Late last Friday, the Federal Communications Commission approved Sirius Satellite Radio’s buy-out of former competitor XM Satellite Radio after the companies agreed to pay $19.7 million to the U.S. Treasury to settle the issue of past violations of FCC rules that resulted in interference to FM terrestrial radio broadcasts. As a condition of FCC approval the newly merged Sirius XM Radio, Inc. will bring into compliance or shut down FM radio receivers and terrestrial repeaters that have caused interference problems. Other conditions included a three-year cap on prices, an eight percent programming set aside for minority and non-commercial broadcasts, and an agreement to bring interoperable radios to the market within one year. The official announcement can be viewed on the FCC website. Valuable links to FCC Rules can be found on the Tech Briefs section of “Resources” on the new Interference Technology website. Check it out now.
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Interference Technology
Established in 1970, Interference Technology helps EMI/EMC engineers find solutions to their various testing, design, application and regulatory issues by publishing articles, news and other practical content. We help suppliers in these areas to find the right customers for their components, materials, test equipment and services through a wide range of marketing services, including lead generation, branding, market research and events. The publication is available in various printed and electronic media formats, with readers in over 60 countries. We also publish issues in local languages in China, Japan and Europe.