Digital Television Transfer Will Leave A Million Lazy Americans Without Television

Converting the traditionally analog signal of broadcast televisions to digital has been one of the greatest money making ideas the federal government has made in a long time. In order to free up airwaves for cell phone use and other federal companies, the government mandated all stations shut down their analog broadcasters and switch completely to digital. By doing this the government auctioned off the new airwaves and racked in tens of billions of dollars from the likes of AT@T and Verizion, both looking to strengthen their cellular foot print. Switching to all digital signals wouldn't harm viewers with cable and satellite connections, however those using antennas and rabbit ears would see their service disappear.

The government did not want to force those without cable or satellite into purchasing a costly converter box, and rightly so. It was not their responsibility or fault that caused the signal switch, so they shouldn't spot the bill. Especially since some wouldn't be able to afford it. Because of this, the government took a small chunk of the money they had made from selling the analog signals - a few hundred million dollars - and offered a free coupon to every household that requested one. And they made sure people know about the converter boxes as well. For the better part of two years, commercials aired on almost every station, along with aids in local newspapers and magazines, proclaiming the switch to digital, and the need for a converter box.

Originally the signal switch was to take place in February, but after several polls and surveys, the Feds discovered millions of American's sill, even after the year plus of warning, were not ready for digital television. Because of this, the digital switch date was pushed back until June 12th, giving the American's who had sat on their hands four extra months to request their coupon and have it installed.

Now, four months later, the date has come where all stations around the country must cut their analog signals. There has been no stay of execution so to speak to prolong analog's life, as there was in February, and rightfully so. There was no need to push the date back any further. The estimated million households who haven't picked up the converter box with the free coupon will complain they weren't ready, or didn't have enough time, but guess what would most likely happen if another four month delay came up. The same people for another four months would do nothing and complain again once again, saying they weren't ready. There has been two years of warnings, commercials and adds, all saying the day was coming. If you can't get off your hands to take care of the situation after two years, what would another four months do? Maybe a fire will finally be lit under them now television is gone, forcing them to take action. Regardless, people will still complain about not having enough time, but frankly, there's no one for them to blame except themselves.