News and Publications

To maximize coupon distribution, NTIA is seeking statutory flexibility to use, if necessary, available funds from other programs funded by the DTV Transition and Public Safety Act to cover administrative costs of the Coupon Program.

WASHINGTON — As Wilmington prepares to be the first market to transition from analog to digital television on September 8, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that more than 36,000 Wilmington households have requested 67,000 coupons and redeemed 25,000 from the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.  More than 17,000 of these households rely on television with an antenna, according to coupon applications. 

WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that nearly 6.4 million “over-the-air” TV households, those that rely on an antenna for broadcast TV, have requested about 12 million coupons from the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. The program helps households switch to digital television when full-power TV broadcasters switch from analog to 100 percent digital broadcasts in six months.

Remarks of Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary, NTIA
(As Prepared)

Progress and Freedom Foundation Aspen Summit
St. Regis Resort, Aspen, Colorado
Welcome Reception, August 17, 2008

Introduction

Thank you, Ken.  It is a great pleasure to be here, and an honor to be the first to take a stab at answering the provocative question of the Summit’s theme:  “Unlocking Innovation:  Has the Key been Misplaced?”

WASHINGTON- The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today that the TV Converter Box Coupon Program has certified more than 150 converter boxes, including 63 that enable viewers to watch both analog broadcasts from low-power television stations and digital programs from full-power television stations. To date, more than 6.3 million converters have been purchased using a $40 coupon from the Program.

Remarks of Meredith Attwell Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary, NTIA (As Delivered)

NARUC Summer Committee Meetings
Commissioners Luncheon
Hilton Portland and Executive Tower, Portland, Oregon
July 22, 2008

Introduction

WASHINGTON-U.S. Commerce Acting Assistant Secretary Meredith Attwell Baker today issued the following statement on the announcement that the nation's cable operators, working through the National Cable and Telecommunications Association (NCTA), have reached an unprecedented agreement with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Members of NCTA will use NCMEC's database of Web sites identified as containing child pornography to ensure that no such site is hosted on servers owned or controlled by those companies.

WASHINGTON - Lynn Chadwick, Program Officer for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Office of Telecommunications and Information Applications, will address Native American leaders at the Federal Communication Commission Indian Telecommunication Initiative from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Indian Walk-in Center, 120 West 1300 South Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, today issued the following consumer alert about the Microprose MPI-500 and MPI-500PT digital-to-analog converter boxes.  Statements about the models were made in a May 20 press release by the Community Broadcasters Association and Microprose Systems LLC.  NTIA is discussing the announcement with these organizations.

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following
statement announcing one million coupons have been used as part of the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration (NTIA) TV Converter Box Coupon Program.
“The nation is nine months away from the historic February 17, 2009, digital television transition for
all full-power broadcasters. I encourage all Americans who rely on an antenna for their television
programs to learn about their options for the digital transition and to act on their decision.

APEC TEL MINISTERIAL

“Challenges and Strategies to Promote Universal Service”
April 24, 2008

Meredith Attwell Baker
Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
NTIA, US Department of Commerce

Introduction

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement marking 300 days until the nation makes the switch to digital broadcasting on February 17, 2009.
“Today, the nation is 300 days away from the historic digital television transition for all full-power broadcasters. Already, more than 650,000 households have acted by purchasing a converter box and are now experiencing the benefits of digital television with a clearer picture and more programming choices.

Testimony of Meredith A. Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and Acting Administrator, before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, regarding " Oversight of the DTV Transition" on April 8, 2008

WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced over 10 million coupons
have been requested since the launch of the TV Converter Box Program on January 1, 2008. The
February 17, 2009 transition will offer consumers a clearer picture, more programming choices and
free up the airwaves for better communications among emergency first responders. The Commerce
Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering
the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.

Luncheon Keynote (As Prepared): 
"A Strong Communications Infrastructure is Key to Economic Success"
Thursday, April 17, 2008; Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Meredith Attwell Baker
Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, U.S. Department of Commerce

Introduction

Thank you.  I am delighted to be here in Boston and honored to be invited to join in your discussions on China, India, and Russia, our partners in the new global economy.

WHO: Meredith Baker, Acting Assistant Secretary and Acting NTIA Administrator

WHAT: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will provide an update on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and highlight collaboration with the broadcast community, including: 

Thursday, April 3, 2008
Washington, DC

Meredith Attwell Baker
Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information, U.S. Department of Commerce

Remarks for AS Baker
RE: The Wilmington, North Carolina, Digital Television Transition Test Market
Event to be held at City Hall from 10:30 to noon

DALLAS/FT. WORTH –The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today kicked off Digital Television: Experience the Benefits, an effort with local organizations across the country to educate consumers about the benefits of the digital TV transition and the TV Converter Box Coupon Program.  After February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital. 

WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released a comprehensive report on the use of the nation’s airwaves used by the U.S.