On Monday, USA Today reported that The National Telecommunications and Information Administration created a waiting list on Sunday after reaching the $1.34 billion funding limit set by the Congress and that more than 103,000 people are waiting to get their coupons worth $40 a piece.

 

The agency will send coupons to those on the list only after unredeemed coupons in circulation have already expired, this way being able to free more money for the program. This move is expected to enable the purchase of TV converter boxes, which typically cost between $40 and $80 in retail stores, and allow a rabbit-eared TV to receive digital signals. Consumers who have a newer digital television or who subscribe to cable or satellite service will not lose programming, as for those who need coupons lawmakers are looking for ways to make sure they get them in time. Under pressure from the Congress, NTIA did not stick to its original policy of allowing just broadcast-only homes to apply for the last $450 million in funding. 

 

It is considered that due to the present economic situation this is not the best time to ask people to come up with even more money in order to pay for the miscalculation that the federal government is responsible for.