WASHINGTON, DC – The $1.5 billion program to distribute $40 coupons to help people buy converter boxes they’ll need to watch digital TV on analog sets, is running out of money, the Washington Post reports.

The program, run by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration within the Commerce Department, lacked proper planning, according to a letter sent to NTIA by two U.S. Congressmen.

A $120 million contract to IBM to administer the program did not include enough money to actually process and mail the coupons to consumers, the Congressmen said.

Demand for the coupons, which must be redeemed in 90 days, is high. Use is low, however.

Meredith Baker, acting assistant secretary for communications and information at the NTIA told the Post the agency is working with IBM to address the problems.

Broadcasters stop airing analog signals Feb. 15, 2009.

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