WASHINGTON – Nearly 6.4 million “over-the-air” U.S.TV households, those that rely on an antenna for broadcast TV, have requested about 12 million coupons from the TV converter box coupon program according to the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The program helps households switch to digital television when full-power TV broadcasters switch from analog to 100 per cent digital broadcasts in less than six months.
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, 60 percent of “over-the-air” TV households are potential purchasers of converter boxes. Nielsen estimated that there were 14 million over-the-air TV households, at the beginning of the year. Nearly 75 percent of these potential purchasers of converter boxes have requested coupons.
“I’m pleased to report that NTIA’s efforts are on track with helping the most vulnerable households – those that rely exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts,” said acting NTIA administrator Meredith Baker. “However, the conclusion to the digital television transition is only six months away, so I encourage all households that may need a converter box to apply for coupons now, and use them to buy a converter within 90 days.”
Household participation is 50 per cent or higher in 187 of the country’s 210 television markets for their participation in the coupon program. NTIA is sharing the data with its partners and creating special outreach where participation rates are lower than expected.
“Nationwide, with more than 23 million coupons requested and more than 8.2 million redeemed, millions of households are now experiencing the benefits of digital TV because of the coupon program,” said Baker. “We will continue to educate consumers about the coupon program and will focus our efforts on those markets and target populations that need the most support.”
The TV converter box coupon program allows all U.S. households to apply for up to two $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Consumers who have TVs with a digital tuner, or subscribe to cable, satellite or another pay service do not need a converter from this program. Consumers who have an analog TV and want to continue using it after February 17, 2009, to receive programs over the air will need to take action to keep that TV set working.
Meanwhile the FCC says its five commissioners will fan out to the markets with the most households that depend on antennas to watch TV to raise awareness about the approaching deadline. Los Angeles is among 80 markets the FCC has identified because they have 100,000 over-the-air-only households or at least 15% of the households view TV that way. Some estimates say as many as 20% of households – more than 1 million in the Los Angeles area – depend on antennas to watch TV.
This unprecedented nationwide tour by the entire commission is a part of our commitment to make sure that we’re doing all that we can to prepare and educate consumers around the country about the upcoming DTV transition,” says FCC chairman Kevin J. Martin.
