Demand for digital TV converter box coupons is up–and while that signals an increased awareness of the impending DTV conversion next February, the surge might require an additional $330 million in government funds, according to the Commerce Department.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is housed within Commerce, projects that it will receive 6.5 million requests for DTV converter box coupons in December, which is a significant jump from previous months.
If requests continue at this pace, the department could receive up to 60 million coupon requests by March, 2009. One problem: NTIA has only enough money for 51.5 million coupons, according to a letter the agency sent to Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, chairman of the House Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee.
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