Digital TV Converter Box Coupon Program Information

Coupon Program UPDATE

There are several recent improvements to the TV Converter Box Coupon Program that will help consumers prepare for the shut off of analog broadcasts by June 12, 2009. These changes are a result of the DTV Delay Act and made possible through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.

The following program updates are effective immediately:

• Applications for Replacement Coupons. The Coupon Program is now accepting applications from consumers whose coupons expired without being redeemed. The Coupon Program limits each U.S. household to a total of two redeemed coupons. Therefore, if you have redeemed one coupon toward the purchase of a TV converter box and the other has expired, you may request and be approved for one replacement coupon; if you have redeemed two coupons you will not be approved for additional coupons. Replacement coupons will only be issued to eligible households upon request. Consumers who wish to apply for a replacement coupon can do so online, by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), mailing an application to PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or faxing it to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632). Deaf or hard of hearing callers may use 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).




• Coupon Waiting List and Distribution. The Coupon Program has completed processing approved coupon applications that were placed on a waiting list beginning in January 2009. Consumers who had been notified they were approved for coupons but placed on a waiting list due to a lack of program funds will be issued coupons. (Consumers may use the automatically-generated reference number they received at the time of application to check the status of their request on this Web site.)




• Consumers who apply for a coupon and are approved after the waiting list is eliminated will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. If the Program experiences high demand, it may be necessary for the Coupon Program to once again place applicants on a waiting list. Should this happen we may distribute coupons to over-the-air only households first to ensure as many U.S. households as possible have at least one working television after their local TV stations complete the transition to digital by June 12, 2009.




• Requested Coupons Mailed via First-Class Mail. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is mailing coupons via first-class mail. Consumers will receive coupons more quickly.




• Application Deadline. Consumers should act now to prepare for the end of analog broadcasts in their local viewing area. The Program will accept coupon applications until July 31, 2009, if funds are available to fill those requests.

Information on Stations Transitioning to Digital before June 12, 2009

While the DTV Delay Act postpones the conclusion of the digital television transition to June 12, 2009, and gives U.S. households additional time to prepare for this historic switch, some stations are choosing to transition prior to June. To determine if television stations in your area are transitioning prior to June 12, 2009, please visit www.dtv.gov.

Source: DTV2009.gov

What is the digital television transition?

Prior to the DTV Delay Act signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, at midnight that same day all full-power television stations in the United States were scheduled to stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders. That date has now been extended until June 12, 2009; however, many television stations have opted to switch to digital broadcasting early.

Consumers have a variety of options. Options to explore include:

1. Keep your existing analog TV and purchase a TV converter box. A converter box plugs into your TV and will keep it working after June 12, 2009, or
2. Connect to cable, satellite or other pay service, or
3. Purchase a television with a digital tuner.

Have more questions? Visit the FAQs for more information!

Not sure if you need a Converter Box? Click here.

Source: DTV2009.gov

Information for Consumers:

• The Coupon Program will receive coupon requests beginning January 1, 2008.
• Consumers will be able to apply for their coupons through a Web site, via a toll-free number, or by mail.
• Households will be able to apply for a maximum of two (2) coupons, each worth $40. Coupons will be mailed to eligible households and will expire after 90 days of issuance.
• Coupons will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis to all U.S. households until $890 million has been expended.
• If these initial funds are exhausted, an additional $450 million will be made available to households that receive only over-the-air television service.
• Consumers may call toll free 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) in English and Spanish for updates.
• The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161 for updates.
• Consumer organizations and others interested in partnering with NTIA to promote the Coupon Program should contact Mary Lou Kenny at 202-482-9114.
• Coupon Program details, Frequently Asked Questions and program brochure are online on the NTIA website

Source: National Telecommunications & Information Administration