Kulturudvalget 2015-16
KUU Alm.del Bilag 4
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: WorldDAB Global Update
Digital radio broadcasting using the DAB family of standards
Global overview
Digital radio is making significant advances across Europe with national services now firmly established in the UK, Norway,
Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and Italy.
Recent months have seen several important developments for DAB digital radio:
Norway will have Digital Switchover (DSO) in 2017
Switzerland has announced its plans for DSO between 2020 and 2024
In Germany, the Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) has established a Steering Board to drive
forward the adoption of digital radio - participation in this Board includes the Government, media regulators, public and
private broadcasters, and receiver and automotive manufacturers
The UK has launched a major programme to build out national and local DAB coverage, and the licence for a second
national commercial multiplex has been awarded, with up to 18 new stations on air in early 2016.
Denmark has issued a clear roadmap for digital radio, with a transition to DAB+ by end 2016 and a decision on DSO
when 50% of listening is digital
In the Netherlands, following the launch of national services in Sept 2013, 2015 has seen the roll-out of a new layer of
regional services.
In Italy, the coverage of national services is being extended in the South of Italy and Sicily; the regulator AGCOM has
made clear its intention to push forward with the roll-out of local DAB+ (three regions were added earlier this year and
a plan of frequencies in 40 new regions was published in September).
In France, following the launches in 2014 in Paris, Nice and Marseille, the regulator CSA has consulted on launching
services in a further 20 zones – in particular in areas where there is a shortage of FM frequencies. It aims to issue calls
for applications in September 2015 with the goal of having services on air by October 2016.
Belgium saw the launch of the first Flemish DAB+ multiplex in May
In Austria a DAB+ trial launched in May with 15 DAB+ services broadcasting across Greater Vienna
In Poland, Polskie Radio has extended coverage of its DAB+ services to 53%
In the Asia Pacific region, Australia continues to lead the way – with DAB+ household penetration rising to 23.6%
Europe
Pan-European support for digital radio is building.
Figure 1: Digital radio in Europe
Digital Switchover
Established markets
Norway
On the move
DK
Ireland
UK
NL
Bel
Sweden
Germany
Poland
Czech
Slovakia
France
CH
Italy
Hungary
Slovenia
Austria
Portugal
Spain
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The European Broadcast Union (EBU) has called for the adoption of digital broadcast radio across Europe
1
and for the inclusion
of digital receivers in all radio devices
2
. At the same time, Government administrations are looking to build cross-border links to
develop a European consensus about radio’s digital future.
Against this background, WorldDAB has started to engage with the European Commission about the potential inclusion of digital
terrestrial radio in the new Digital Single Market Strategy.
Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, a similar pattern is emerging. Australia successfully launched DAB+ in 2009, followed by Hong Kong in 2011.
Several other markets, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam are now investigating digital radio options.
WorldDAB has organised workshops in each of these countries.
Figure 2: Digital radio in Asia Pacific
Digital Switch-Over
Several European markets are considering their long term plans for broadcast radio, including potential Digital Switchover
scenarios. Norway is the first country to confirm a DSO date (2017); and Switzerland is planning for DSO in 2020-24. WorldDAB
has established a working group focused on DSO – the aim being to co-ordinate activities and share best practice. Meetings are
attended by representatives from Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom.
Automotive
WorldDAB has established an automotive taskforce, focused on persuading car manufacturers to install digital radio as standard
across Europe and beyond. In Norway 63% and the UK 70% of new cars come with DAB/DAB+ and with territories with digital
radio now accounting for 60% of all new car sales in Europe, the time is right to focus on this area.
Figure 3: % share of European new car sales 2014 – markets with DAB / DAB+
NL, CH, Nor,
DK (8%)
Norway
UK
(19%)
Ireland
UK
Sweden
Denmark
Germany
(23%)
Poland
NL
Bel
Germany
Czech
Slovakia
Austria
Hungary
Switzerland
France
Slovenia
Italy
Portugal
Spain
Italy
(10%)
Source: ACEA
Marketing and Receiver Specifications
These DSO and automotive initiatives are being supported by closer co-operation between broadcasters and industry focused on
the marketing of digital radio and receiver specifications.
