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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Stimulus Brings Back TV Converter Coupons

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(AP) – The agency that mails out coupons for digital TV converter boxes expects to eliminate its wait list in 2½ weeks, an official said today. Helped by $650 million from the economic stimulus package, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has started to mail out coupons to the 2.3 million households on the wait list.

The fund that pays for the $40 coupons reached its spending limit in early January. The NTIA was still able to mail out coupons, but only as old ones expired, 90 days after being issued. US full-power TV stations were scheduled to turn off their analog signals Feb. 17, but because of the coupon backlog, the deadline was extended to June 12.

Digital TV converter boxes on sale at Best Buy in Mountain View, Calif.
Digital TV converter boxes on sale at Best Buy in Mountain View, Calif.   (AP Photo)
Children play with a ball near a television set equipped with a traditional
Children play with a ball near a television set equipped with a traditional "rabbit ears" antenna.   (AP Photo)
Earl Mostoles, right, helps Arlene Sato to set up her digital receiver for her old analog television.
Earl Mostoles, right, helps Arlene Sato to set up her digital receiver for her old analog television.   (AP Photo)
Best Buy customer assistant Greg Simon holds up two of the digital converter boxes available for sale at a Best Buy store in the Mission Valley area of San Diego Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009.
Best Buy customer assistant Greg Simon holds up two of the digital converter boxes available for sale at a Best Buy store in the Mission Valley area of San Diego Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009.   (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
A cable box is seen on top of a television.
A cable box is seen on top of a television.   (AP Photo)
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2 comments
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Rob
Mar 5, 09 8:28 PM CST
How in the hell is this going to stimulate the conomy? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
SPH
Mar 5, 09 9:18 PM CST
Monies being spent is the economy....
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