There are two areas where the DTV converter coupon program has failed over-the-air TV viewers: people using Post Office boxes and residents of nursing homes. Neither has been able to take advantage of the program because of the way the law was written. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is now addressing these shortcomings. The NTIA has started the process of making this right and is seeking comment from interested parties to correct the law.

As is stands now, nursing home residents are not considered heads of households and therefore disqualified from the program. The new guidelines would change this and also allow persons other than the applicant to obtain the coupons. Currently, people can apply only on their own behalf. This would help those in nursing homes.

The proposed ruling would also tackle the issue of PO boxes and allow proof of residency from a utility bill, for example, to verify home addresses and allow these residents to receive coupons.

Did you apply for your converter coupons yet? As of today, May 21st, there are slightly over 272 days left to the analog shutdown.

Stayed tuned, we’ll pass along more information as we get it.