WASHINGTION -U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., today announced that New Mexicans can apply for coupons to help pay for digital television converter boxes. TV viewers using antennas and older TVs will need converter boxes in order to watch TV after the June 12, 2009, deadline for digital TV.
According to recent surveys, New Mexico is less prepared than other states for the upcoming transition to digital television. Because of funding included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the backlog of requests for converter box coupons has now been cleared. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration reports that most consumer requests for coupons can be processed within ten days.
"When we passed the Recovery Act, Congress wanted to make sure that Americans do not get left behind when America transitions to digital TV," said Udall. "I urge anyone who needs a converter box to apply for a coupon and install one before the June 12 deadline."
New Mexicans can apply for coupons by visiting www.DTV2009.gov, calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), mailing an application to P.O. Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or faxing an application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632). Deaf or hard of hearing callers may use 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).