1
2
Recommendation R138
https://tech.ebu.ch/docs/r/r138.pdf
http://www3.ebu.ch/cms/fr/sites/ebu/contents/programming/radio/digital-radio/welcome-page/about-euro-chip.html
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An informal group has been established to encourage the sharing of ideas in the areas of branding and promotion. Digital radio
is fighting for attention in a world increasingly dominated by players of global scale, e.g. Apple and Google – the aim of these
“sharing” initiatives is to help strengthen DAB’s positioning as an international standard. This is particularly important when
addressing vehicle manufacturers and the smartphone industry.
In parallel, a group has been established to discuss the creation of consistent receiver specifications in different countries. This
is building on work already undertaken in the UK and Germany. Consistent specifications are important for receiver
manufacturers. They also offer countries the opportunity to use schemes, such as the UK’s Digital Tick, as a means of
demonstrating that receivers are future-ready. Current areas of focus are ensuring that devices are capable of displaying a full
range of Latin based characters and are able to function properly in the range of frequency environments to be found in
territories across Europe.
Europe
Established markets
Norway: population 5.1 million
Current position
DSO is set for 2017
DAB coverage: 99.5%
DAB receiver penetration: 58% of households
Rapid growth of receiver sales followed launch of new digital only station (P1+) in September 2013
The 20 most sold car models in Norway all offer DAB+ as standard or optional. 63% of new cars sold in Norway come
with DAB (Source: Norwegian Electronics trade association).
There are approximately 3 million cars in Norway, and over 600,000 of these have a DAB radio.
Digital listening: in Q1 2015, 57% of daily listeners were using a digital device, of that 38% were using DAB (TNS Gallup
Digital Radio Survey Q1 2015)
Ownership of DAB; 58% of all Norwegian households own one or more DAB-radios. (TNS Gallup Digital Radio Survey Q1
2015).
Road tunnels: Norwegian road authorities say that all relevant tunnels will have DAB by 2017.
Local radio: Most Norwegian local radios may continue to transmit on FM for 5 years after 2017. These are outside of
the urban areas. 23 local radios will not get their FM licence extended after 2017, however 22 of these are also on
DAB+ today. Government support for building local DAB+ infrastructure is under study.
Switchover criteria
The following conditions needed to be met for DSO to be confirmed:
1. Public broadcaster must achieve coverage of 99.5% by 2015. Commercial broadcasters on the national network #1
are required to reach 90% of the population.
2. 50% of listeners must daily use a digital platform before 2015.
3. There must be reasonably priced, reliable in-car adaptors on the market by 2015. Installers must be widely
available.
4. Added value for the listeners.
Switzerland: population 8.1 million
Current position
DAB coverage: indoor 98%; outdoor 99% - all main tunnels fitted by 2016 - 2019
Over 60 services available depending on the region – German, French and Italian
All stations are on DAB+
60% of new cars come with DAB+ as standard (June 2015)
Industry and regulator have handed over to Government a detailed switchover plan
Over 2.08 million DAB+ digital radio receivers, including 305,000 line fit automotive sales, have been sold to date
25% of radio listening at home and at work is via DAB+ (GfK on behalf of DigiMig, August 2015).
Prospects
Industry and the Swiss regulator have announced plans for digital switchover to take place between 2020 and 2024.
This will be preceded by a four year marketing campaign to prepare audiences for the switch.
Coverage of highway tunnels will be finished in 2018/2019
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United Kingdom: population 64.1 million
Current position
National coverage of DAB: 95% of population (rising to 97% by end 2015)
DAB receiver penetration: 50.9% of households (RAJAR Q2 2015)
Digital listening: 39.94% share of total listening (RAJAR Q2 2015)
Cars: 70% of new car registrations have digital radio as standard (CAP/SMMT Q2 2015). Over 4 million cars on the road
are able to receive digital radio (15% of all cars).
Prospects
Government has stated “the future of radio is digital”
The criteria to be achieved before a firm date for DSO can be set are:
1. Digital listening to account for 50% share of all listening hours
2. Digital coverage for national services must be comparable to FM and local DAB should cover 90% of the population
as well as major roads.
