News

Frontier Smart Technologies, a world-leading provider of consumer Digital Radio technology, reveals that it has shipped over 50 million DAB and Smart Radio chips.The UK company offers a complete range of digital radio solutions – from low cost DAB chips and modules, through to automotive aftermarket software and its newest Smart Radio solution which combines DAB radio, FM radio, internet radio, on-demand music services and podcasts in a single solution.

A number of new DAB+ radio stations are launching in Sweden as the development of digital radio in the Nordic countries continues. Swedish Radio operates a multiplex covering 42% of the population in the capital of Stockholm as well as in Södertälje, Uppsala, Gothenburg, Malmö and Luleå. Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT) also has a multiplex in operation covering Stockholm, Uppsala, Gävle. This multiplex will be expanded in to Gothenburg and Malmö this year, at which point it will cover 43% of the population.

Poland is rapidly expanding DAB+ services across the country - in May 2019, the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) and Polish Electronic Communications Authority (UKE) announced the launch a call for tenders for seven regions across the country. A second call for tenders, expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2019, will also cover another eight sites. Polski Radio is also expected to increase its number of transmitters to 39 from 24, and help bring DAB+ to over 5 million people in Poland.

The Baden-Württemberg Communications Institute has submitted an application to initiate the procedure for the extension of the regional multiplex license in the southwestern state. The current license, which is due to end on 30 November 2020, is expected to be extended to 2026. Small-scale DAB+ trials are also set to take place in 2020 and beyond.

According to the general manager of Deutschlandradio Stefan Raue, the high costs and lengthy procedures associated with the development of 5G networks means the technology is not a viable solution for radio, and certainly not a viable alternative for DAB+. which is cost-effective, offers a high-quality listening experience, and is accessible to listeners free of charge.

The sixth edition of the Dutch national digital radio week is under way. Several marketing campaigns, radio giveaways and other initiatives are taking place this week to promote DAB+ digital radio.

Ofcom is proposing to make all small-scale radio multiplexes offer DAB+ services only. The regulator wants to amend the Digital Radio Technical Code to include the condition so that no original format DAB is allowed.

Hundreds of new local digital radio stations could start broadcasting in the UK from 2020, under proposals outlined by broadcast regulator Ofcom. Following successful trials, the regulator is now consulting on how it would implement Government legislation to create a framework for the licensing of small-scale DAB radio on a permanent basis. It would like to hear from interested parties by October 4th and intends to start advertising licences early in 2020.

The rapid rollout of DAB+ in France continues as regular DAB+ services have launched in Nantes. 41 DAB+ stations are now available to listeners in Nantes and the wider region of Pays de la Loire in the west of the country.

The Italian Communications regulator, Agcom, has approved a revision scheme for digital radio regulations in Italy. According to the revisions, which are subject to approval, private (DAB Italia/ EuroDAB) and public (RAI) network operators will be obliged to allocate part of their transmission capacities to independent broadcasters.