News and Publications

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.

WASHINGTON—Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA), which runs the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, will begin mailing $40 coupons to
consumers next week--one year from the date of the digital television transition—to be used to
purchase eligible TV converter boxes. Converter boxes are needed to keep analog televisions
that rely on an antenna working when full-power television stations convert to all-digital signals
on February 17, 2009.

Testimony of Meredith A. Baker
Acting Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce

Before the

Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet
Committee on Energy and Commerce
House of Representatives

Hearing on
Status of the DTV Transition:  370 Days and Counting

WASHINGTON—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today joined key stakeholders at a Washington, D.C. Best Buy to highlight the digital television transition, approximately one year away.  He urged Americans to take action and prepare for the digital television transition before February 17, 2009.  The transition will offer consumers a clearer picture, more programming choices and free up the airwaves for better communications among emergency first responders.

WASHINGTON—The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today in a public notice that the agency will be soliciting participation in the Spectrum Sharing Innovation Test-Bed (Test-Bed).  Participants must notify NTIA of their interest by Feb. 29, 2008.

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today released the report, “Networked Nation: Broadband in America, 2007,” that highlights the dramatic growth of broadband in the United States.  The report shows that the Administration’s technology, regulatory and fiscal policies have stimulated innovation and competition, and encouraged investment in the U.S. broadband market contributing to significantly increased accessibility of broadband services.

WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) today hosted a meeting with more than 15 other federal agencies to further coordinate efforts to educate the nation about the February 17, 2009, deadline to transition to digital television.

LAS VEGAS -- The U. S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today at the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow that more than 250 retailers, representing more than 15,000 outlets nationwide, are certified to participate in a program to aid in the transition to digital television. Also, 19 converter box models are eligible for purchase with the coupon and more are being tested as part of the certification process.