Last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the official TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

Congress created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program for households wishing to continue using their analog TV sets after the digital television transition takes place at 11:59 p.m. on February 17, 2009. The program allows U.S. households to obtain up to two coupons, each worth $40, that can be applied toward the cost of eligible converter boxes.

Since the launch of the program on January 1, more than a million people from every state in the country have applied for coupons, totaling nearly two million coupons already designated for these households. All U.S. households are eligible to receive up to two coupons each; however, there are a limited number of coupons being made available to consumers. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households without any restrictions. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.

NAB is reaching out to elderly, minority and economically disadvantaged consumers who will benefit the most from this TV Converter Box Coupon Program and will be distributing a new round of DTV Action Spots to stations in February that focus on the coupon program. More information about the coupon program is available at www.DTV2009.com.