Congressional Democrats voice concern about supply of consumer coupons for digital TV switch

The cost of equipment needed to make the transition from analog to digital television. a major concern in rural areas, has been eased by government coupons which cover most of the price. However, senior House Democrats say they are worried some people who need the coupons won't get them because the program has unexpected adminstrative costs.

The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which runs the coupon program, asked for permission to use $7 million of the money set aside to subsidize digital converter boxes for administrative activities if needed. Democrats worry that the request could result in fewer coupons being available.

Fawn Johnson of Dow Jones Newswires writes, "In a letter sent Monday to the NTIA, Energy and Commerce [Committee] Chairman John Dingell, D-Mich., and Telecommunications Subcommittee Chairman Edward Markey, D-Mass., asked how many converter box coupons that $7 million would fund." The representatives "also asked why the NTIA officials hadn't come forward earlier to tell Congress that the agency might need more money to run the coupon program."

NTIA said that the request does not necessarily mean the money will be used for administration, only that it has the flexibility to divert funds if needed. "We are being prudent and forward thinking," said NTIA spokesmans Todd Sedmak about the draft bill. "Congress goes out soon and won't return for a while, maybe not until 2009, so we want to have flexibility if needed." (Read more; subscription may be required)