NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
For Immediate Release News Media Contact:
January 29, 2010 Janice Wise (202) 418-8165
Email:  janice.wise@fcc.gov
MEDIA BUREAU ADOPTS ORDER TO MODIFY FM DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING 
TECHNICAL RULES TO EXPAND DIGITAL COVERAGE
Washington, DC:  The Media Bureau adopted an Order that permits FM radio stations to 
voluntarily increase digital power levels up to ten percent of analog power levels and establishes 
interference mitigation and remediation procedures to promptly resolve complaints of 
interference to analog stations.  These rule changes will substantially boost digital signal 
coverage while safeguarding analog reception against interference from higher power digital 
transmissions.
In 2002, the Commission adopted the in-band on-channel digital audio broadcasting 
system developed by iBiquity Digital Corporation (“iBiquity”) as the de facto standard for FM 
station digital operations.  Stations are currently permitted to transmit digitally at one percent of 
analog power.  In June 2008, iBiquity, 18 group owners of 1200 radio stations and four major 
radio equipment manufacturers requested that the Commission increase digital power levels by 
10 dB, i.e., to ten percent of analog power levels.  Both iBiquity and National Public Radio have 
submitted detailed studies assessing the potential for improved digital service and increased 
interference to analog reception.  
The Bureau Order will:
· Permit most FM stations to immediately increase digital power by 6 dB, a four-fold power 
increase;
· Limit power increases for stations currently licensed in excess of class maximums, i.e., 
“super-powered” stations, to protect analog radio service from interference;
· Establish application procedures for power increases up to 10 dB;
· Establish interference remediation procedures that require the Media Bureau to resolve 
each bona fide dispute or impose tiered power reductions within 90 days; and
· Reserve the right to revisit the issue of digital power levels if significant interference 
results to analog reception.
Action by the Media Bureau, January 27, 2010 by Order (DA 10-208).  Docket 99-325.
Media Bureau contacts:  Susan Crawford or Peter H. Doyle at (202) 418-2700 
TTY: (202) 418-7172.  
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