Converter Box Coupon Update: Relief for Expired Coupons?
UPDATE 3-25-09: Expired Coupon Holders can now Reapply!
The last day to request a tv converter box coupon wll be on March 31st, 2009.
As the coupon deadline looms, there are some interesting redemption statistics (updated weekly) available at the NTIA Website. We do want to note that certain stores have been selling converter boxes for $15-$30. A total of 21.3 million coupons have been requested, and at the time of this posting, the coupon redemption rate is 54.6 percent for households that rely on over-the-air broadcast analog, DTV, and HDTV signals only.
Considering the amount of media attention lately surrounding frustrated consumers not being able to find converter boxes before their coupons expired, it’s not suprising to see such high expiration figures.
At a recent Capitol Hill oversight hearing on the state of the transition, legislators were argueing in support for re-application of expired $40 DTV converter box coupons.
The main problem re-issueing the coupons lies with the cost to make more of the coupon credit cards that consumers use to purchase the converter boxes. The original contract with IBM (maker of the converter credit cards) only covered the costs to manufacture, not reissue the cards.
What should consumers who are holding expired coupons do now?
TVConversionHelp Take: Keep waiting! As news breaks, we’ll keep consumers informed by posting details about re-ordering digital converter box coupons.
