House to NTIA: Let Consumers Reapply for DTV Coupons

HOUSE TO NTIA: LET CONSUMERS REAPPLY FOR DTV COUPONS
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
House Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-MI), Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (D-MA) and 19 House colleagues have written the National Telecommunications & Information Administration asking the agency to allow consumers to reapply for DTV-to-analog coupons if they fail to redeem them before the 90-day expiration date. “The coupon program is key to ensuring that all American consumers are able to enjoy the benefits of the digital television conversion," said Chairman Markey in a statement accompanying the letter. "For most coupon-users the 90-day window will likely suffice, but if consumers are unable to use the coupon in the allotted time, the NTIA should be flexible enough to allow those consumers to re-apply for coupons. This move would be consistent with the law and helpful for consumers." The letter came a day before Chairman Markey plans to hear from NTIA head Meredith Baker, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and others about the status of the DTV transition as the country approaches one year until the Feb. 17, 2009 hard date for ending full-power analog broadcasts.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6531610.html?rssid=193

* Text of letter
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110-ltr.021208.NTIA.Baker.pdf