Comments are due Monday Dec. 19 on whether the FCC should allow FM HD Radio stations to use asymmetrical sideband transmission more routinely.
Currently, stations that wish to raise digital power levels unevenly need a waiver of the FCC’s rules to do so. Asymmetrical sidebands are a way for FMs to raise HD Radio power while minimizing interference to adjacent stations, according to proponents.
IBiquity Digital and NPR had asked the commission to allow the change to make it easier for stations for more stations to raise power levels. They submitted results of drive tests conducted after asymmetrically raising digital power levels on WKLB(FM), Waltham, Mass., and WAMU(FM), Washington.
Reply comments are due by Jan. 3, 2012.
