Washington - Oct 2, 2007 - The FCC's Second Report and Order, First Order on Reconsideration and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in MM Docket No. 99-325 was published in the Federal Register on Aug. 15, 2007. The effective date of new notification procedures for FM broadcast stations operating in hybrid IBOC mode with dual antenna systems is Sept. 14, 2007. In response to several inquiries from the public, the FCC issued a public notice to clarify the notification procedures for stations currently operating with dual antenna systems under special temporary authorization (STA).

The technical information requirements for STA requests for dual antenna operation, which were set forth in a public notice released on March 17, 2004, are substantially the same as those that will be required for dual antenna IBOC notifications going forward under the new rules adopted in the Second Report and Order. In addition, those stations that commenced dual-antenna IBOC operation via STA already have been designated as hybrid digital stations in the Media Bureau's Consolidated Database System (CDBS).

For these reasons, FM stations that are currently operating digitally under STA are deemed to have provided the notification required by newly adopted 47 C.F.R. Section 73.404, and such stations will not be required to file a new notification with the Commission, unless a subsequent change is made in the technical parameters of the IBOC operation or the technical contact information.

For additional information, contact Charles Miller or Ann Gallagher at the Audio Division, Media Bureau at 202-418-2700.