PUBLIC NOTICE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 1919 M STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 DA 98-2244 News media information 202/418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov RM-9395 Released: November 6, 1998 PETITION FOR RULEMAKING USA Digital Radio Partners, L.P. (USADR) has filed a petition for rulemaking to amend Part 73 of the Commission's rules. The full text of this document is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., and also may by purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc. (ITS), 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20036, (202)857-3800. For additional information please contact Peter Doyle at (202)418-2780. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NATURE OF PETITION: To permit the introduction of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) in the AM and FM bands. Petition proposes the adoption of an in-band on- channel (IBOC) DAB technology that USADR contends would enable the simultaneous broadcast of analog and digital signals. Specifically, USADR requests that the Commission: determine that IBOC is the most appropriate means to transition from analog to digital broadcasting; establish interference criteria to insure the compatibility of analog and digital radio stations; establish a plan to foster the transition to an all-digital environment; conclude that a Commission-adopted DAB transmission standard is necessary to insure equipment compatibility and maintain the universal availability of domestic radio services; establish criteria and a timetable for the evaluation of IBOC systems; and select a single IBOC system and transmission standard. USADR submits substantial technical data in support of the adoption of its IBOC system as the United States DAB transmission standard. FILED BY: Robert A. Mazer, Albert Shuldiner, Greta L. H. Lichtenbaum, Megan H. Troy, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Counsel for USA Digital Radio Partners, L.P., 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20004 DATE RECEIVED: October 7, 1998 Interested parties may file with the Office of the Secretary statements opposing or supporting the Petition for Rulemaking listed herein by December 23, 1998, and may file a reply to any such supporting or opposing statements by January 25, 1999. See Section 1.4 and 1.405 of the Commission's Rules for further information. An Acrobat version of the full text of the Petition for Rulemaking is available through the Mass Media internet page (http://www.fcc.gov/mmb/) or can be downloaded directly from: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/filings/rm9395.pdf. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - FCC -