NTIA: Digital TV Transition and Public Safety

Low‑power television broadcast stations, Class A television stations, television translator stations, and television booster stations ("low‑power facilities") are not required to convert to digital and are able to continue broadcasting in analog after the June 12, 2009, the digital conversion deadline for full power television stations.

On 05/12/2009 NTIA announced the start of the Low Power TV and Translator Digital Upgrade Program to reimburse licensees of analog low-power television eligible stations for eligible costs associated with the upgrade of their analog facilities to digital broadcast capacity. Eligible rural stations must be on the air with a licensed digital signal in order to apply.

About The Upgrade Program will reimburse the eligible costs to upgrade analog low‑power television broadcast stations, Class A television stations, television translator stations, and television booster stations in rural communities to digital transmission. Eligible stations must be broadcasting a licensed digital signal before applying for a grant.
Assistance Available Eligible stations can apply for reimbursement(s), up to $6,000 to refit analog equipment for digital transmission or up to $20,000 to replace analog equipment with digital equipment, to upgrade low-power stations in eligible rural communities from analog to digital. Click here for List of Equipment Eligible for Reimbursement
Status NTIA is now accepting applications from eligible stations. Applications are due the first business day of each month for as long as funds are available.
Total Funds in the Upgrade Program:		$44,000,000
Application Deadlines (Next three shown)	[R] Requested [A] Awarded
July 13, 2009 (closed)	$1,597,304 [A]	-$1,597,304
September 1, 2009 (closed)	$1,462,556 [R]	-$1,462,556
October 1, 2009 (closed)	$373,301 [R]	-$373,301
November 2, 2009 (closed)	$193,496 [R]	-$193,496
December 1, 2009
January 4, 2010
Funds Currently Available:		$40,373,353
Click here for program information.