Digital radio expansion across Australia

The expansion of digital radio services will take place across Australia, reaching all capital cities.

Current trial services in Canberra and Darwin will be made permanent, with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) completing regulatory arrangements for availability in Hobart.

Details of the timing of the start of permanent digital radio services will be determined once the broadcasters have finalised the arrangements to deploy their new digital radio infrastructure.

“Finalising digital radio channel plans is an important step in completing the capital city rollout of digital radio,” said acting ACMA Chairman Richard Bean.

“The plans make frequencies available to broadcasters wishing to provide ongoing digital radio services in Canberra, Darwin and Hobart. The ACMA will now commence discussions with the broadcasters about starting the transmitter licence allocation process.”

The government has also asked the ACMA to facilitate the rollout of digital radio in regional areas where licensees make the commercial decision that they wish to offer the service. As a result the ACMA is working with industry to identify which regional markets wish to commence services and prioritise planning accordingly.

“The completion of the capital city rollout is just the beginning. The commercial radio industry has indicated there are many regional radio broadcasters keen to offer digital radio services, so for Australians living in regional areas, stay tuned,” said Bean.

Digital radio services, using DAB+ technology in VHF Band III spectrum, have been running on a permanent basis in the metropolitan areas of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney since July 2009.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/sergmam

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook