No viewer left behind

14 March 2007 By David Vise

The US will spend $1.5bn of taxpayer’s money on coupons to subsidise purchases of digital converter boxes for TV antennae. This boondoggle will pay an administrator $100m to line the pockets of firms like LG, Thomson and Samsung.

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The Federal National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will fund the purchase of digital converter boxes for analogue TVs in millions of US homes. Under the $1.5bn programme, households certifying they have one or more analogue TVs will be eligible to receive two $40 coupons toward the purchase of converter boxes. The program commences in January 2008. This will enable the TVs to continue working after broadcasters shift to digital in February 2009.

"The transition from analog to digital television is a historic change and brings with it considerable benefits for the American consumer," said Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez. "The coupon program is designed to ease the transition to digital TV. Not only will the transition help expand consumer choices, but more importantly, the digital transition will enable more efficient use of the nation's airwaves providing new advanced wireless services and increased public safety services for all Americans."

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