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Converter Box Coupons Available to Ease Digital Television Transition Will Significantly Decrease Out-of-Pocket Cost of Transition
January 18, 2008
For Immediate Release

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) announced today that consumers can now take advantage of a congressional program to obtain coupons to lower the cost of purchasing a converter box to receive digital television signals on an analog television. 

Beginning at midnight on February 17, 2009, television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only digital signals.  Digital television (DTV) was mandated by Congress to provide a next generation set of new benefits, including higher-quality programming and more choice, enhanced public safety communications and more robust wireless service offerings.

According to Rep. McDermott, as part of the DTV transition, Congress established a coupon program to help offset the cost of acquiring a DTV converter box, which is expected to cost between $50 and $75. 

Rep. McDermott said that all households can now apply for and receive two $40 coupons, each of which can be used to purchase a converter box.  McDermott said Congress made an initial $22.25 million available for the program, and an additional 11.25 million will be made available only to households that do not subscribe to a pay TV service.

McDermott urged consumers to get more information and apply for coupons.  Consumers can apply now online at: https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx. 

McDermott said consumers can also apply for a coupon by telephone, mail or fax:

• Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
• Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Download a Coupon Application at https://www.dtv2009.gov/docs/Coupon_Program_App_en.pdf.
• Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)