Mexico. The presence of HD Radio technology is gaining increasing strength in Mexican broadcasting and proof of this are the results of the Contest to concession the use, exploitation and commercial exploitation of 191 FM Frequencies and 66 AM Frequencies. Of the total number of frequencies tendered as of February 13 (147), 54 have HD Radio technology.
It is worth mentioning that some of the most important incentives considered in Tender No. IFT-4 (AM and FM Broadcasting), whose general results were published by the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) on February 17, were both for new competitors in the business, and for those who offered digital radio transmissions with IBOC technology. With this, the Institute fosters greater competition in the sector and promotes the evolution of digital radio in Mexico.
Some other relevant data about the process are:
- 37% of participants committed to analog/digital hybrid transmissions.
- 65% of the frequencies that were assigned have the incentive of a new competitor or commitment to hybrid analog/digital transmission.
The developers of the HD Radio standard recognized the effort that the IFT has made to ensure that this bidding process was carried out in an objective, transparent, effective and law-abiding manner, in order to bring Mexico to the forefront of broadcasting and endorses its commitment to the development of this sector in the country through the constant innovations it makes in the digital world.
Regarding the advances of digital radio in Mexico, it is worth noting:
- There are currently 118 digital channels throughout the country
- 70 channels (stations) in HD1
- 48 additional hd2, HD3 and HD4 channels
- 33% of the population is in the coverage space of digital radio (37 million inhabitants)
- 42% of car brands and more than 60 models already have HD radio (more than 520,000 cars)
