Deadline for digital cable converter box application approaching

A message from the AoA:

n less than two weeks, NTIA will stop accepting couponapplications and appeals. While the transition to digital was completedon June 12, there are a number of households that remain unready – theyare in the dark. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is still acceptingcoupon applications and appeals, but only until midnight on July 31,2009, so households must act immediately.  

NTIA continues its outreach to those who still need help to keep theirolder analog televisions working, and we are hoping you can make sureyour constituents are aware of this impending deadline by forwardingthe information below, talking to consumers about it or posting it inpublic places.

Coupon Application Deadline Nears. The coupon application deadline isfast approaching. If you are still not DTV-ready, it’s not too late.Help is still available, but you must take action immediately. Eligiblehouseholds may continue to apply or re-apply for TV converter boxcoupons. Applications for coupons are accepted online, by phone at1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), by mail and by fax. Mailedapplications must be post-marked no later than midnight on July 31,2009. It typically takes nine business days to process and mailcoupons. If you have applied for coupons, but not yet received them,check the status of your request on www.DTV2009.gov by selecting CheckYour Application Status.

Appeals for Denied Coupon Applications. The last day to file an appealis midnight on July 31, 2009.  If you apply for coupons through the Website, and the application is denied, there is a link within the denialmessage to appeal.

Filing an appeal via the Web site is the quickest way for the CouponProgram to process and respond to appeals. If you wish to provideadditional detail beyond the space provided, you may submit your appealin writing or by e-mail.

More info:  http://www.DTV2009.gov

Coupons Can Be Used Until They Expire. Even though the last day toapply for coupons is July 31, 2009, you can use your coupons atparticipating retailers until they expire. Call ahead to area retailstores to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes onthe day you plan to shop. Coupon-eligible converter boxes also may bepurchased online or by telephone and shipped directly to your home.

Once again, we greatly appreciate your continued efforts to reachconsumers who are still not DTV-ready. During these final days forconsumers to apply for a TV converter box coupon or file an appeal,will you please spread the word and help ensure that people who needhelp purchasing their converter boxes are able to receive it? Yourefforts will make it possible for them to experience the benefits ofthe digital TV transition.