Also at the FCC, Ibiquity officials met with Commissioner McDowell about their concerns that a merged satellite entity with exclusive automaker deals could hamper its efforts to get HD Radio installed as standard in vehicles.
The technology company is concerned the satcasters “may have used subsidies and incentives to discourage proliferation of HD Radio products,” with a merger worsening those problems, according to the filing.
Digital President/CEO Robert Struble and General Counsel Al Shuldiner met with McDowell.
Ibiquity reiterated it has no formal position on the merger. But it is asking for significant restrictions: If a merger is okayed, Ibiquity wants the FCC to condition that approval on requiring HD-R technology be included in satellite radios; requiring the merged entity to end exclusive arrangements with automakers, suppliers and retailers; and prohibiting such exclusivity in the future.