DTV Switch Affects El Paso
Starting February 17, 2009, anyone using analog technology will not get a television signal, unless they switch to digital.
Are you ready for the change? Viewers who subscribe to satellite or cable, have nothing to worry about.
Those who use an older television or still use an antenna to get their channels, will have two choices. They can either subscribe to cable or satellite, or buy a converter.
The converters will cost from $40.00 to $70.00. The government will issue $40.00 coupons.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched a massive campaign to inform the public about details of the switch.
Bart Forbes works for the Department of Commerce and says the “the primary purpose is to use the analog spectrum for public safety.”
According to Forbes, the analog spectrum will now be used by first responders, like 9-1-1 operators and fire dispatchers, to communicate with each other.
According congressman Silvestre Reyes’ office, in El Paso, an estimated 94,000 homes — or 31% of the population — could be affected. That’s much higher than the 13% national average.
Reyes says less than 35,000 coupons have been redeemed in our area.
Forbes says the solution is simple, “if you have cable, have satellite, it doesn’t affect you … but if you have an older television off an antenna, you have to make a choice — either subcribe to cable or satellite, get a digital television or get a converter box.”
If you need help with the switch to DTV, you can call 1-888-dtv-2009.
