Bay Area families with expired, lost coupons can re-apply

From the Globe News Desk

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration recently announced that it has expanded its DTV transition efforts by opening up the converter box coupon applications to those households that have expired or misplaced coupons.

Affected Bay Area families that were originally left to shoulder the cost of a digital converter box alone can now reapply for coupons to offset the cost of the box.

Since the original DTV transition deadline was extended to June 12, telecommunications administration has worked with local communities and organizations to address the problems and obstacles that have left millions of families still unprepared for the transition. Over 4 million households have yet to make the conversion to digital television.

“This announcement is great news for communities and families who have still not made the digital transition,” said Ken Maxey, the Bay Area’s DTV coordinator for the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund. “The coupon program is often the only resource and support for families attempting to convert their old televisions to digital and this change will inevitably help the millions of households who have not made the transition.”

However, some affected families who live in single-room occupancy and group housing will need donated coupons, since their addresses may not be recognized by the coupon program. Area residents who have unused, unneeded coupons can donate them to one of the local DTV Assistance Centers listed below.

“This news also highlights the need for households to take action now before the June 12 deadline,” said Maxey. “Families should reapply for a converter box coupon, purchase the appropriate box and test it out to make sure that it works. If you have an unneeded coupon, this is a great opportunity to donate it and help someone in need.”

Low-income communities, people who speak a language other than English, the elderly, people with disabilities and communities of color will be most affected by the June 12 digital transition. The converter box coupon program provides a much-needed resource for families to make a smooth transition to digital TV.

The Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund has teamed up with local organizations nationwide to provide trainings and DTV-related assistance to members of impacted populations in seven major cities: Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Portland, San Antonio, San Francisco-San Jose-Oakland and Seattle-Tacoma.

DTV resources available in the Bay Area

Oakland Digital Television Assistance Center
1431 23rd Ave.
Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 533-7266

Self-Help for the Elderly
407 Sansome St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 677-7600

Southeast Asian
Community Center
875 O’Farrell St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 885-2743

India Community Center
525 Los Coches St.
Milpitas, CA 94086
(408) 416-0218

Federal Communications Commission
(888) 225-5322