[Electronics-talk] FW: NTIA Overview of Current Coupon Program Status

[Baracco, Andrew W]

From: "Eric Bridges" <ebridges at acb.org

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: DTV2009 at ketchum.com [mailto:DTV2009 at ketchum.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 1:04 PM
To: ebridges at acb.org
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