When the FCC approved the merger of Sirius and XM satellite radio this summer, it ducked the Ibiquity mandate question, explains Ars Technica. Ibiquity, otherwise known as HD Radio, is used by terrestrial broadcasters. A mandate to include terrestrial digital radio tuners would help promote local broadcasters (at the expense of satellite broadcasters).
The FCC promised to launch a Notice of Inquiry instead. NOI’s differ from Notice of Proposed Rulemakings in that the FCC does not look for feedback on specific rules it would like to enact, explains Ars Technica. The agency just asks the public for information and advice. This week the FCC launched their Notice of Inquiry.
Among the NOI’s questions: How many multi-functional receivers already exist on the market? How many already feature two or more of the following: SDARS, HD Radio, iPod/MP3, and Internet capability? The agency also wants to assess the extent of consumer demand for Ibiquity, especially the demand for HD Radio in automobile radio receivers. The sixty-day comment cycle will begin after the FCC publishes its NOI in the Federal Register.
The FCC required Sirius-XM to agree to an open device requirement for all new receivers, in which manufacturers may add any device plug-in of their choice to new satellite radio tuners.
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