NAB Urges NTIA to Expedite Delivery of Digital TV Converter Box Coupons

November 25, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC — National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) President and CEO David K. Rehr sent the following letter to Meredith Baker, acting assistant secretary for communications and information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), urging the agency to expedite the delivery of converter box coupons to consumers. NTIA manages the government's TV converter box coupon program, which provides discounts on the purchase of converter boxes – the most economical way for Americans to prepare for the transition to digital television on February 17, 2009.

November 25, 2008

Ms. Meredith Baker
Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
14th and Constitution Avenue NW - Room 4898
Washington DC 20230

Dear Ms. Baker:

Broadcasters are leading the charge toward the goal of completing the nation's digital television (DTV) transition by February 17, 2009. We appreciate very much NTIA's timely action on expediting delivery of converter box coupons to Hawaii for its January 15, 2009 early transition. Like Hawaii, however, we are concerned that the continued delivery of converter box coupons at the present rate may impede our progress nationally. With the February transition date now less than 85 days away, it is critical that the government focus on getting coupons to consumers who have applied as quickly as possible.

As you know, it is critically important that we focus on ensuring that all American households continue to receive free over-the-air digital signals after February 17, 2009. As you also know, the law does not require that any coupons be mailed via standard third-class U.S. Postal Service mail, as is the current practice by your contractor, IBM. Accordingly, America's broadcasters respectfully request that your agency and IBM do whatever necessary to ensure that all coupons be mailed in the most expeditious manner possible nationwide starting as soon as possible.

Many thanks in advance for your continued attention to this matter. We tremendously appreciate your agency's diligence with regard to the nation's historic DTV transition. As the countdown to the transition gets closer, it is vitally important that viewers are allowed every opportunity to make a successful conversion. The ability of viewers to get their DTV coupons expeditiously will go a long way toward ensuring a successful transition for our nation.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

David K. Rehr