By Senator Bernie Sanders

As many people know, the federal government has mandated that at midnight on February 17, 2009, television stations across the country will stop broadcasting in what are known as analog television signals and begin broadcasting in digital format. There are some good reasons to do this. Moving to digital will provide a clearer picture and better sound and will free up new spectrum not only to broadcasters but to public safety agencies, first responders and cell phone providers. What many people don't know, however, is that the Bush administration's efforts for this transition are totally lacking and that millions of Americans may end up with no TV reception on February 18.

If you currently receive your TV signal through cable or satellite service you will not be impacted by this transition. Further, those people with certain digital TVs or a TV with a built-in digital tuner also may not be affected. The people who need to worry are those who are currently receiving over-the-air, "free" television, and they need to take immediate action to preserve a signal in their home. You can find more information on my Web site at www.sanders.senate.gov/digitaltv.

If you are one of those people, what do you have to do? First, you need to purchase a converter box which is available for about $40 to $70 at most stores that sell electronics equipment. Importantly, the government provides as many as two $40 coupons per household to help pay for two boxes. You can apply for a coupon by calling 1-888-DTV-2009 (or for TTY 1-877-530-2634) or visiting www.dtv2009.gov.

If you enjoy watching Canadian TV stations or certain low-power Vermont stations, you will need to make sure that the converter box you purchase can handle both digital and analog signals as these stations will still broadcast in analog for a number of years. Further, you need to know that a converter box may not be enough to bring in an adequate signal and that you may need a new and stronger antenna - either for the roof or rabbit ears. You will also need to remember to use the rescan function on your converter to find the new digital channels both when you first install it and after the transition date.

What is especially troubling to me is that people can do all of the above and be in a location where they will still end up losing channels. This is particularly true for people living in rural areas with hilly terrains that can block the digital signal. I am also concerned that, because of poor government planning and policy, lower-income people may not be able to afford the cost and installation of a roof antenna and that seniors, people with disabilities, and others may have a hard time handling this transition on their own.

Currently, there are no good solutions for those people facing the loss of some or all of their over-the-air TV reception. If they live in an area covered by cable, they can sign up for that. As of today, some cable and satellite companies in Vermont have initiated low-cost, "life-line" basic television packages but, unless regulated in the future, they could raise their rates at any time. Satellite service is available in almost all locations, though the initial cost for satellite equipment can be very expensive.

Television is not a luxury today. It is how most people learn about the world we live in, track weather conditions, watch the news, and get critical information in emergencies. For many senior citizens, it is their link to the world. For teachers and students, it can be a learning tool used for school assignments.

I have been very concerned that there has been almost no discussion in Congress about the possibility of millions of television sets going dark. When Congress reconvenes, I will make certain this issue is not ignored. It would be absolutely unacceptable as a result of the "major step forward" to digital television for millions of Americans to suddenly find that they have no TV at all.