REC Networks has reached a technology transfer agreement with SIRIUS Satellite Radio. As a part of the transaction, REC will transfer the rights to use the REC FM Broadcast Channel Search algorithms used for finding suitable frequencies for SIRIUS Satellite Radio receivers with built in very low power FM transmitters.
REC Networks will still own the domain name FMFIND.info and will provide direct links to the new SIRIUS FM Channel Search application. REC will no longer engage in consumer Part 15 FM channel searches but instead will refer all requests to SIRIUS. REC Networks will continue to maintain weekly updates of the SIRIUS FM database, which will be coincide with REC's standard FCC database update schedule.
REC is not disclosing any other terms of the agreement.
REC created FMFIND.info in January 2006 to provide a consumer friendly application, that would allow anyone to find the appropriate place on the FM dial to run their consumer FM device. Currently, FMFIND.info is REC's most hit domain name.
In a statement, REC Networks' Michelle Eyre stated, "SIRIUS interest in the FMFIND technology demonstrates that corporation's social responsibility as a user of the broadcast spectrum. Many people purchase their radios and devices without any advance knowledge on which operating frequency the device should be set on thereby encountering interference when adjacent to or on frequencies used by full power broadcasters, FM translators and LPFM stations. The transfer of Part 15 FM channel searching to SIRIUS allows the FMFIND application to operate on a far superior infrastructure to ours and will provide a more stable home to the application thus allowing SIRIUS to better promote Responsible Channel Selection by the publicizing of the FM Channel Search in their user manuals and on their website. REC looks forward to this relationship with SIRIUS."
The general public will be able to reach the new SIRIUS FM Channel Search through the existing FMFIND.info website. Those who are linking to the FMFIND.info page may continue to do so as the user will still reach the new SIRIUS FM Channel Search.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING
THE SIRIUS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Q:
Did REC sell out to SIRIUS?
A:
Absolutely not. We feel that this relationship with SIRIUS was the perfect match because them and their competitor are now the two largest users of Part 15 FM intentional radiators in the industry. With the transfer, SIRIUS is attempting to give their subscribers a full customer experience.
Q:
How will this impact REC’s other broadcast tools? (LPFM Search, FMQ, Media Concentration Report, etc.)
A:
Our ability to operate any type of broadcast query tool including channel searching is not impacted. The only exception is that we can’t engage in a consumer accessible Part 15 FM broadcast band channel search. For those types of searches, we will refer our users to SIRIUS.
Q:
The new SIRIUS FM Finder does not have all the great features that FMFIND.info had. How do I find that information?
A:
The new SIRIUS FM Finder will have a very simple output, which shows best frequency at a specific ZIP code coordinate. While our original objective for FMFIND.info a year ago was to build a tool that was “consumer friendly”, we also wanted to include the various “geeky” functionality that REC broadcast tools are known for. It is up to SIRIUS whether they want to add any of the additional functionality that FMFIND offered.
Q:
FMFIND used to have a great listing of FM stations. Where can I find that now?
A:
The “dialscape” can be found on REC’s Broadcast Query tool:
http://www.recnet.com/fmq .
You can also use the Media Concentration Report:
http://www.recnet.com/cdbs/mcr.php .
Q:
What about Canada?
A:
We are aware of a demand for a Canada tool. We will address Canada in the future.
FAQ FOR BROADCAST STATION LICENSEES
Q:
How does the FM Finder protect licensed stations?
A:
The FM Finder uses the existing FCC CDBS data and establishes a co-channel and first-adjacent protections using a proprietary algorithm. The FM Finder will take ERP, HAAT and directional antenna pattern into consideration.
Q:
As a broadcast station, is there any way I can request “additional protection” of my channel from REC?
A:
REC believes in the fair and mutual sharing of the spectrum by all users including licensed broadcasters, licensed LPFM and non-licensed compliant Part 15 devices. Therefore, we will provide equal protections to all broadcasters to what they are entitled to based on their actual operating parameters. Station parameters may be modified in our database based on feedback received by SIRIUS subscribers through their standard customer service channels.
Q:
Will the FM Finder protect service contours?
A:
Yes. Our protection does go well beyond a station’s predicted 60/57/54 dBu F(50,50) service contour.
