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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mark Cohen |
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Cohen tells residents get television converter coupons early
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 10 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., is notifying residents that coupons are available through the federal government’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration for purchasing a DTV converter box.
The box is an electronic device that connects to analog television sets and over-the-air antennas and converts digital television signals into analog signals, making them viewable on older, analog TVs.
Residents who have cable or satellite dish service do not need a converter box.
Cohen said the boxes are easy to install, and will be required to watch over-the-air broadcasts on a conventional television using an antenna after Feb. 17, 2009.
Residents can request coupons, worth $40 each, from now through March 31, 2009. However, Cohen said residents should make requests soon, since the program may exhaust its $890 million budget before the closing date. All households in the United States are eligible for the first round of coupons.
A second round of coupons will become available, but will include eligibility restrictions.
The coupon will not cover the full cost of a converter box, which is estimated to run from $60 to $70. Also, coupons expire within 90 days.
In order to receive coupons, residents must call 1-888-388-2009 or visit the program’s Web site at www.dtv2009.gov. People can also apply using paper forms available in Cohen’s constituent service offices at 6001 N. Fifth St., Second floor, Philadelphia, phone 215-924-0895 or 215-924-3690; or at 7601 Castor Ave., Room 200, in the Glendale Office Center, Philadelphia, phone 215-342-2167.
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |