No Box, No TV in 2009

This is important information for us -- communities of color, those who speak another language besides English, the elderly, those living on fixed incomes and people with disabilities. We will feel the impact of this change more than the general population because we make up a significant part of the 21 million households that receive over-the-air television.

Access to communications in the 21st century is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Think about 9/11 or Hurricane Katrina and you’ll see what I mean.

But don’t panic. It’s not necessarily a new television you need, but a converter box that will help you -- and your television -- join the digital revolution mandated by the federal government for February 17, 2009.

That is the date when many broadcasters will switch from an analog signal to a digital signal, freeing up space for public safety communications and allowing more people access to wireless broadband.

To help toward the purchase of the converter boxes, Congress is offering $40 coupons. The converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70. Every household can apply for up to two of the free $40 coupons toward the purchase of converter boxes.

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