Current trends suggest the 50% digital listening target will be achieved in 2017
A second national commercial multiplex has been awarded, with up to 15 new stations on air in Spring 2016
Following commitment to build 162 new DAB transmitters for national BBC services and 182 new transmitters for local
DAB services, coverage targets are expected to be achieved by the end of 2016.
The digital radio tick mark, which indicates “future ready” devices has been set up and is managed by Digital Radio UK
A target date for DSO of ~2020 may be feasible.
Germany: population 81.6 million
Current position
Launched DAB+ in August 2011
Combined coverage of the ARD (regional) and the national multiplexes is 91.1% of the population. The ARD multiplexes
cover 86% of the population. The national multiplex currently covers 77% of the population – with a further 50
transmitters to be built by the end of 2016 - to achieve uninterrupted coverage on major roads and allowing digital
radio reception in 92% outdoor area coverage and 82% indoor.
7.7% of the German population own an average of 1.7 DAB sets (TNS Infratest 2014).
Sales of digital radios in H2 2015 were up 58% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices decrease
continuously year on year.
Prospects
In November 2014, the ARD confirmed its long term commitment to DAB+ as a core element of its radio distribution
strategy and highlighted the need for the co-operation of policy makers, regulators and private broadcasters to help
secure this digital future.
In April 2015 the German Ministry for Transport and Digital Infrastructure made clear its strong support for DAB+ and
has proposed the establishment of a new steering group with representation from all key stakeholders. The first
meeting of this group was on 17th June.
The coverage of the national DAB+ network in Germany will be significantly expanded over the next eighteen months.
Denmark: population 5.6 million
Current position
DSO when 50% listening is digital, transition to DAB+ by end 2016
New licences will be available by end 2015
DAB coverage: 98%
DAB receiver penetration: more than 45% of households (Source: TNS Gallup)
28% of radio listening is digital (Source: DR Media Research)
Sales of digital radios in Q2 2015 were up 37% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices decrease
continuously year on year.
Prospects
A roadmap published by the Ministry of Culture (29 April 2015) says closure of the FM band should be considered
when at least 50% of radio listening is on digital platforms.
There is a plan to build a new regionalised multiplex for commercial radio – launching in late 2015 or early 2016.
No later than 2016, the national single-frequency DAB block now used by public service broadcaster DR will be
swapped for two DAB regional frequency blocks presently employed for a single commercial multiplex.
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The proposed frequency swap will also mark the switch-over of all Danish DAB transmissions to DAB+. This increases
the total transmission capacity of Danish Radio enough to migrate its nine regional FM-only stations to DAB+, and
allow the commercial multiplex to develop further and expand with more national channels.
Netherlands: population 16.8 million
Current position
DAB+ launched in Sept 2013
National coverage of DAB+: >95% population coverage
28 national services: 18 commercial (9 digital-only), 10 public (6 digital-only).
The regional network (3rd layer, next to two national networks) in the Netherlands consists of five regional allotments
together covering the whole country. Since spring this year the networks are complete and the 21 services from 13
regional public broadcasters are on air.
On 1 September 2015 a range of local commercial services (31) were added to the regional multiplexes 6B, 7A, 8A, 9D-
N, and 9D-S. In places like Amsterdam and Rotterdam listeners can receive up to 45 different services.
Joint marketing campaign “let’s get digital” launched Q2 2014 supported by public and commercial broadcasters and
the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Public broadcaster NPO switched off AM on the 1st September 2015 and is using DAB+ instead of AM for broadcasting
NPO Radio 5. The budget that will come free will be invested in DAB+. NPO switched on five new transmitters in
September to improve their nationwide outdoor coverage. The next phase will be nationwide indoor coverage (20 extra
transmitters) for NPO mux 11C.
Sales of digital radios in Q2 2015 were up 128% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices decrease
continuously year on year.
Prospects
Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Henk Kamp, will renew the licenses for analogue and digital radio for a new period
(2017-2022). This is to give broadcasters more time to develop digital radio. Broadcasters have promised robust and
intensive plans to improve the network on 12C (indoor coverage) and to extend their marketing efforts for digital radio.
