In February 2009, full power TV stations will begin broadcasting only digital signals. This will provide more spectrum for public safety and benefits for broadcast TV viewers, such as better pictures and more channels. But if you have an analog TV that gets reception through an antenna, instead of through cable, that TV won't work the same after February 2009.
Concentrating efforts to educate consumers well in advance about both the upcoming transition and their options will ensure as smooth a transition as possible. That is why I, along with dozens of cosponsors, introduced, and the Senate passed, a resolution designating August 2008 as “Digital Television Transition Awareness Month” (S. Res. 576).
I believe that now is a perfect time to highlight the ongoing efforts about transition to digital television next year. In Utah, there are thousands of homes which rely on free analog TV signals. I strongly encourage those who will need to take some action to do so now, rather than wait until the last moment.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration confirms that as of November 18, 2008, 123,480 of the 281,583 coupons requested by Utahns have been redeemed. To review coupon distribution and redemption statistics, please consult the following site: www.ntiadtv.gov/coupon_stats.cfm.
During August and September, I asked my staff to set up a series of free seminars about the upcoming transition to digital television.
Tuesday, August 26th at 2PM:
Weber County Commission Chambers
2380 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, Utah
Wednesday, August 27th at 10AM:
Sunday Anderson Westside Senior Center
868 West 900 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
Thursday, August 28th at 10:30AM:
The Historic Utah County Courthouse Ballroom
51 South University
Provo, Utah
Wednesday, September 10th at 2PM:
Sevier County Commission Chambers
Sevier County Administration Bldg.
250 North Main
Richfield, Utah
Thursday, September 11th at 10AM:
Cedar City Council Chambers
City Administration Bldg.
10 North Main
Cedar City, Utah
Thursday, September 11th at 2PM:
County Commission Chambers
Washington County Administration Bldg.
197 East Tabernacle
St. George, Utah
For more information about the transition to digital television, or to participate in the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, go online at www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009. For more general information about the transition, consult the Web at www.dtv.gov or contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at: 1-888-CALL-FCC.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding
TV Converter Box Coupons* - How long are coupons active?
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it. - If a coupon expires before it is used, can a consumer re-apply?
If a consumer requests only one coupon and it expires before it is used, then the consumer can apply for a second coupon. Once two coupons have been issued to that household, the consumer will no longer be eligible to request any more coupons. - Can I replace a lost or stolen coupon?
No. Coupons cannot be reissued. If you have requested one coupon, you may be eligible to receive another. If both coupons have been lost or stolen, by law, the U.S. Department of Commerce is unable to reissue coupon replacements. While it is illegal to sell coupons, giving a coupon for free to a family member, friend, or neighbor is not prohibited under program regulations. - Can coupons be used by other members of a household?
Yes. Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However, only two coupons can be issued per household regardless of the number of occupants or families. - How many coupons can I request?
Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time. - Can I transfer the coupon to someone else?
It is illegal to sell coupons, but giving a coupon for free to a family member, friend, or neighbor is not prohibited under program regulations. * The above FAQs are provided by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Please click here to read additional FAQs. |
