National telecommunications and information administration for converter box

Consumers should call stores before shopping to ensure the desired converter box is available. When consumers receive their coupons in the mail, they should buy a converter box as soon as possible, and try the box with their television to address any potential technical issues. Some viewers watch programs over translators or other low-power stations, which may continue broadcasting analog signals after the digital television transition deadline.

Those viewers may wish to select a converter box that will pass through analog signals. Households may apply for coupons online at www. Box , Portland, OR Nursing home residents may apply with the paper application available downloadable at www.

For more information about the Coupon Program, please visit www. Department of Commerce that serves as the executive branch agency principally responsible for advising the President on telecommunications and information policies.

For more information about the NTIA, visit www. It is an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act is an extraordinary response to promote economic recovery and growth, and includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

Or should NTIA assume that the average delivery of a first class letter is two to three days and thus define the issuance date to be three days after the coupon is placed in the U. The Act defines the term "digital-to-analog converter box" converter box as "a stand-alone device that does not contain features or functions except those necessary to enable a consumer to convert any channel broadcast in the digital television service into a format that the consumer can display on television receivers designed to receive and display signals only in the analog television service, but may also include a remote control device.

Ideally, a converter box should be able to receive digital broadcast signals in the same receiving configuration e. We note, however, recent GAO congressional testimony indicating that antenna reception of digital signals may vary based on a household's geography and other factors. The digital converter box should be able to receive, render and display usable pictures and sound from high definition as well as standard definition broadcast; however, the converter box would not be required to render pictures and sound at more than standard definition quality.

Specifically, NTIA proposes the following characteristics in certifying a converter box:. The only input of the converter box shall be for an external antenna. The single input Type F connector ensures that only an antenna can be connected to eligible boxes thus ensuring use of such boxes as for over-the-air television reception only. The channel 3 or 4 analog output Type F connector ensures that older style NTSC analog television receivers can be connected to eligible boxes. The composite video and stereo audio all three RCA connectors ensures that other NTSC analog television monitors can also connect to the boxes.

We seek comment on these characteristics that we propose to use to certify converter boxes and on other characteristics we should consider as well. NTIA proposes to require manufacturers to self-certify that the converter boxes meet the standards outlined in the rules.

NTIA reserves the right to test the converter boxes that have been self-certified by the manufacturer to ensure that they meet those standards. For purposes of this program, we interpret the Act's definition to mean that a digital-to-analog converter box is not a digital cable television box. Therefore, we do not propose to accept self-certifications for a digital cable television box. We also do not intend to accept certifications for converter boxes that have features beyond those necessary to convert an ATSC digital signal to an analog NTSC format.

We invite comment on the appropriate minimum technical capabilities for converter boxes. We also seek comment on the extent we should consider certain standards, such as energy standards, in determining the type of converter box that would be eligible for this program.

Finally, NTIA is seeking comments on how the converter boxes eligible for participation in the coupon program should be identified for the consumer.

Should NTIA print a list of approved converter boxes on the coupons or on information sent with the coupons? Should it be left to the retailer to inform consumers which converter boxes are eligible for the coupon through the retailers advertising or at placards at point of sale? Participation by retailers in this program is voluntary. Retailers that choose to participate will not be compensated by NTIA.

We propose to permit consumers to redeem coupons at retailers that have established production and distribution channels and who have demonstrated that they can redeem coupons expeditiously and efficiently.

We note that retailers are also typically familiar with coupon programs and have systems in place to process coupons.

We are also interested in retailers that can handle converter box purchases with the coupons via mail, phone or the Internet-based sales. We propose to institute a process for retailers through which they must certify, under penalty of law, that they: 1 provide information to customers about the necessity for and the installation of a converter box; 2 have in place systems that can be easily audited as well as systems that have the ability to prevent fraud and abuse in the coupon program; 3 are willing to be audited at any time during the course of the coupon program; 4 have the ability to electronically provide NTIA with sales information related to coupons used in the purchase of converter boxes, specifically tracking each serialized coupon by number with a corresponding certified converter box purchase; and 5 will only submit coupons for redemption as a result of purchases made for converter boxes certified by NTIA.

NTIA also proposes to require retailers to adhere to and enforce coupon restrictions contained in the Act such as prohibiting coupon holders from using two coupons in combination towards the purchase of a single digital-to-analog converter box.

We will require retailers to prohibit consumers from using coupons to purchase any device other than a converter box certified pursuant to this rulemaking. Moreover, we expect retailers to have in place a system that prevents consumers from returning a converter box to the retailer for a cash refund or for credit towards the purchase of another item. In other words, a coupon holder is limited to an even exchange of one certified converter box for another. NTIA proposes to require retailers to submit coupons or coupon information to NTIA for redemption within 30 days after the coupon has been used to purchase a converter box.

NTIA also proposes to require retailers to retain hard copies of sales information related to converter boxes purchased with coupons for one year. We seek comment on ways to prevent waste, fraud and abuse in the process by which retailers accept and process coupons. As part of the certification process, NTIA intends to inform retailers of the coupon program's details and their rights and obligations, including their obligations to honor all valid coupons that are tendered in the authorized manner.

NTIA proposes to reimburse retailers within 60 days after receiving sales information related to converter boxes purchased with coupons. NTIA also proposes to review and resolve any allegation by the retailer that it was improperly denied reimbursement for a valid coupon properly tendered and accepted pursuant to the rules. We request comment on our proposed rule with respect to the self-certification process and other rights and responsibilities identified for retailers.

NTIA places the highest priority on creating a coupon redemption process that prevents waste, fraud and abuse, while minimizing the burden on participating retailers and consumers. Therefore, we also seek comment on the various ways to prevent waste, fraud and abuse in the coupon redemption process.

