FCC May Mandate HD Radio Option For XM/Sirius Tuners

The FCC has launched a Notice of Inquiry to consider the question of whether dual radio tuners receiving signals for Sirius XM radio must also include an option for HD Radio. The launch of such an inquiry was required, within 30 days of passage, in XM and Sirius Satellite Radio’s merger agreement.

According to Ars Technica, those pushing for the inclusion of iBiquity’s HD Radio technology include iBiquity itself as well its investor Clear Channel, in addition to some public radio stations and lawmakers. Some carmakers, however, have opposed the idea. The notice was included in the final merger agreement in lieu of a final settlement of the issue.

Once the notice is published in the Federal Register, a 60-day comment period on the matter will begin.