Digital Television Transition: Implementation of the Converter Box Subsidy Program Is Under Way, but Preparedness to Manage an Increase in Subsidy Demand Is Unclear

摘要

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 requested 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. GAO recommends that the Secretary of Commerce direct NTIA to develop a plan to manage coupon requests in the lead up to the transition. GAO provided the Department of Commerce and FCC with a draft of this report. While Commerce did not state whether it agreed or disagreed with GAOs recommendation, it stated its concern about an increase in coupon demand as the transition nears. FCC noted consumer outreach efforts that it has taken related to the DTV transition.