Are You Ready to Switch to Digital?

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) was created in 1978 and serves as the President’s chief resource on telecommunications and information policy issues.  The NTIA represents the Executive Branch in both domestic and international telecommunications and information policy activities; administers the Federal use of spectrum; and performs innovative telecommunications research and engineering. The Administration’s principal mission is to endorse market-based policies and maximize the resources of the Federal Government to support spectrum-based technologies that exemplify efficiency and productivity.

According to The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (the Act), all full-power television stations are required to cease analog broadcasts and switch to digital after February 17, 2009.  The Act authorizes NTIA to create the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, which is designed to help Americans prepare for the digital television transition.  Every U.S. household may request up to two free coupons – worth $40 each – good towards the purchase of certified TV converter boxes.
 
NTIA is playing a major role in the digital television transition, providing this Coupon Program to minimize the costs associated with the transition. As the nation transitions from analog to digital, NTIA will also help enable first responders – our firefighters and police officers – to employ designated frequencies to improve their communications, thereby better protecting communities when emergencies arise.