February 22, 2008

ETA REGIONAL INFORMATION ALERT     050-08

ORIGINATING OFFICE:     Region 5

SUBJECT:    Notice - Digital to Analog Converter Box Coupon Program

PROGRAM(S): All Programs

1.  Purpose.  To transmit notice of the new Digital to Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.

2.  References.  None

3.  Links.  This Alert is in the Regional Resources website archive at: http://www.doleta.gov/regions/regionalresources/

4. Substance.  The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is disseminating information regarding a new program:  the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program (coupon program).

The coupon program will assist households reliant on free over-the-air television to maintain television services when full power television stations cease analog broadcasting on February 17, 2009.  Each household will be able to request up to two $40 coupons to be used for the purchase of up to two digital-to-analog converter boxes, allowing households with analog televisions to display digital television after the cessation of analog broadcasting.

It is estimated that approximately 19 million households are reliant on over-the-air broadcasting to receive television services.  The elderly, disabled, economically disadvantaged, and rural residents are among the groups most likely to be impacted by the transition from analog-to-digital programming, as they are, on average, more reliant on over-the-air television. 

Attached you will find an information sheet and brochure in both English and Spanish outlining the details of the coupon program.  Additional information is available on the NTIA website at: http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/index.html, to include brochures in English and Spanish as well as, a Frequently Asked Questions section.

5. Action: Program administrators are requested to share this Information Alert with appropriate staff, other agencies and clients.

7.  Contact.  Comments or questions about this tool may be directed to Mary Lou Kenny on 202.482.9114. Comments or questions about the format of this Alert may be directed to Robert Rainault on 312.596.5416.

8.  Expiration Date. February 19, 2009

9. Attachment. None