iBiquity’s predecessor, USA Digital Radio, initiated the current FCC consideration of IBOC by filing a Petition for Rulemaking on October 7, 1998. After a series of comments supporting the USA Digital Radio Petition, on November 1, 1999 the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on terrestrial digital audio broadcasting. USA Digital Radio filed both Comments and Reply Comments on the NPRM. Comments of interested parties in reaction to the FCC’s NPRM can be viewed on the FCC’s web site by typing in Proceeding # 99-325.
On July 2, 2001, the Radio Board of the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) filed with the FCC its resolution endorsing iBiquity’s IBOC system and encouraged the FCC to take steps that will enable a fast rollout of IBOC.
In 2001 and 2002, the NRSC completed its evaluation of iBiquity’s IBOC system and recommended that the FCC authorize the technology as an enhancement to the current analog broadcasting system in the US. The NRSC’s evaluation was based on extensive field and laboratory tests of the IBOC system conducted in accordance with the NRSC’s test procedures.
On December 19, 2001, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comments on the evaluation of iBiquity’s FM system by the NRSC. On April 19, 2002, the FCC issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the NRSC’s endorsement of iBiquity’s AM IBOC system. Supporting comments endorsing IBOC were filed by all components of the radio industry.
In a historic FCC decision on October 11, 2002, iBiquity’s HD Radio™ IBOC technology was approved as the delivery method for digital radio broadcasting in the U.S.
On April 20, 2004, the FCC adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry on HD Radio technology. The Further Notice proposes to amend the existing rules for AM and FM radio to further the introduction of the HD Radio system. The comments in this proceeding overwhelming endorse the introduction of advanced services using the HD Radio™ system and adoption of final rules. An FCC order on these issues is expected in the near future.