2016: review on the development of digital radio.
Important indicators: >50% of households own a digital radio and developments in other European countries.
Italy: population 59.8 million
Three regular national (two commercial and one public) and 12 regular local multiplexes on air or planned (Trentino –
on air, Alto Adige – on air, Valle D’Aosta – planned, Eastern Piemonte – planned, Umbria – planned, Eastern Tuscany -
planned, L’Aquila province - planned, Eastern Sardinia - planned). Coverage is 68% of the population including 4500km
of motorways. 200 car models in Italy come with DAB+ as standard or as an option, 22.3% of new cars.
Regular services started December 2012 in the Trentino region and June 2013 in the Alto Adige region with Agcom
Resolution n. 383/13.
In May 2015, AGCOM announced the public consultation for the definition of the local coverage areas in Italy. AGCOM
completed the consultation on 29 July 2015 and published the definition of 39 local areas covering all of Italy, and
called for applications in 3 specific areas: Eastern Tuscany (Firenze, Arezzo, Pistoia, Prato, Siena), L’Aquila province,
Eastern Sardinia (Cagliari, Nuoro, Ogliastra, Carbonia-Iglesias). Full details on AGCOM
website.
In December 2014, AGCOM published Resolution Number 602/14 which outlines the rules for three new regions to be
covered by DAB+ digital radio - in the regions of Valle d’Aosta, Torino & Cuneo Province in Piedmont and Umbria. The
Italian Ministry of Communication assigned on the 9
th
of March 2015 the frequency blocks of public, private and local
operators for these regions.
Club DAB Italia and Rai have announced a network extension plan to be completed within 2015. EuroDAB was awarded
the second national commercial licence in 2014 (in Trentino).
A heavyweight industry-funded advertising campaign to promote digital radio to consumers, retailers, car vendors, car
dealers and other stakeholders has been under way for over a year.
Italian public broadcaster RAI is adding three new programs to its DAB+ line-up. The complete DAB+ line-up will now
feature 10 stations including existing programs Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, the news station GPRD, and the traffic service
Isoradio.
Sales of digital radios in Q2 2015 were up 89% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices decrease
continuously year on year.
Markets on the move
France: population 66.0 million
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Digital radio broadcast launched in Paris, Nice and Marseille in June 2014 with services available at launch (Paris,
Marseille) or from September 2014 (Nice). 13 regular regional and 6 trial local multiplexes on air.
- 100+ Commercial and Community radio services
- all of the services on DAB+ but one
In January 2015 the CSA published a report outlining its support for digital radio. The CSA’s report includes plans to
issue licences in several new cities, such as Lyon, Nantes, Strasbourg and Lille in 2015.
In May 2015 the CSA launched a public consultation into the deployment of DAB+ in the metropolitan areas of France.
Areas under consideration are Nantes, Lyon, Strasbourg, Lille, Bethune-Douai-Lens, Valenciennes, Mulhouse, Metz,
Nancy, Bayonne, Le Havre, Brest, Grenoble, Bordeaux, Toulouse Rennes, Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier and Toulon
Rouen.
Sales of digital radios in Q2 2015 were up 28% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices decrease
continuously year on year.
Belgium: population 11.2 million
Nationwide coverage of between one and three layers is achieved by combining the coverage of the different
multiplexes on air in Belgium: One regional public multiplex for the Northern, Dutch speaking, part (>95% DAB coverage
of North population), one regional public multiplex for the Southern, French speaking, part (90% DAB/DAB+ outdoor
coverage of South population) and one regional commercial multiplex in the Northern part in DAB+ (25% coverage of
the North population).
North (Flanders + Brussels): Regional coverage of Flanders and Brussels with a first layer by the public VRT multiplex
with 9 DAB channels and one DAB+ trial channel (>95% DAB coverage of North population). Coverage with a second
layer in DAB+, covering Brussels and the surrounding area, with 8 commercial radio stations. The coverage of the
second layer will be extended to a community-wide deployment, expected in 2017. A data channel for traffic
information is present (TPEG) on the public multiplex.
