Low Power Television and Translator Assistance Programs

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-171 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Title III - Digital Television Transition and Public Safety, February 8, 2006) authorizes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to administer two programs related to low-power television and translators.

Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion

Low-power television broadcast stations, Class A television stations, television translator stations, and television booster stations ("low-power facilities") will be able to broadcast in analog after the February 17, 2009 digital conversion deadline for full power television stations.

This program will provide funds to the low-power facilities that must purchase a digital-to-analog conversion device that will convert the incoming digital signal of a full-power television station to analog for transmission on the low-power facility’s analog channel.

NTIA has authority to borrow up to $10 million from the Treasury for the program.

Low-Power Television and Translator Upgrade Program

This program will reimburse the 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.

Payments up to $65 million are authorized for this program with funds for this program to come from the auction proceeds deposited in the Fund by June 30, 2008.