February 4: Kaptur Backs Successful Effort To Delay Digital Transition to June 12

“America is simply not ready for the conversion,” said Kaptur. “In my district alone, more than five thousand households are still waiting for the coupons to buy converters so their TV screens don’t go dark. Nationally, an estimated two million households remain on a waiting list requests for these coupons. An estimated 6.5 million households would lose reception without an extension of the deadline.”

Kaptur said the coupons are important, particularly for senior citizens who rely on television as their primary source for information such as weather and emergencies.

“A delay of 115 days will allow the government to fulfill its commitment to the people,” Kaptur said. The legislation allows customers who never redeemed coupons for the converter boxes to apply for replacement coupons. However, no household will be able to redeem more than two coupons.

Kaptur noted that the legislation builds in flexibility for the FCC to approve full digital conversion in markets where consumers are prepared for the transition before the June 12 date.

“We have taken the right step to make sure millions of Americans don’t lose television reception,” said Congresswoman Kaptur.

Congresswoman Kaptur said consumers who have requested coupons but not yet received them should call her office.