South (Wallonia + Brussels): 7 DAB channels (5 from the French speaking public broadcaster RTBF and 2 from the
German speaking BRF) and 3 DAB+ trial channels (RTBF). Public funding partly request to update the current RTBF
DAB/DAB+ network and to launch a second layer, in order to ensure indoor coverage of Brussels and Wallonia for
almost the whole radio industry, with the objective to have a potential massive public launch in 2017. Data channel for
traffic information (TPEG) on the public multiplex.
Sales of digital radios in Q2 2015 were up 119% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices is decreasing.
Poland: population 38.5 million
Regular multiplexes launched by Polskie Radio so far in Poland’s 18 largest cities and surroundings. There are 17 regular
regional multiplexes on air carrying 8 national programmes and 21 regional.
Current national population coverage is 53.8%.
Services in a further four cities are to be launched by July 2016.
A public information campaign from Polskie Radio started in 2015. KRRiT (the National Broadcasting Council of Poland)
has launched a website dedicated to digital radio broadcasting.
Potential markets
Austria: population 8.5 million
ORS comm has received a DAB+ trial licence and began broadcasting DAB+ test transmissions on May 28th 2015. The
trial has been supported by Digital Radio Austria (Verein Digitalradio Österreich). One trial multiplex is in operation in
Vienna. In Vienna the digital radio pilot project currently on air has space allocated for 17 stations. There are currently
15 DAB+ services on air. Two slots are expected to remain unused for the time being. Two transmitters operate as a
single frequency network, with one transmitting a 10kW signal and the other 7kW ERP. This test mode is scheduled to
last a year and should be extended to a regular transmission. Digital radio is to be launched officially in the first half of
2017. Approximately 255,000 DAB+ receivers (excl. internet sales and in-car receivers), have been sold to date.
Czech Republic: population 10.5 million
Coverage of DAB is currently 58%, with 29 DAB+ services in Band III and L-Band. 12 unique programmes are on air.
On March 5th 2015 Czech Radio introduced a detailed seven-step plan for its transition to digital radio. The broadcaster
will showcase its commitment to going digital by launching a new experimental digital radio service for Prague,
reaching 17% of the national population.
Gibraltar: population 30,000
DAB+ ensembles operate on Blocks 12B and 12C from December 2012. Four Simulcast DAB+ services from the public
broadcaster are currently on air and population coverage is 90%.
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Hungary: population 9.9 million
Hungary has chosen DAB+ for its digital radio standard, and there is currently a test multiplex on air broadcasting seven
DAB+ radio programs to the Budapest area. Population coverage is 30%.
Ireland: population 4.6 million
National Public Broadcaster RTÉ operates a full-service Multiplex covering 52% of the population in the main cities.
Commercial trials are on air in Dublin, Cork and the South-East of the country carrying a mix of simulcast and exclusive
services.
Over 400,000 devices have been sold to date and household penetration is 17%.
Legislation has been in place since 2009 to enable commercial broadcasters to engage with DAB but the broadcasting
regulator has not addressed the issue of establishing a regulatory framework to date. It is expected that Ireland will
adopt the DAB+ standard.
Latvia: population 2.0 million
There is one trial local multiplex on air in which covers the capital city, Riga. There are two DAB+ services on air, one is
simulcast and one is exclusive to DAB+. DAB+ population coverage of Latvia is 35%.
Currently broadcasters in Latvia are awaiting final approval from The National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP)
before they can start regular DAB+ transmissions in Riga.
Malta: population 0.4 million
Over 40 services on the two national multiplexes which include unique digital only stations, MOT, EPG and DLS
applications giving 100% coverage.
By the end of 2012, over 25% of Maltese radio listeners were tuning in via DAB+.
Monaco: population 38,000
On 28 April 2014, Monte Carlo Radiodiffusion began a trial of 8 DAB+ services in the Principality of Monaco covering the
Principality and the coastal areas of France from Menton to Cap d'Antibes. There are currently 12 DAB+ audio services
on air, including 7 simulcast stations and 5 exclusive to DAB+.
