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U.S. Sen. Harkin: Calls For Expired DTV Converter Box Coupons To Be Reissued
6/18/2008

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Mullin / Semonti Mustaphi (202) 224-3254

HARKIN CALLS FOR EXPIRED DTV CONVERTER BOX COUPONS TO BE REISSUED

Coupons expire before many consumers have a chance to use them

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D- IA) recently sent a letter to the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) requesting that they reissue expired coupons used to supplement the price of a converter box needed to make the switch from analog TV to Digital TV (DTV). The coupons are valid for up to 90 days, however unavoidable reasons have prevented many individuals from using prior to the expiration date. Reasons include a lack of boxes in stock at local retailers or an extended stay in the hospital.

As of February 2009, every television with an antenna will need to have a converter box to receive the new digital signal. The converter box coupons are made available by the federal government to help defray costs of the conversion.

“The switch to digital cable is one of the most significant developments in television, but we have to make sure all Iowans are ready for the switch,” said Harkin. “Especially now, when so many Iowans are displaced from their homes and communities, there shouldn’t be needless restrictions on these coupons. This is simply red tape that should be done away with.”

Harkin was joined by Senators Kit Bond (R-MO), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC), Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Diane Feinstein (D-CA), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Carl Levin (D-MI), Blanche Lincoln (D-AK), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Patty Murray (D- WA), E. Benjamin Nelson (D-NE), Jack Reed (D- RI), Jim Webb (D-VA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in sending this letter.


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