Last Week, Americans Applied for Nearly 1.7 Million Coupons; Purchased More than 1 Million Converter Boxes U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today assured Americans who are still not digital-television ready that converter box coupons are still available and that outreach will continue to those consumers who rely on free over-the-air broadcasting.
“We made tremendous gains in the last four months in preparing Americans for the transition to digital broadcasting, but our work is not done,” Locke said. “We will continue to inform unprepared Americans that $40 coupons for TV converter boxes are still available so they have access to the news and emergency broadcast information they need.” Last week, the Department of Commerce’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program received requests for nearly 1.7 million coupons from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14—with approximately 428,000 requested on Friday, the day the national switch to digital occurred. During that period, retailers redeemed more than one million converter box coupons. In addition, the Coupon Program’s call center handled 1.38 million calls last week.
Even though the transition is complete, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will continue to provide consumer assistance. TV converter box coupons will remain available to consumers who apply until July 31, while supplies last. In addition: The transition to digital broadcasting will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders. In addition, digital broadcasting provides a clearer picture and more programming choices for many consumers. Consumers can go to www.dtv2009.gov for more information.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