Romania: population 19.9 million
A trial DAB multiplex broadcasts four radio services from public broadcaster Radio Romania in Bucharest. Three are
simulcasts and one is exclusive to DAB.
Slovakia: population 5.4 million
There are currently no digital T-DAB broadcasts or trials on air, but the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional
Development of the Slovak Republic, in cooperation with V�½skumn�½ ústav spojov (Research Institute of Posts and
Telecommunications) Banská Bystrica is currently in the process of preparing a DAB+ trial in Band III. It should be put
into operation before end 2015.
Slovenia: population 2.1 million
Slovenia’s public broadcaster, RTV Slovenia’s DAB trial completed Nov 2013. The trial covered the capital city of
Ljubljana and central Slovenia and coverage was 22.5%.
AKOS; Agency for Communication Networks and Services of the Republic of Slovenia have published a public tender for
the first national DAB+ network in Slovenia. The deadline for submitting tenders is 14.09.2015 until 14:00.
Spain: population 47.3 million
A total of 18 regular DAB services and one DAB+ test service are on air. Population coverage is currently 20%.
Spanish Broadcaster Radio Maria started DAB+ test transmissions in Madrid and Barcelona in December 2014.
Sweden: population 9.6 million
On 2 October 2014 the Swedish Broadcasting Authority awarded 21 national and 4 local / regional commercial radio
licences for DAB+. Licences are valid until September 2022 and broadcasting is to begin no later than October 2015.
In June 2015, the Ministry of Culture decided not to proceed with DAB+ for Swedish Radio at this time. The response of
the broadcasters (public and private) has been surprise and disappointment. Next steps are yet to be confirmed.
Sales of digital radios in Q2 2015 were up 19% year on year (source: GfK) while sales of FM-only devices decrease
continuously year on year.
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Asia Pacific and Rest of World -
listed in alphabetical order by stage of development (Established, New, Markets on the
move and Potential)
Established markets
Australia: population 23.1 million
Current position
Launched 2009 – with services in five major cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide (65% of
population, 94% of roads in the five metropolitan cities with DAB+ have coverage).
DAB+ receiver penetration: 23.6% of households in the five cities. 300+ different DAB+ devices on sale. 277k vehicles
with DAB+ have been sold. (Glass's Automotive Business Intelligence June 2015). Over 2.2 million devices with DAB+
have been sold including line fit automotive sales.
DAB+ listening: nearly 25% of total listening
Automotive line-fit as standard in 22% of new cars. 27 Vehicle Manufacturers now include DAB+. Vehicle
Manufacturers are promoting DAB+ in marketing collateral and publicity as a selling tool. New vehicle aftermarket
products are available starting from 119 Australian Dollars.
Published a guide to launching a DAB+ trial.
Prospects
Twelve on channel repeaters to address coverage gaps, continue to be rolled out across the five mainland capital cities
which currently have a single high powered transmission (to address coverage gaps).
Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) and the public broadcasters are working with the Federal Government on a timetable
for regional roll out.
CRA has developed a “best practice” automotive document which addresses some of the implementation/User
Interface issues that have been evident in some of the earlier models.
Hong Kong: population 7.2 million
Regular DAB+ services launched in August 2011. Population coverage is currently 82.8% with the inauguration of a new
gap-filler station in November 2014. Another gap-filler station will be put into use in August 2015 taking the coverage
up to 84.1% of the population. More than 350,000 devices have been sold.
There is one regular national multiplex with a total 17 DAB+ audio services on air, four of which are simulcast and 13
exclusive services.
Potential markets
Brunei: population 0.4 million
In 2007 RTB (Radio Television Brunei, the public and main broadcaster) began a DAB trial, originally to last for five years
to include simulcast services. Two RTB stations currently broadcast on DAB in Brunei.
A task force has been set up within RTB, which is working closely with AITI (Authority for Info-communications
Technology Industry of Brunei) on the plans for a commercial launch.
China: population 1.3 billion
DAB is on air in two cities (Beijing and Guangdong in Band III). Population coverage is 3%. Coverage in Beijing is 20
million people and in Guangdong tbc.
