Plan would limit converter-box coupons to broadcast-only households
Wednesday, July 26th, 2006Households that receive all of their TV programming over the air would be eligible for government coupons that will reduce the cost of set-top converter boxes, under a proposal from a federal agency. The converter boxes (sometimes called digital TV adapters) will enable existing analog TVs to continue receiving broadcasts after the digital TV transition is completed in 2009. Eligible households could request two $40 coupons.
Cable and satellite subscribers would be ineligible for subsidies, even if some televisions in the household are not connected to a pay-TV service, according to the plan.
This scenario won’t make everyone happy—and given that Congress apparently underfunded the subsidy program, some folks are bound to be unhappy. Would it surprise you to know that broadcasters are less than completely happy?
“…we would hope that no broadcast-only TV sets are forced to go dark during this transition,” said [National Association of Broadcasters] spokesman Dennis Wharton.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a Commerce Department agency, seeks public comment on whether a means test or other criteria should be used in determining eligibility. The NTIA also invites comments on other aspects of its proposal.