Bill Baker just published the September issue of the Radio Source Newsletter, which includes these stories
https://theradiosource.com/articles/news-2025-sep.htm
"Boston Pirates" Lose Big
...Recently, the FCC has found a fresh faced skallywag operating illegally on two AM frequencies – 1620 and 1640 – and issued him a weighty fine of $60,000 ..
Bill Requiring AM Radio in Cars Rolls Forward Bipartisan Consensus Emerges
that AM Band Constitutes an Irreplaceable Safety Net ...
Synching the Entire Deal Virginia Church Holds Procession Event to Music and Announcements Synchronized to Smartphones ...
Radio: at Home on the Range
South Dakota 60th Buffalo Roundup
and Greet Bison Faithful On-Air
... The service on 1700 AM will also feature minute-to-minute live description and commentary as the event proceeds, provided by South Dakota Public Broadcast announcers and guests...
In the cellphone syncing story at first didn't particularly interest me but it's actually pretty interesting...
Consider SynchLINQ if you have cellular coverage over the event area and
- The coverage requirements exceed what can be accomplished via conventional radio.
- The program needs to be in synch with PA speakers or a light display.
- Listeners could be on foot – indoors or outdoors – or in a vehicle, preferring to use their mobile phone to gain access.
- The program includes music or commercial matter not allowed on certain licensed radio systems.
- FM-quality stereo audio is important.
It is an interesting story, but internet streaming has lag/latency, and so really isn't synched to the other devices. Unless I'm missing something.
It is an interesting story, but internet streaming has lag/latency, and so really isn't synched to the other devices. Unless I'm missing something.
This system, if I interpret the article correctly, is cellular based. I know nothing about such systems, but I don't think it's talking about internet.
I want to guess it somehow related to what those .Rapid Radios work
Ok, time to look....
https://theradiosource.com/services/synchlinq.htm
When a prerecorded audio program needs to be delivered to smartphones, internet connected devices and PA systems without latency, SynchLINQ is the new solution. This proprietary technology allows participants to download an app that gives them access to prerecorded event audio instantly. Useful for background music at air shows, car shows, holiday displays and fireworks events*.
You provide the program; SynchLINQ provides synchronization. Use the service to drive remote speaker systems at the event so they are in-synch with attendees’ smartphones. Music licensing is included for the program originator, simplifying the process.
(*) SynchLINQ can also connect a recorded audio program to most holiday light systems, so flashing lights and music both align precisely.
Saw this there thought it cool, it was using the 10w EventCast system, since it's on the university it's unlicensed 15.221.
Detroit area concert-goers get radio updates when they arrive for live events at Pine Knob, Meadow Brook and Freedom Hill (Michigan Lottery) Amphitheaters in Michigan
They were talking about streaming, which is why I commented the way I did.
I'm not an expert, but don't understand how they could use cellular services, at least through a carrier. Maybe they're using only the radios on the smartphones as specialized walkie talkies?
You know, if smartphones today all had FM radios as they did in the past, they could use Part 15 FM to accomplish the same thing.
.. I'm not an expert, but don't understand how they could use cellular services, at least through a carrier. Maybe they're using only the radios on the smartphones as specialized walkie talkies? ..
You know, if smartphones today all had FM radios as they did in the past, they could use Part 15 FM to accomplish the same thing.
I don't know how any of it works, but do know those heavily advertised Rapid Radios somehow have unlimited range by utilizing the cellular network.. I've been curious about them but haven't looked into them. They're interesting but would be totally useless if cellular network goes down as they've been known to do in disasters. You can't rely on the networks chain
It was in the past year read an article about why they removed the FM from phones but forget what the reasoning was... If that's any help
I can't see the cellular carriers allowing cellular signals that they don't control onto their networks. That's one of the reasons that Chinese-owned vendors were banned - the possibility of rogue signals being introduced, causing security concerns.
The only way I can see this working is the signals being wrapped in an existing protocol, i.e., the Internet. But it would be interesting to verify that.
As for FM radios, the same carriers discouraged their use, and in some cases with phones that had them and that they sold, insisted that the vendors disable them. The issue is money. The carriers want to encourage data use, which brings in more money. The FM radios were bypassing Internet Radio and data use, allowing owners to receive signals not under carrier control. Sort of like the car vendors attempting to get rid of AM radio, even FM, in order to monetize entertainment in their vehicles.
I can't see the cellular carriers allowing cellular signals that they don't control onto their networks. That's one of the reasons that Chinese-owned vendors were banned - the possibility of rogue signals being introduced, causing security concerns.
I don't get it either, but cellular carriers have never had exclusive rights to their own signals, I know it sounds crazy but those clauses it's how ZenoRadio launched it's enterprise years ago, and "Rapid Radios" one time cost, which then can be operated freely on any cellular networks -ANY AVAILABLE CARRIERS networks- they are required by law to share. I'm sure there are other examples