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DAB+, which is set to replace FM across Belgium in coming years, requires less bandwidth to operate, offers an improved sound quality, and generates less electromagnetic radiation.

A new directive adopted by the EU will require car manufacturers to implement DAB+ in all new car models sold in Europe as of 2021. A two-year transition period ending in December 2020 is set to follow, at which point DAB+ radio will become a mandatory measure for all new cars sold across the EU member states.

Speaking at the WorldDAB General Assembly in Berlin, WorldDAB president Patrick Hannon highlighted that the future of radio is undoubtedly digital and multiplatform, with DAB at the heart of it. DAB+ radio is becoming increasingly popular across the globe - in Australia, it has reached 65% of coverage. In Belgium, both French and Flemish governments have now launched DAB+, while in Italy, all receivers sold as of 2020 will be required to include DAB+. Finally, Switzerland is expected to complete the DSO between 2020 and 2024.

According to the latest figures from the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS), people in the Netherlands are increasingly interested in DAB+ radio, as about 13% of Dutch people currently own a radio with DAB + capabilities. In 2016, only 6% of Dutch people had a radio set with DAB + while this number rose to 11% in 2017.

The new regulation, which will require all new cars built and sold in the EU to be equipped with digital radio receivers, is expected to be implemented by EU member countries in 2019.

The project will bring together radio broadcasters, retailers and manufacturers to communicate the benefits of digital radio. Digital radio listening is becoming increasingly popular in Northern Ireland, with half of all adults now having access to a DAB digital radio at home.

The European Parliament this week adopted a new communications directive requiring all new cars sold in the EU to be equipped with digital radio receivers. The decision, which is driven by an industry trend away from the prevailing FM standard toward digital radio, is expected to be formally embraced in early 2019. DAB+, the most common standard for digital radio, can be transmitted more cost effectively than FM signals and is seen as more reliable than internet radio in the car.

The purpose of the tests is to ensure that the required technical structure is in place to enable the seamless migration to DAB+ for all Belgian radio stations.There are currently 16 radio stations available in DAB + in Wallonia and Brussels, but this number is expected to rise to around 30 in the next year.

Following the launch of DAB+ in French-speaking Belgium earlier this week, experts have their say on the numerous advantages presented by the technology, including the availability of more stations, an improved listening experience and more broadcasting space for broadcasters and advertisers alike.

The European Parliament this week adopted a new communications directive requiring all new cars sold in the EU to be equipped with digital radio receivers. The decision, which is driven by an industry trend away from the prevailing FM standard toward digital radio, is expected to be formally embraced in early 2019. DAB+, the most common standard for digital radio, can be transmitted more cost effectively than FM signals and is seen as more reliable than internet radio in the car.