WASHINGTON, D.C. — A potentially major advancement that could reinvigorate the AM band far beyond “revitalization” efforts that largely involve the use of FM translators has moved a step closer to coming to fruition.
In a decision that came much swifter than a lengthy vote to bar the use of its $8.5 billion per year Universal Service Fund (USF) to purchase equipment and services from companies that pose a national security threat, such as Huawei and ZTE Corp., all five FCC Commissioners gave their blessing to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would seek comment on whether to authorize AM stations to transition to an all-digital signal on a voluntary basis.
