Projo Biz Blog

Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch and Lori Kalani, director of government affairs and senior counsel of DISH Network, are scheduled to visit an apartment complex and a senior citizen center today and Wednesday to inform consumers of the upcoming switch to digital TV broadcasting and other outlets.

They will speak with residents today at Sparrows Point III, in Warwick, and Wednesday at Cranston Senior Center in Cranston.

The US Congress has mandated that February 17, 2009, will be the last day for television stations to broadcast in analog format. Lynch said that as the date approaches, consumers have to be alert for bogus web sites, emails, telephone calls, and other forms of personal solicitation in which consumers will be urged to buy a product or pay a fee to maintain TV services.

"The pending switch from analog to digital broadcast television provides many opportunities for scammers to bilk people out of money and to obtain sensitive, personal information for the purpose of identity theft," Lynch said.

Kalani added that there are many solutions for people affected by the digital transition, including pay-TV service such as DISH Network and digital-to-analog converter boxes, many of which are eligible for the $40 government coupons issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Association.

---