RadioBanter - View Single Post

March 31st 06, 07:00 AM posted to rec.radio.shortwave

wrote:
A couple of weeks ago,someone in another news group said the reason for
digital radio broadcasting is to free up more space for cops and
Firefighters.
Is that true?

No. IBOC digital doesn't open up any spectrum - it operates in the
guard bands between existing stations. (and on AM, on top of existing
stations) Should digital see enough uptake to make it possible to shut
down analog transmitters, the spectrum previously used by the analog
signal will almost certainly be used to allow the digital broadcasters
to transmit more programs.

Digital *TV* will in part open up space for public safety radio. Four
of the "Upper 700MHz Band" channels are reserved for this purpose. It
is not entirely clear whether this extra space will actually accomplish
anything... (unless you're a lobbyist or politician!)
--
Doug Smith W9WI
Pleasant View (Nashville), TN EM66
http://www.w9wi.com