NTC releases guidelines on digital FM radio broadcast

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has finally released the draft guidelines that would govern the introduction of digital FM radio broadcast in the country.

Digital FM radio broadcast is the technology that enables FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally as a sequence of discreet samples taken from a finite set or a continuous set sound waveform. Presently, FM radio stations in the country still use analog technology.

Under the draft rules, duly authorized FM radio broadcast stations may be allowed to transmit digital FM signal over their analog signal using the IBOC technology or any appropriate digital FM broadcast transmission technology.

IBOC or in-band /on-channel system of digital radio involves digital signals that are placed within the analog FM bands without interference to the existing analog service.

The NTC said the digital FM signal shall be modulated and transmitted over the same frequency as that of the existing authorized FM radio broadcast station. The program content of the digital FM signal shall also be the same content as the analog signal of the authorized FM radio broadcast station.

The rules require that the equipment and associated facilities of the digital FM system be co-located within the transmitter site of the authorized FM radio broadcast station.

The coverage area of the digital FM signal shall be limited within the licensed service area of the authorized FM radio broadcast station. In no case shall the digital FM signal extend beyond the 60 dBu F.I. contour of the analog FM signal.

NTC commissioner Ronald Solis said new broadcast applicants planning to directly operate a digital FM radio broadcast station shall file a requisite petition and shall undergo the usual authorization process of the commission.