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Digital Television Transition: Information on the Implementation of the Converter Box Subsidy Program and Consumer Participation in the Program

GAO-08-1181T Published: Sep 23, 2008. Publicly Released: Sep 23, 2008.
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Highlights

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all full-power television stations in the United States to cease analog broadcasting after February 17, 2009, known as the digital television (DTV) transition. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is responsible for implementing a subsidy program to provide households with up to two $40 coupons toward the purchase of converter boxes. In this testimony, which is principally based on a recently issued report, GAO examines (1) what consumer education efforts have been undertaken by private and federal stakeholders and (2) how effective NTIA has been in implementing the converter box subsidy program, and to what extent consumers are participating in the program. To address these issues, GAO analyzed data from NTIA and reviewed legal, agency, and industry documents. Also, GAO interviewed a variety of stakeholders involved with the DTV transition.

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AccountabilityBroadcasting standardsCable televisionComparative analysisConsumer educationDigital broadcastingDigital televisionFunds managementPrivate sectorProgram managementRisk factorsSatellite televisionSubsidiesSurveysTelecommunications equipmentTelevisionTelevision broadcastingTelevision equipment industryProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementationSubsidy estimatesSupply and demand