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FCC New Rules Will Give Digital FMs More Technical Flexibility
Improved digital radio coverage is closer to reality as the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) is preparing to implement new rules for HD Radio stations. It will improve digital radio coverage.
Beginning 11/20 these rules will allow most FM stations to use asymmetric sidebands. It’s an engineering update expected to strengthen digital signals and improve indoor reception. The stations will be able to use asymmetric sideband power without having to request experimental authorization.
Station owners will only need to file a notification on Form 2100, Schedule 335-FM, through the FCC’s Licensing and Management System to report any facility changes.
THE FCC said, “Initiating asymmetric sideband operation is likely to reduce inter-station interference rather than exacerbate it. If any issues arise, the Commission noted that current interference management procedures should be enough to handle them.”
“This change allows stations to improve digital signal coverage while protecting nearby analog stations from interference.”
A broadcaster study suggests that this rule change could impact more than 3,500 out of 10,875 digital FM stations. These stations would potentially be able to expand digital coverage and improve indoor signal penetration.
The FCC approved the proposal in SEPTEMBER for FM stations from 88.1 to 106.9 FM with the option to adjust power levels separately on their upper and lower digital sidebands. Until now, digital FM stations had to keep power equal on both sidebands.
However, limits will remain for stations on frequencies 107.1, 107.3, 107.5, 107.7, and 107.9 FM. These upper-end channels are excluded because of concerns from the aviation industry.
Groups like the AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION and GENERAL AVIATION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, along with companies like GARMIN, requested restrictions as a safety measure while further testing is completed.