In its most detailed filing to the FCC yet about the satellite merger proposal, Ibiquity has proposed more specifics about including HD Radio in any satellite radios produced after the merger, if approved.
Ibiquity has proposed: “Each licensee will certify no later than June 1 of each calendar year … that any newly introduced satellite radio receiver models that operate with the licensee’s satellite DARS system and includes the ability to receive terrestrial analog AM/FM signals, will also include the ability to receive digital AM/FM signals in accordance with the technical specifications for terrestrial digital radio specified in MM Docket No. 99-325.
“This requirement will be effective three years from the effective date of this rule for new model Original Equipment Manufactured (‘OEM’) automobile receivers and one year from the effective date of this rule for new model non-OEM receivers.”
Ibiquity has floated this proposal in meetings with Commissioners Adelstein, Copps and McDowell, as well as several staffers in the Media Bureau, the chairman’s office and Commissioner Tate’s office, according to FCC filings.
With this proposal, the sat rad companies now have something more concrete to consider, more specific than a plea to just include HD-R in every OEM satellite radio from now on.
What isn’t in the proposal is whether or how Ibiquity would contribute to funding the change. I’m assuming the new HD-R chipsets I saw at CES would work for this application, however it’s unclear whether the company would contribute to installation/adaptation costs.
