Although today it seems today like only a blip in the nationwide switch from analog to digital television reception it will grow into a major pocketbook issue for consumers who want to continue watching TV over-the-air.
A Senate Committee has just gotten word that many viewers may need to buy a new digital TV antenna that is more sensitive to digital signals. A study government sponsored study had determined that the FCC underestimated the number of homes requiring an antenna.
Only days before Sen. Bernard Sanders of Vermont sent Federal Communications Commissioners a letter asking them to begin — not intensify — an education campaign to alert consumers of this new expense. He’s suggesting picking up the expense so that Americans won’t be forced to pay for cable, satellite or other telecommunications video services to get the free broadcast channels.
Additionally, questions are being raised about the ability of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to handle the distribution of discount coupons for converter boxes that make it possible for older TVs to get over-the-air signals.
The $40 coupons (available at www.dtv2009.gov) expire after 90 days. Nearly half of those issued have not been redeemed.
In just five months the country will make a historic change in television viewing habits. These problems threaten to leave a large number of citizens with older televisions out of the loop. This is an avoidable domestic crisis if addressed now.
Playing catch-up come February will be too expensive for the consumers and the federal government.
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