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Advisory: Commerce’s NTIA to Join Broadcast
Industry Leaders in Providing Update on Digital Television
Transition and the TV Converter Box Coupon Program WHO: Meredith Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary and Acting NTIA Administrator WHAT: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will provide an update on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and highlight collaboration with the broadcast community, including:
WHEN: Monday,
April 14 at 2 p.m. (PDT) The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act
of 2005 (the Act) requires full-power television stations to
cease analog broadcasts and switch to digital after February
17, 2009. The act also authorizes NTIA to create the Digital-To-Analog
Converter Box Coupon Program. Digital television provides
consumers with a clearer picture, more programming and frees
up much needed spectrum for advanced wireless broadband services
and for emergency first responders.
By February 17, 2009, consumers receiving their programming “over the air” with an analog television will need to make one of three choices about how to watch TV after that date: 1.) Buy a converter box that will plug into the analog TV. 2.) Buy a TV with a digital tuner. 3.) Connect the analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service. Between now and March 31, 2009, U.S. households can apply for two, $40 coupons to be used toward the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes at www.DTV2009.gov; by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009); by mail to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208; or by fax at 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632). Deaf or hard of hearing callers may dial 1-877-530-2634 (TTY). Coupons will be mailed and are valid for 90 days after issuance to use towards the purchase of an eligible converter box. For more information about the Coupon Program, go to www.DTV2009.gov. # # # |
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