FCC “Deliberation” of HD Radio

Although the question of whether analog and digital radio signals could peacefully coexist remained unresolved, USA Digital Radio forced the issue by filing a Petition for Rulemaking with the Federal Communications Commission on October 7, 1998, asking it to “immediately make a finding that IBOC will be the method of transmission for DAB in the United States.” ¹ USADR asserted that the adoption of any other technology would “create tremendous turmoil in the radio industry, disrupting service to the public, and impose a significant administrative burden on regulatory authorities.” ² It admitted that “a number of technical tradeoffs” would be required to make IBOC work, but downplayed their implications. ³ USA Digital Radio also claimed its technology had wide support within the radio industry, touting equity investment from 12 of the largest radio broadcasters in the United States, as well as an infusion of funding from Chase Capital Partners. ⁴