Tulsa officials say they're working with the FCC and the NTIA to make sure that the city's ready for the upcoming switch to digital television signals.
The switch will take place on June 12. The original date in February was pushed back because federal officials determined that too many people remained unprepared.
Northeastern Oklahoma remains a concern for the FCC, which says Green Country remains near the top of the list in terms of areas not fully prepared for the transition.
“The FCC is providing a Mobile Assistance Center to the Tulsa area over the next four days to help all of those who have not yet prepared for the change and still need information about the digital switch,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor.
“Please make sure that your neighbors, relatives and friends are ready for this change. Their older televisions, which receive the analog signal, will NOT work after June 12. Please tell them about the Mobile Assistance Centers and then help them get there at the appropriate time this weekend to get assistance.”
The Mobile Assistance Center will be available on
Thursday, May 14 at the following times and locations:
- In Bartlesville:11:00 am-3:00 p.m. at Washington Park Mall, Highway 75 and Price Rd. Located on the south end of town just north of Price Rd.
- In Tulsa: 5:00 pm-8:00 p.m. at the Lacy Park and Community Center, 2134 N. Madison Pl.
On
Friday, May 15, the Mobile Assistance Center will be available at the following times and locations:
- In Sand Springs: 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Warehouse Markets Store, 250 South State Highway 97.
- In Tulsa: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, Warehouse Market, Store #32, 1507 West 51st St.;
- and at 7:00 pm, Tulsa Drillers vs. Arkansas Travelers, Tulsa Fairgrounds
On
Saturday, May 16 the Mobile Assistance Center will be available in Tulsa from 8:00 am-5:00 pm, at the Tulsa Saturday Flea Market. To get there from I-44 West, exit 51st St. (Exit #223B) -Turn left at the light, 1 block on left;
- At 6:00 pm, the Center will be available at the ballgame, Tulsa Drillers vs. Arkansas Travelers, Tulsa Fairgrounds.
On
Sunday, May 17 the Mobile Assistance Center is available in Tulsa from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm at the Warehouse Market Store #36, 1245 South Garnett Rd.
People who receive their television signals through an antenna have three options to prepare for digital television.
They can purchase digital converter boxes. The
government program which offers $40 coupons toward the purchase of the converters has received additional funding and still takes applications. However, the cut-off date to apply is rapidly approaching.
Consumers can also purchase a new TV with a digital tuner built in, or subscribe to a cable or satellite service.
They do not have to buy a high definition set in order to receive digital television; sets with digital tuners are available in standard definition.
Consumers can learn more about the conversion at the
FCC's DTV conversion website, or by calling 1-888-Call-FCC or 1-888-225-5322.
Oklahomans living near the Tulsa metro can also call 211 to get these numbers.
