What is the Converter Box Coupon Program?
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 directs the NTIA (within the Department of Commerce) to administer a coupon program for digital-to-analog converter box purchases. Each U.S. household can receive up to two coupons of $40 each to apply toward the purchase of any of the 36 approved converter boxes. (Coupons may not be combined.) Coupons are available on a first-come first-served basis to all U.S. households until $890 million has been expended, so even families whose main television will not need a converter box can get a converter box for their additional televisions that receive over the air signals. If these initial funds are exhausted, an additional $450 million will be available to households that receive only over-the-air service. How do I get a coupon? You may request up to two coupons from the government. They look and work just like retail gift cards. To request a coupon, do one of the following: Go online: www.dtv2009.gov Call: 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) TTY: 1-877-530-26
To help consumers with the DTV transition, the Government established the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a part of the Department of Commerce, administers this program. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons, worth $40 each, toward the purchase of eligible digital-to-analog converter boxes. Beginning in January of 2008, the NTIA has begun accepting applications for coupons. The coupons may only be used for eligible converter boxes sold at participating consumer electronics retailers, and the coupons must be used at the time of purchase. (Please note that these coupons will expire 90 days after mailing). Manufacturers estimate that digital-to-analog converter boxes will sell from $40 to $70 each. This is a one-time cost. For more information on the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program, visit www.dtv2009.gov, or call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).
