AARP launches toll free help line to aid consumers during DTV transition


Published/Last Modified on Thursday, February 19, 2009 3:07 PM MST


Washington, D.C. - Today, many Americans may find that some of their TV stations are no long available as they undergo the switch from analog to digital signals. AARP continues to educate older Americans and their families about the steps they must take to prepare for the transition, and now is operating a national DTV call center individuals may call for personal assistance.


“AARP is committed to providing relevant and important information to our members and their families to make this transition as easy and affordable as possible,” said David Mitchell, Arizona State Director for AARP. “Through a contract from the Federal Communications Commission, we are able to provide trained operators, implement a toll-free number and run a center that individuals can call for information and help as they prepare for the transition in their homes.” 

Many older Americans depend on television for critical news and safety information, and may face significant challenges when television signals become exclusively digital.  In conjunction with an ongoing education campaign, AARP has established a toll-free phone number consumers can call.

• Individuals can call 1-877-698-8068 to speak with a trained operator who can answer their DTV questions.

• Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.

• Spanish-language operators are available as well.

• The national DTV call center will be in operation through March 31, 2009.

“We look forward to helping as many consumers as possible in the transition process,” said Mitchell.  For more information about AARP and the DTV transition please visit: www.aarp.org/dtv .

 

Copyright © 2012 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    BM wrote on Mar 3, 2009 1:34 PM:

    " I'm sorry, but we gotta stop catering to people who don't pay attention. They've been talking about this now for years and all of a sudden it's a big deal. I didn't pay attention to it until last summer. I went online, got my coupons, bought my converts and life is sweet. How could anyone miss that? "

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