In addition to the proposed rules above, we also solicit comment on other issues related to the coupon program that are not a part of the rulemaking process. For example, we solicit views on the most effective means to provide consumer education about this program. According to the FCC website, a wide range of broadcasters, equipment manufacturers, retailers, consumer groups and others have begun to produce and provide information concerning the digital transition. In order to maximize consumer education efforts, NTIA may seek proposals to produce commonly used on-air announcements, print and online promotional materials as well as other media or services that can be used to convey clear, consistent, frequent and widely disseminated information concerning the existence of the digital-to-analog converter box program and the actions that households must take to obtain coupons and converters.

Examples include advertising campaigns, public service announcements, print articles, web sites, and posters for public display. Any public information campaign undertaken by NTIA will only be successful if other stakeholders in the digital-to-analog converter box program contribute significant effort to the production and distribution of this information. We seek comment on ways to provide consumer information to those households most likely to rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts in analog format.

We note that there are differences in the estimated number of households that rely exclusively on over-the-air broadcasts. For example, as noted above, the legislative history indicates that Thus, any information as to ways to target consumer outreach to those households eligible for coupons under this program would be helpful.

The Managers' Report provides that NTIA may use the efficiencies of electronic media and networks for outreach efforts. We solicit comment on the best ways to utilize the Internet and other forms of electronic media to disseminate consumer information on the various aspects of the program. Again, we seek information regarding ways primarily to target those specific households that only receive over-the-air television broadcast signals.

NTIA requests written comments from interested parties on the proposed rule as stated above as well any other aspects of the Act related to the digital-to-analog converter box program.

NTIA is especially interested in receiving written comments from persons with particular knowledge of the legal, economic and technical elements related to such a program.

Any information submitted to NTIA, however, should not contain confidential, proprietary or business sensitive data. This proposed rule has been determined to be economically significant for purposes of Executive Order ; and therefore, has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget OMB.

In accordance with Executive Order , an Economic Analysis was completed, outlining the costs and benefits of implementing this program. The complete analysis is available from NTIA upon request. NTIA has determined that the rule meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

This rule has been determined to be major under the Congressional Review Act, 5 U. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U. Written public comments are requested on the IRFA. These comments must be filed in accordance with the same filing deadlines a comments filed in response to this Notice and must have a separate and distinct heading designating them as responses to the IRFA. This document contains proposed information collection requirements.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 44 U. To successfully administer this program, NTIA requests approval on three collection requirements and record keeping and reporting requirements for: 1 the application that households must submit to receive coupons; 2 the certification form for retailers that will sell the converter boxes and submit coupons for redemption; and 3 the certification form and record keeping and reporting requirements for manufacturers regarding converter boxes eligible for the coupon program.

Comments on the information collection and recordkeeping requirements in this proposed rule must be received by [ insert 60 days after publication in the Federal Register ]. Comments are invited on a whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; b the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; c ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collected; and d ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments on the information collection and recordkeeping requirements in this proposed rule may be sent to Milton Brown, Office of the Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Constitution Avenue, Room , Washington, DC Estimate of Burden : Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average.

Respondents : U. Estimate of Burden : Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1. Respondents : Retailers that accept coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes and submit them to NTIA for redemption.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection is estimated at 1 hour per respondent. Respondents: Companies that manufacture digital-to-analog converter boxes who request NTIA certification. All responses to this information collection and recordkeeping notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval.

All comments will also become a matter of public record. No intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials is required because this rule is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order , Intergovernmental Consultation. This rule contains no federal mandates under the regulatory provision of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of for State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector.

Thus, this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections and of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of It has been determined that this rule does not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of [42 U. NTIA is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, which requires Government agencies to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible.

This rule does not contain policies having federalism implications requiring preparation of a Federalism Summary Impact Statement. Comments must be identified as responses to the IRFA and must be filed by the deadlines for comments on the Notice provided above. We will consider all timely comments in drafting our final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis and in making our decision on a final rule.

This analysis addresses six issues: 1 a description of the reasons why action by NTIA is being considered; 2 the proposed rule's objectives and legal basis; 3 a description of and, where feasible, an estimate of the number and types of small entities affected by the proposed rule; 4 a description of the projected reporting, record-keeping and other compliance requirements of the proposed rule, including an estimate of the classes of small entities which will be subject to the requirement; and 5 the relevant rules that could duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the proposed rule.

The following sections provide details on each of these issues. NTIA is promulgating this proposed because of a statutory mandate to create a subsidy program that will affect the public under section of Public Law After that date, households using analog-only televisions not connected to cable or satellite service will no longer be able to receive television broadcast unless the television is connected to a converter box that converts the digital signal to analog format.

The proposed rule sets forth a framework to implement the coupon program as authorized by the Act. Moreover, the proposed rule provides public notice as well as an opportunity for the public to comment. The proposed rule provides clear guidelines to consumers, manufacturers and retailers regarding eligibility, responsibilities and certifications.

Manufacturers seeking to have their converter boxes certified by NTIA as eligible for purchase with the coupon will follow a technical approval process described in the final rule. Manufacturers will submit production models and certified testing results for review and possible testing by the FCC. Retailers must have been engaged in the consumer electronics business for at least one year and be registered in the Central Contractor Registration database www.

Retailers will need to train employees on the purpose and operation of the coupon program with materials provided by NTIA. Retailers may use commercially reasonable methods to order and manage inventory to meet customer demand for certified eligible converter boxes.

NTIA intends that retailers will be paid for valid coupon redemptions on a commercially reasonable basis. National Telecommunications and Information Administration , U. Department of Commerce Constitution Ave.