DTV Coupon Program Runs Out of Money

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DTV Coupon Program Runs Out of Money

DTV Coupon Program Runs Out of Money
The Morning Bridge

The nation's program to offer $40 coupons to consumers that can be used towards the purchase of digital TV converter boxes has run out of money.

On Monday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) said that because of the high demand for the coupons, the program has reached its $1.34 billion ceiling. The money spent so far apparently includes ordered and redeemed coupons.

Starting last Sunday (Jan. 4), consumers requesting coupons from the agency's TV converter box coupon program will be placed on a waiting list. Coupons will be mailed on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available, including money freed up from expired coupons, NTIA said in a statement.

The lack of money for the coupon program comes at a critical time for the nation's switch to digital TV, now 42 days away from the official Feb. 17 transition. And the coupon program ran out of money despite pleas to lawmakers last year to continue funding for the effort.

"Households need to consider all of their options and act now to be prepared for the Feb. 17 transition to digital television," said Acting NTIA Administrator Meredith Attwell Baker. "We are working with Congress, the incoming administration and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is prepared for the transition and no one is left in the dark."

While the program has come up short on money, it hasn't come up short on consumer enthusiasm. In other words, there are folks out there who know about the coupons and - more importantly - the digital TV transition.

NTIA said more than 24 million households have requested more than 46 million coupons, and more