At midnight on February 17, 2009, all broadcast television services in this country will become 100% digital.  There is significant concern about the public’s interest and the potential impact on the well being of the city itself and emergency preparedness. 

To the uninformed, TV viewers attempting to watch traditional television (without cable or satellite transmission) on February 18, 2009, it will appear as if all the TV channels have disappeared. Because television has become an essential component of daily life, this could be very disorienting and of great concern. Television continues to be a vital link to news, information, entertainment, education, and an essential component of the political process. 

The Mayor’s Commission On Technology (MCOT) has been tracking and preparing for this approaching technology change.  Of particular concern is the negative effects on the vulnerable segments of our city – those who by circumstance or other economic restraints do not subscribe to cable or satellite delivered television services.  Among these citizen groups are the elderly, non-English speaking, disabled and low income groups.

An Important Partnership:

To help Philadelphians respond to this change, MCOT has partnered with WHYY, the region’s public broadcasting company, to develop a community awareness and education plan.  MCOT and WHYY are working together to reach vulnerable citizens and their families throughout the city to inform them about the transition options and the rebate program available to them to ensure that television continues in their homes at minimal cost.  

Resources to Help You:

NTIA Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program:    The U.S. Government is offering two $40.00 coupons per household to help pay for converter boxes that will enable you to continue using your analog televisions if you don’t wish to buy a television with a digital tuner or subscribe to cable or satellite services.  Converter boxes are available at all major retail stores.  To request the coupons:

• Complete the online form at www.dtv2009.gov
• Call 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY)

DTV Transition Train-the-Trainer Workshops:  Workshops will be held in each Council District for organizations working with vulnerable populations to assure that each community has the information and resources needed to make this transition as smoothly as possible.  A schedule of workshops will be available on the MCOT and WHYY websites and announced on radio, television and newspapers.

The Philadelphia Responds initiative represents another leading technology initiative for Philadelphia designed to assure that our citizens are prepared to meet the challenges of the Digital Age.  This leadership has been recognized by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) and served as the basis of a new partnership to replicate our model in the promotion of the NTIA DTV Transition and Converter Box Coupon Program in local governments across the country.

For More Information about this initiative and the supporting partnership opportunities, contact:

Carole I. Smith
Executive Director
MCOT  
215-685-0770     
Carole.Smith@phila.gov