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Smith Cosponsors Bill to Extend Eligibility of DTV Coupons

Date: Aug. 1, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Technology and Communication


Smith Cosponsors Bill to Extend Eligibility of DTV Coupons

Congressman Lamar Smith today cosponsored legislation, HR 6763, the Digital Television Coupon Extension Act, to extend the eligibility period of coupons for digital television converter boxes from three months to six months.

Consumers can use up to two of the government-issued $40 coupons each toward the purchase of digital converter boxes, which enable analog televisions to receive digital broadcast signals. On February 17, 2009, television stations will transition from analog to digital broadcasting.

"Due to high demand and, in some cases, limited availability, we learned that three months is not always enough time for American households to find and procure the right digital converter boxes," said Smith. "It makes sense to extend the eligibility period so that as many people as possible can find the equipment they need in order to make the digital transition."

Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels. For more information on the digital TV transition, go www.dtv.gov.


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