FCC: Last Chance To Get DTV Done Right

The program has been beset with problems, mainly due to a lack of clear communication, ironically, between the FCC and TV customers. While cable and satellite subscribers won't be affected by the DTV switch, originally slated for Feb. 17 of this year, millions of people who rely on antennae for over-the-air (OTA) transmission will be.

OTA, or "regular TV," will no longer exist after June 12, unless a special converter box is attached to the set. While coupons for those converter boxes were initially available, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which runs the program, ran dry on Jan. 4, causing major concern among government representatives. According to the NTIA, the agency has fulfilled requests for 3.4 million coupons from the waiting list. However, requests for more than 4.1 million coupons -- representing over 2.3 million households -- still remain on the waiting list.

Yesterday, the NTIA said that the millions of consumers waiting for coupons for digital converter boxes will get them within the next two- and-a-half weeks, said Acting NTIA Administrator Anna Gomez. The coupons are available due to monies allocated to the coupon program in the recently passed Economic Stimulus package.

According to the FCC, of the nation's nearly 1,800 full-power television stations, a total of 641 stations (36 percent) terminated their analog signals as of Feb. 17, 2009. The remaining 64 percent have three months to transition.

"This is our last chance to get it right. And we are doing everything we can to do so," said Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein at yesterday's monthly FCC meeting.

To that end, the FCC is turning up the volume on its customer outreach. In his remarks at yesterday's FCC meeting, Acting Chairman Michael J. Copps referenced a new Web-based tool developed by FCC engineers that will help consumers understand what stations they should be able to receive at their home addresses and what kind of antennae they might need to receive them. AntennaWeb.org is another, similar, service, developed by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Consumer Electronics Association.

In addition, the FCC is targeting outreach efforts to populations and geographical regions that are most at risk of being left in the dark on June 12. Further, it plans to establish walk-in centers where consumers can learn firsthand how to install converter boxes or address other problems. Resources will also be available to provide in-home converter-box installation for consumers with special needs, as well as enhanced in-home service for consumers struggling with technical issues.