**GAO-08-297R**                      Published: Nov 19, 2007. Publicly Released: Nov 19, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

This letter responds to questions from the November 7, 2007, Congressional letter inquiring about issues discussed at the October 17, 2007, hearing before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet on the digital television (DTV) transition. The letter asked if we have concerns about the converter box subsidy program. Congress also asked whether the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) should prepare for a potential shortfall in program funding, in part by developing a process to address a potential shortfall. The letter also asked us to elaborate on the statutory provisions that we believe provide the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the necessary authority to convene an inter-agency task force. We prepared our responses during November 2007 in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Our responses are based on our previous and ongoing work and our knowledge of the subjects raised by your questions. Because our responses are based on work for which we sought and incorporated agency comments, we did not seek agency comments on our responses to these questions.

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## Topics

Telecommunications

Advisory committeesConsumer educationDigital televisionFederal fundsFunds managementPrivate sectorProgram evaluationProgram managementStatutory lawStrategic planningSubsidiesSystems conversionsTelecommunications equipmentTelevision broadcastingProgram implementation