Civil Rights Group Applauds Expansion of DTV Coupon Program

Washington, DC – Today, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has expanded its digital television transition (DTV) transition efforts by opening up the converter box coupon applications to those households that have expired or misplaced coupons.  Affected families that were originally left to shoulder the cost of a digital converter box alone can now reapply for coupons to offset the cost of the box. 

NTIA is working with local communities and organizations to address the problems and obstacles that have left millions of families still unprepared for the transition.  Over four million households have yet to make the conversion to digital television. Many of these households will be relying on the NTIA converter box coupon program for help. 

“This announcement is great news for communities and families who have still not made the digital transition,” said Wade Henderson, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights.  “The coupon program is often the only resource and support for families attempting to convert their old televisions to digital and this change will inevitably help the millions of households who have not made the transition.” 

Low-income communities, people who speak a language other than English, the elderly, people with disabilities, and communities of color will be most affected by the June 12th digital transition.  The converter box coupon program provides a much needed resource to help families make a smooth transition and ensure that they maintain access to the emergency announcements and educational programming that television provides.

“This news also highlights the need for households to take action now before the June 12th deadline,” said Henderson.  “Families should reapply for a converter box coupon, purchase the appropriate box, and test it out to make sure that it works.”