Department of Telecommunications and Cable Two South Station, 4th Floor Boston MA 02110

What is the Digital Broadcast Transition?
At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:

Apply online at www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx

Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634

Mail a coupon application to: P.O. BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.

Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

Who is Affected?
If you have one or more analog-only TV’s that don’t have cable or satellite service connected to them and are using a “rabbit ear” antenna to receive your local-over-the-air broadcasts, you will be affected by this transition, and will need to take action to continue receiving any local over-the-air broadcasts after February 17, 2009.

Does the Digital Broadcast Transition Affect Cable Subscribers?
No. Some cable companies have decided to switch to digital service. This is a different issue from the federally mandated Digital Broadcast Transition taking place February 17, 2009. Please contact your cable service provider for more information.

If you are affected by the Digital Broadcast Transition, you have 3 Options.
Option 1: Buy a box that converts digital signals to analog signals that your analog set can display.
Estimated Cost: $40-$70 if you buy a basic converter box
($10-$30 if you use the NTIA coupon worth $40)

Option 2: Buy a new television set with a built in ATSC digital tuner.
Estimated Cost: $100 and up. (High Definition is not required)

Option 3: Subscribe to cable or satellite video service. (if available)
Estimated Cost: At least $8-$20/month ($96-$240/year) plus possible equipment rental fees