Dingell Presses FCC, NTIA for Quarterly Updates

DINGELL PRESSES FCC, NTIA FOR QUARTERLY UPDATES
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
John Dingell, Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, has asked the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for quarterly updates on whether there is enough money to subsidize digital-to-analog converter boxes for everyone who needs them. The government has about $1.5 billion, less administrative costs, to fund $40 coupons for the boxes, up to two per household. Estimates vary on how many analog-only households there are, but Nielsen recently put the figure at 13 million and falling. The NTIA, which is overseeing the program, has said that it has enough to cover everyone, but Chairman John Dingell (D-MI), joined by House Telecommunications & Internet Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-Mass.), doesn't want to be caught by surprise if the money does run out and they are faced with unhappy viewers/voters. As of last week, more than 3.4 million households had requested more than 6.4 million coupons.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6538724.html?rssid=193

* Press release
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110nr218.shtml

* Text of letter
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110-ltr.030508.NTIA.FCC.DTV.ltr.pdf

* House lawmakers want regular updates on cost of television converter box coupons (AP)
http://www.signonsandiego.com/entertainment/tvradio/20080305-1659-digitaltv-coupons.html