This was taken from the FCC's DTV web site. It explains how cable companies are required to carry ANALOG signals of local TV stations and the FCC's rule to move to digital only applies to high powered broadcast TV (over the air).
Having said that, analog won't be around forever. Those without cable boxes are OK for a few years. But at some point, I believe that everything will be in digital because at some point it will be cheaper. Anyway, here is the statement:
"First, it's important to know that the February 17, 2009 deadline for the digital television transition only applies to full-power broadcast stations. The government does not require cable companies to transition their systems to digital. They can continue to deliver channels to their customers using analog signals. Actually, cable companies are required under FCC rules to offer local broadcast stations to their customers in analog, as long as they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after February 17, 2009. The FCC will decide in 2011 whether the requirement should be extended beyond February 17, 2012. This means that customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will be able to continue doing so."
I'll just add "for now" to the end of that sentence.
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