Beijing: 17 radio services (13 of which are simulcast), four video services, and one Push Radio service, two other data
services by Beijing Jolon (commercial broadcaster) on Band III. Beijing Communication Radio is broadcasting traffic
information on DAB via TPEG.
Chinese Taipei: population 23.3 million
Digital radio services have been launched in Chinese Taipei. A DAB single frequency network (SFN) trial is operated by
SuperFM (the commercial broadcaster) and covers major cities including Taipei and New Taipei. Coverage is currently at
about 21% of the population or about 5 million people. 4 DAB simulcast and 1 DMB simulcast services are on air.
Indonesia: population 249.9 million
A decree issued by Ministry of Communication and Informatics Republic of Indonesia (MCIT) states that Indonesia will
use DAB+ as its official digital platform on Band III.
Since August 2013, a DAB+ trial undertaken by the Ministry of Communication and Informatics (MCIT), public
broadcaster RRI and the radio broadcasters association has been on air in Jakarta. This trial is to help prepare
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regulation for digital radio broadcasting (e.g. frequency planning) and broadcasting business models. The first stage of
the trial is in Jakarta only – with future plans for RRI to develop its coverage and number of programmes.
In 2015, RRI and MCIT will launch DAB+ services from two RRI radio stations, one in Entikong, a small city of
Kalimantan / Borneo, and the other in Batam City, an island close to border of Singapore. These services are in line
with Presidential policy to serve Indonesian citizens in border areas and remote areas. The content will be local,
regional and national programmes.
Kuwait: population 3.4 million
Following a DAB trial that has been on-going in Kuwait City since March 2007 by the public broadcaster Kuwait Radio,
preparations are now under way for the second phase of the trial. A decision regarding commercial roll out is expected
once all the trials have been completed. Population coverage is currently 90%.
Malaysia: population 29.7 million
A trial local multiplex is on air in Kuala Lumpur broadcasting 12 DAB+ simulcast services (7 from RTM and 5 from
commercial stations).
New Zealand: population 4.5 million
One trial local multiplex is on air and covers Auckland and central Wellington. Population coverage is 22% and content
is currently broadcast in a mixture of DAB and DAB+ formats.
South Africa: population 52.9 million
DAB was adopted as a South African standard by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in 2005.
Telecommunications & Postal Services Republic of South Africa published a 'National Integrated ICT Policy Review
Report' in March 2015. In the report the panel recommends that:
o
The ICASA decision not to make a determination on the switch off of AM and/or FM signals be endorsed, and
that the licensing of DRM and DAB services must be facilitated in parallel.
o
Government, together with other stakeholders, must in the meantime focus on trialling technologies,
developing a licensing framework, setting aside spectrum, encouraging take-up of receivers (in motor vehicles
and in houses) and actively promoting awareness of the technology.
o
ICASA must establish a standard stipulating that all imported devices should have digital radio receivers.
A licence for a high powered DAB+ trial has been granted to the SABC by the regulator ICASA. The trial which will run
for a period of 12 months commenced on the 3rd November 2014 and Sentech is the signal distributor. The licence
was applied for by the SADIBA/NAB Digital Radio DAB+ Trial Working Group. 21.5% of the population will be covered
by 18 radio channels allowing 40 radio services from the public, commercial and community sectors to participate.
The Joint SADIBA/NAB Digital Radio DAB+ trial Working Group is currently meeting on a regular basis with members
from the automobile manufactures to encourage their participation by providing a number of vehicles fitted with OEM
DAB+ receivers.
South Korea: population 51.4 million
To examine the digital radio technology appropriate to Korea, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
(ETRI), under the baton of the government, performed a field test of some major digital radio technologies DAB, DAB+,
HD-Radio, and DRM+ for two years from 2009 to 2010.
As of now, ETRI is developing a revised DAB+ technology in which the USAC audio codec is applied.
Taking the field test results and some other factors including the above into consideration, the digital radio committee
which consists of the government, broadcasters, receiver manufactures, research institutes and universities has been
discussing and debating the appropriate digital radio standard for Korea, led by the government.
