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DAB switchover could happen in 2017
DRWG pushes digital radio adoption
19 December 2008 17:02 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott
The UK could be forced to switchover to DAB radio within 10 years if plans from a government-backed group get the go ahead.
The Digital Radio Working Group (the DRWG) says that by 2015, less than half of all radio listening could be via traditional FM or AM sets.
If DAB broadcasts reach enough of the UK by 2017, a switch to digital would be possible. Possible maybe, but potentially not popular as DAB still comes in for criticism for sound quality and is arguably not a commercial success with station closures, and recently, station launch plans ditched.
The group suggests we need more DAB radios in cars, and cheaper, possibly duty-free, DAB products in order to speed adoption.
DRWG chairman Barry Cox said: "We have always believed in the future of digital radio and now urge the industry, along with Government and Ofcom to address the barriers to successful migration, so people can access even more choice and functionality in the future".
"Most importantly we need to see overall coverage for DAB improve, along with more focus to get motorists to adopt DAB so that it can be a real alternative to FM services".
Previous plans from the DRWG put the date for the switchover as possibly completed by the year 2020, as long as the British public were given at least two year's notice before the change begins.
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