FCC seeks DTV transition assistance

The Federal Communications Commission announced the first of three sets of solicitations for DTV transition assistance, releasing six Statements of Work (SOW) with Requests for Quotations (RFQs) that seek proposals for Basic In-Home Installation Services to assist consumers in making the transition to digital television. Based on the Commission's DTV transition outreach initiative, proposals are being solicited for each of six U.S. regions - Pacific, West Central, Southwest, East Central, Southeast, and Northeast. The Commission is seeking proposals that focus on providing assistance to low-income individuals, minority communities, non-English speaking consumers, senior citizens, consumers living in rural areas or on tribal lands, and consumers with disabilities. Additionally, because statistical data suggest that certain geographical areas of the country are less prepared than others, the Commission, in conjunction with NTIA, has developed a combined list of the DMAs that appear to be most at risk. While the Commission is seeking proposals with emphasis on these at-risk DMAs, it plans to provide assistance throughout the country, and proposals may address any geographic area where full-power broadcast TV stations have not already fully transitioned to digital broadcasting. The solicitations for Basic In-Home Installation Services will close on April 9, 2009.