating U.S. consumers
about the digital television transition. Below is an overview of the
current status of the TV Converter Box Coupon program should you receive
questions from your colleagues or constituents.
The action taken by Congress on February 4, 2009, to postpone the conclusion
of the digital television transition to June 12, 2009, means American
consumers will have additional time to prepare for this historic switch.
This piece of legislation, however, does not change the operation of the TV
Converter Box Coupon Program at the current time.
The DTV Delay Act passed by Congress does not include funds for additional
coupons. An additional $650 million is proposed for the Coupon Program the
H.R. 1, the stimulus legislation, which must pass in order for NTIA to
distribute additional coupons beyond what it can distribute with funds from
expiring coupons. This legislation is also required for some of the
provisions outlined in the DTV Delay Act to be enacted, including the
ability of the Assistant Secretary to allow consumers whose coupons have
expired to reapply for replacement coupons. At this time, a consumer who
tries to reapply for a coupon that has expired, or was lost or stolen, will
be denied.
Consumers who have not applied for a TV Converter Box Coupon may still do
so, but they will be placed on a waiting list. Requests from eligible
households continue to be filled as funds become available from expired and
unredeemed coupons. NTIA's #1 priority is to eliminate the waiting list but
it cannot do so until legislation providing additional funding is passed.
If and when Congress authorizes additional funding, NTIA will alert our
partner groups and provide you with information to share with your
constituencies.
While June 12th is now the last date by which all full-power television
stations in the country will be required to shut down analog broadcasts,
some stations and entire markets may choose to switch between now and then.
Consumers in over-the-air (OTA) households are strongly encouraged to act
immediately to start receiving digital television broadcasts. Those who are
ready are asked to help a friend or neighbor prepare as soon as possible.
Consumers can receive digital television today by purchasing a TV converter
box (with or without a government coupon), buying a digital TV, or
subscribing to cable, satellite or another pay service. Consumers who
currently have coupons in hand should use them immediately. If they no
longer need the coupon and it has not expired, they may give it to a friend,
neighbor, or family member if they need a coupon. NTIA appreciates your
contributions and looks forward to working with you to use these additional
four months to ensure that no household loses television service.
NTIA is currently in the process of updating all Partner and Press materials
on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program Web site www.DTV2009.gov
<http://www.dtv2009.gov/ .
The Federal Communications Commission has released a list of full-power TV
broadcast stations terminating analog service on or before February 17,
2009. That list can be found:
<http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-221A3.xls
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-221A3.xls.
Thank you,
NTIA
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