**GAO-08-43**                      Published: Nov 19, 2007. Publicly Released: Dec 11, 2007.                  

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## Highlights

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires all full-power television stations to cease analog broadcasting by February 17, 2009. Following this digital television transition, consumers who receive over-the-air television signals on analog sets will need to take action to be able to view digital broadcasts. The act also requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a program that subsidizes consumers' purchases of digital-to-analog converter boxes. This requested report examines progress made (1) by federal entities and others in facilitating the transition, (2) in educating consumers on the transition, and (3) in implementing the converter box subsidy program. GAO reviewed legal, agency, and industry documents; interviewed public, private, and other stakeholders; and convened an expert panel focused on consumer outreach.

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## Topics

Telecommunications

Cable televisionConsumer educationDigital televisionPrivate sectorProgram evaluationProgram managementRisk managementStrategic planningSubsidiesSystems conversionsTelecommunicationsTelecommunications equipmentTelecommunications industryTelevision broadcastingPerformance-based contractingProgram implementation