Thailand: population 67.0 million
Thailand is currently developing policy. The Thai regulator, NBTC, is working on the technical aspects to determine how
many licences would be made as well as how to launch the multiplexes. Thailand is studying the feasibility of frequency
Band III for Thailand’s digital radio. The number of digital radio licences should be enough to cover the existing radio
broadcasters.
NBTC has consulted with automotive and OEMS manufacturing vehicles in Thailand to equip digital radio receivers in
automobiles sold in Thailand, radio receiver manufacturers for sourcing digital radio receivers. Most of them are ready
to support trial/launching on digital radio broadcasting services once NBTC announces roadmap development plan.
In 2014, NBTC signed an MOU on a digital radio trial with eight major broadcasters (Royal Thai Armed Forces, Royal
Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Air Force, Royal Thai Police, Public Relations Department, The Secretariat of The
House of Representatives and MCOT) to conduct a year-long trial of DAB+ digital radio services in Thailand.
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NBTC, together with ITU jointly organized the workshop ‘NBTC/ITU Workshop on Roadmap for Introduction of Digital
Terrestrial Radio Services in Thailand’ in December 2014, to introduce digital radio technologies, services and a
roadmap to all stakeholders.
Tunisia: population 10.9 million
The National Office of Broadcasting (ONT) invested in a pilot DAB trial from 2008 - 2010. The trial covered the areas of
Greater Tunis, the good Cap and areas close to the governorate of Bizerte.
In March of 2013 the Arab States Broadcasting Union held a DAB+ digital radio workshop in Tunis supported by Italian
Public Broadcaster RAI. Following this workshop and with the help of RAI, ONT set up a DAB+ trial using a 500W
transmitter from an Italian manufacturer. The ONT DAB trial is still in operation but is no longer supported by RAI.
The parameters of the current DAB+ trial are as follows:
o
DAB allotments have been assigned in Channels 10 and 12
o
68dbmikroV/m field strength chosen for portable indoor reception
United Arab Emirates: population 9.4 million
4 DAB+ channels are being broadcast across Abu Dhabi as part of trials GatesAir is running with Abu Dhabi Media. The
trial period will be 90 days to start then it is expected to be extended.
Two Broadcasting Operators of the United Arab Emirates, Arabian Radio Network Dubai and UAE Radio & TV Ajman
successfully completed test / trials for T-DAB+ technology in cities of Dubai and Ajman during March 2014 - February
2015. The main purpose was to test the technology for coverage and reception quality. The trial results are very
promising. The Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) UAE in consultation with all the stakeholders is currently working
to prepare a roadmap for introduction of commercial digital radio services in the country in future.
Vietnam: population 89.7 million
Public broadcaster, Voice of Vietnam trialled DAB+ in Jul 2013. The roadmap for digital broadcasting radio and TV 2020
was granted by the Prime Minister in 2009. Currently VOV is working on a comprehensive project on improving
national digital radio transmission until 2020 and anticipates that the roadmap for radio will come after that of
television which will be completed on 2025. Currently no services are on air.
About WorldDAB
WorldDAB is the global industry forum for DAB digital radio, facilitating dialogue on all aspects of the implementation of
broadcast digital radio based on the DAB / DAB+ standards, from planning and technology right through to consumer
marketing, and everything in between. WorldDAB has over 87 members from 27 countries from across all sectors of
the industry - regulators, public and private broadcasters, network planners, receiver, chip, car and professional
equipment manufacturers and national rollout bodies.
About DAB+ digital radio
There is growing momentum towards the rollout of DAB/DAB+ digital radio across Europe, Asia Pacific, Arab States and
South Africa. Over 30 million domestic and automotive DAB/DAB+ receivers have now been sold – with annual sales
almost doubling in the last four years. Digital radio has reached a tipping point in Europe with well over 90% network
coverage now available in the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany, and 65% in Italy. The
first countries have confirmed Digital Switchover dates and political commitment towards digital radio is building in
many other markets. DAB+ digital radio offers significant benefits to broadcasters and listeners. The technology is tried
and tested. Now is the time to embrace the opportunity.
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