Satellite : Ford Opposes HD Radio Mandates

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A Detroit auto giant has voiced its opposition to a proposal that could require reception capability for competing audio services inside satellite radio equipment.

Ford sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission outlining its opposition to suggestions that satellite radio receivers include services such as HD Radio. The company said such a proposal "has several ancillary consequences that would be extremely burdensome to consumers, the auto industry and OEM manufacturers, and it should be rejected by the commission."

The FCC has been taking comments on the issue, part of its approval of the XM/Sirius merger this past summer. Broadcasters and HD Radio supporters back the inclusion proposal, while Sirius XM, consumer electronics manufacturers and carmakers oppose the idea.

In its letter, Ford said the inclusion proposal "will likely increase the price of audio entertainment options in vehicles, without regard to whether consumers actually want those options." Also, "Consumers who only desire satellite radio will be subsidizing the HD Radio broadcasting industry because they will be forced to purchase HD Radio," the company said.