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| 11.556 TV CONVERTER BOX COUPON PROGRAM |
| FEDERAL AGENCY |
| NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE |
| AUTHORIZATION |
| Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C.309(j)(8)(E) as amended, Public Law 109-171 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Title III - Digital Television Transition and Public Safety, February 8, 2006. |
| OBJECTIVES |
| After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast only in digital. If you use "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna with your analog television set, you must take some action to continue receiving television broadcasts. The Federal Government is offering US households up to two $40 coupons to help with the cost of certified TV converter boxes. A converter box is a one-time purchase that will allow your analog TV to work after February 17, 2009. Coupons are free but supply is limited. Coupons will be mailed by the Federal Government. Applications will be accepted from January 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009. Coupons expire after 90 days and cannot be re-issued. |
| TYPES OF ASSISTANCE |
| Coupon. Dollars off the value of the purchase made by the recipient. |
| USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS |
| Provides financial assistance to off-set the cost of a certified digital-to-analog converter box. |
| Applicant Eligibility |
| All consumers in the 50 US States and territories are eligible for the first 22.25 million coupons. Only households who rely on over-the-air broadcasts are eligible for the additional 11.25 million coupons. |
| Beneficiary Eligibility |
| General public. |
| Credentials/Documentation |
| None. |
| Preapplication Coordination |
| Program contractor maintains telephone and website 24/7. Telephone operations can accommodate English, Spanish, French, Russian, simple Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. |
| Application Procedure |
| The Application can be retrieved from the website at www.DTV2009.gov; or consumers may call (1-888) 388-2009 (24 hour hot-line), TTY - (English) (1-877)530-2634, or TTY (Spanish) (1-866) 495-1161. Applicants may also mail requests to DTV Coupon Program, P.O. Box 9000, Portland, OR 97208-2000; or Fax to (1-877)388-4632. Applicants must request coupon(s) by March 31, 2009. |
| Award Procedure |
| Applications are reviewed for completeness. Coupons are mailed directly to applicant's home. |
| Deadlines |
| Consumers must request coupons on or before March 31, 2009. |
| Range of Approval/Disapproval Time |
| Coupons are generally mailed within 14 TO 21 days after the application is accepted. |
| Appeals |
| Yes. Appeals can be made through a mail-in process. |
| Renewals |
| None. |
| Formula and Matching Requirements |
| None. |
| Length and Time Phasing of Assistance |
| Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it. |
| Reports |
| None. |
| Audits |
| Audits may be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award and Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions. |
| Records |
| None. |
| Account Identification |
| 13-5396-0-1-503. |
| Obligations |
| FY 07 $0; FY 08 est $429,424,000; and FY 09 est $471,870,000. |
| Range and Average of Financial Assistance |
| $40 - $80. |
| PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
| None. |
| REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE |
| Available from www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon. |
| Regional or Local Office |
| None. |
| Headquarters Office |
| Anthony Wilhelm, Consumer Education Director, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications/NTIA, Room 4812, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2048. |
| Web Site Address |
| www.dtv2009.gov |
| RELATED PROGRAMS |
| None. |
| EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS |
| None. |
| CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS |
| None. |
|
General Services Administration Office of Chief Acquisition Officer Regulatory and Federal Assistance Division (VIR) |
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