NAB President/CEO David Rehr has penned a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, asking that the Commission recall satellite radio devices that are not compliant with FCC regulations.

In his letter, Rehr writes that the "NAB continues to be concerned about the interference caused to free over-the-air radio services by satellite radio devices not in compliance with the Commission’s rules. To ensure that the scope of this problem is not expanded, NAB urges the Commission to take steps to halt the further distribution and sale to consumers of additional satellite radio devices failing to comply with Part 15 of the Commission’s rules."

Rehr adds, "Although press reports indicate that XM and Sirius have requested their manufacturers to suspend production of noncompliant devices, these actions do nothing to address noncompliant products already in consumers’ hands or those already shipped to distributors and retailers. NAB would urge the Commission to seek recall of noncompliant devices from XM’s and Sirius’ major distributors and retailers. Action is necessary to prevent even more disruption to listeners’ use and enjoyment of free over-the-air radio services, including new digital services, and the Commission has clear authority to vigorously enforce its rules regarding noncompliant devices."

The NAB has been persistent in recent months on the issue of overmodulating satellite and MP3 player devices that can bleed into other FM frequencies. The organization released a study last month on interference from such devices and also asked the FCC to investigate consumers' "free access" to satellite radio from devices broadcasting beyond their range.