On Tuesday, the FCC released a public notice reminding stations of their obligation to provide a consumer referral telephone number to the FCC and to publicize that number so that viewers will have a local number to call for specific information about the station’s transition to DTV.
In addition, the FCC also reminded stations that they should be prepared to answer calls from viewers in the hours immediately after their transition and in the days that follow. The FCC’s rules require that stations offer information and assistance for viewers having difficulty receiving their signal. Per the FCC: The station’s consumer referral number "should be staffed with personnel prepared to answer complex questions from viewers, particularly regarding necessary actions to take to get reception in specific locations, and other engineering issues." In particular, stations must be prepared and staffed for an increased volume of calls, both referred from the FCC’s National Call Center and locally originating, at the time the station terminates its analog signal. The FCC’s Call Center will be available 24 hours a day for the days surrounding the June 12 transition, forwarding calls directly to stations where necessary.