Program Descriptions
Program Number
11.556
Title
TV Converter Box Coupon Program
Federal Agency
NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Authorization
Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C.309(j)(8)(E) as amended, Public Law 109-171 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Title III - Digital Television Transition and Public Safety, February 8, 2006.
Status
Active
Objectives
After February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations will broadcast only in digital. If you use "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna with your analog television set, you must take some action to continue receiving television broadcasts. The Federal Government is offering US households up to two $40 coupons to help with the cost of certified TV converter boxes. A converter box is a one-time purchase that will allow your analog TV to work after February 17, 2009. Coupons are free but supply is limited. Coupons will be mailed by the Federal Government. Applications will be accepted from January 1, 2008 until March 31, 2009. Coupons expire after 90 days and cannot be re-issued.
Types of Assistance
Direct Payments for Specified Use.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Provides financial assistance to off-set the cost of a certified digital-to-analog converter box.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
All consumers in the 50 U.S. States and territories are eligible for the first 22.25 million coupons. Only households who rely on over-the-air broadcasts are eligible for the additional 11.25 million coupons.
Beneficiary Eligibility
General public.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Program contractor maintains telephone and website 24/7. Telephone operations can accommodate English, Spanish, French, Russian, simple Chinese, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.
Application Procedure
The Application can be retrieved from the website at www.DTV2009.gov; or consumers may call (1-888) 388-2009 (24 hour hot-line), TTY - (English) (1- 877)530-2634, or TTY (Spanish) (1-866) 495-1161. Applicants may also mail requests to DTV Coupon Program, P.O. Box 9000, Portland, OR 97208-2000; or Fax to (1-877)388-4632. Applicants must request coupon(s) by March 31, 2009.
Award Procedure
Applications are reviewed for completeness. Coupons are mailed directly to applicant's home.
Deadlines
Consumers must request coupons on or before March 31, 2009.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Coupons are generally mailed within 14 TO 21 days after the application is accepted.
Appeals
Yes. Appeals can be made through a mail-in process.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. Each coupon has an expiration date printed on it.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
Audits may be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award and Department of Commerce Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
13-5396-0-1-503.
Obligations
FY 07 $0; FY 08 est $429,424,000; and FY 09 est $471,870,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$40 - $80.
Program Accomplishments
None.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Available from http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Anthony Wilhelm, Consumer Education Director, Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications/NTIA, Room 4812, Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20230. Telephone: (202) 482-2048.
Web Site Address
www.dtv2009.gov.
Related Programs
None.
Examples of Funded Projects
None.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
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