Ntia converter boxes

Some of these notices were submitted many months ago. In early October, NTIA will close the file associated with any Notice, which has not been followed by submission of test results by September 30, To read the Notice, go to www. NTIA is responsible for the development of the domestic and international telecommunications policy of the Executive Branch. The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of requires full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasts and switch to digital broadcasts after February 17, The digital TV transition will offer consumers a clearer picture, more programming choices and free up the airwaves for better communications among emergency first responders and new telecommunications services.

By February 17, , consumers need to look at each analog television set in their home that is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay television service and make a decision:.

Some viewers watch programs by translators or other low-power stations which may continue broadcasting analog signals after February 17, Those viewers may wish to select a converter box that will pass through analog signals. Between now and March 31, , households may request two coupons while funding is available in one of four ways:. NTIA will provide consumers a list of eligible converters and participating retailers when coupons are mailed.

By law, coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed, and only one coupon can be used to purchase each coupon-eligible converter box. Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Background: The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of requires full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasts and switch to digital broadcasts after February 17, By February 17, , consumers need to look at each analog television set in their home that is not connected to cable, satellite, or other pay television service and make a decision: They may connect it to cable, satellite, or pay television service; They may replace it with a TV with a digital tuner, or They may keep it working with a TV converter box.

Between now and March 31, , households may request two coupons while funding is available in one of four ways: Apply online at www. TTY Service is available from 9 a. Eastern Time Monday through Friday.

Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee. National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Similar to gift cards, this type of coupon will be consumer-friendly and minimize the opportunity for waste, fraud, and abuse. If contingent funds are needed, consumers requesting coupons from these contingent funds must self-certify to NTIA that they do not subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television services.

Manufacturers See Information Sheet Manufacturers of converter boxes that can be purchased with coupons must build devices that include specific features and meet certain performance specifications identified in the Technical Appendix to the final rule. Manufacturers seeking to have their converter boxes certified by NTIA as eligible for purchase with the coupon will follow a technical approval process described in the final rule.

Manufacturers will submit production models and certified testing results for review and possible testing by the FCC. Retailers must have been engaged in the consumer electronics business for at least one year and be registered in the Central Contractor Registration database www. Retailers will need to train employees on the purpose and operation of the coupon program with materials provided by NTIA.

Retailers may use commercially reasonable methods to order and manage inventory to meet customer demand for certified eligible converter boxes. NTIA intends that retailers will be paid for valid coupon redemptions on a commercially reasonable basis. National Telecommunications and Information Administration , U. Department of Commerce Constitution Ave.