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Global Broadcasting Update DAB / DAB+/ DMB September 2010 Contents Message from the Chairman 2 Introduction 3 Coverage Maps 5 Countries Information 7 Other countries using DAB, DAB+ and DMB 29 Potential building blocks for legislators and regulators 35 Product Overview 37 1 Message from the Chairman The world of digital radio broadcasting is evolving. Digital radio has always offered the listener increased choice; now it also provides interactivity, data, images and exciting multimedia content. The Eureka 147 family of standards, DAB, DAB+ and DMB, is the only truly multimedia digital broadcasting standard to deliver both digital radio and mobile TV. In many parts of the world where the availability of spectrum is an issue, Eureka 147 technology solves the problem by providing a wealth of content on just one frequency. This has made it a popular choice of technology in Europe, South East Asia and Australasia. Governments, regulators, broadcasters and manufacturers understand that today's listener is looking for more than just the classic radio experience and DAB and DAB+ are able to deliver this. Each market is different with specific needs, but Eureka 147 is adaptable and can support this diversity. Some countries, such as the UK, Denmark and Norway use DAB. Australia and Malta have successfully launched DAB+. The French have opted for DMB Audio. Other countries, like Switzerland, have a combination of DAB and DAB+ services on air. And yet other countries have left the choice of DAB, DAB+ or DMB open to broadcasters. This diversity is supported by the availability of a wide selection of products around the world including basic radios, high end audio systems, in-car devices, mobile phones, PMPs and much more. Multi-standard chips are being developed that will allow devices to work anywhere, irrespective of whether a broadcast is in DAB, DAB+ or DMB. This is especially important for areas like Europe with its highly transient population and large radio markets. WorldDMB has been working closely with European broadcasters and manufacturing groups to make certain that multi-standard receivers are available across Europe, thus ensuring economies of scale in evolving sectors such as the car market. New applications such as data services, the use of WiFi and bluetooth, slideshow and interactivity all present the industry with opportunities to deepen the listener/station connection, grow brand loyalty and increase revenue. This Global Update gives the latest information on DAB, DAB+ and DMB from around the world. It shows which countries currently have commercial digital radio and mobile TV services in operation and gives information on markets which are currently testing or trialling the standard with a view to rolling out. Within this analysis there is information on regulation, services on-air, population coverage, receiver penetration, devices currently available and other general information. This Update is accessible to decision makers and the digital radio industry and gives a clear overview of the success of DAB/DAB+ digital radio and DMB mobile TV. The information contained in this document can be found on the WorldDMB website which is updated on a regular basis. Further information on standards, industry news, events and details on membership of WorldDMB can also be found on the website www.worlddmb.org Chairman of the Regulatory Spectrum Committee 2 Introduction What is WorldDMB? The WorldDMB Forum is responsible for defining the standards of the Eureka-147 family which includes DAB and DAB+ for digital radio and DMB for radio and mobile TV. Based in Geneva and headquartered in London, WorldDMB aims to promote the awareness, adoption and implementation of the Eureka 147 family of standards around the world. Working with sound and data broadcasters, network providers, manufacturers, governments and official bodies, WorldDMB encourages international co-operation and a smooth, coordinated roll-out of services. WorldDMB is funded by members from over 80 companies and organisations around the world which have a stake in seeing digital radio grow to an international mass market medium. They include public and private broadcasters, receiver and electronic equipment manufacturers, car manufacturers, data providers, transmission providers, regulators and government bodies. Why radio needs to be digital The world of broadcasting is very different today than it was just ten years ago. Digital television, digital phones and digital radio bring more diversity and communication power than ever before in human history. In the age of Twitter, social networking, Internet radio, YouTube, iPhone and mobile applications, radio needs to stay relevant. Digital radio can greatly improve the listener's experience, at the same time delivering added revenue streams, brand extension and station loyalty to the broadcasters. What are the Eureka 147 standards? WorldDMB and its members work together to ensure its family of standards, including DAB, DAB+ and DMB, remain at the sharp edge of digital audio broadcasting, shaping the future of digital radio and mobile TV around the world. DAB: When DAB was first developed it was based on MPEG Audio Layer II coding, which was then state of the art and remains a widely used coding technology in radio today. The original DAB standard is used in the UK, the world's biggest digital radio market. DAB+: The digital world is fluid, ever changing, always pushing the boundaries of what it can achieve, and this very flexibility presents its own challenges. Following MPEG-2 came MPEG-3 and MPEG-4 (AAC). Rising to the challenge, DAB+ was developed. An advanced version of DAB, DAB+ allows for even more efficiency at lower bitrates lower per-station transmission costs and offer listeners an even greater choice of services. New receivers, which include both types of audio codecs, will work in any country. DAB+ is the technology of choice for many countries newly entering the world of digital radio. DAB+ is used in Australia, Singapore and Malta, and many other countries are making the transition from DAB to DAB+ services. DMB: Another important innovation is the addition of video/multimedia capabilities to allow DAB to become a digital mobile television platform as well as a multimedia digital radio platform. While handheld devices are proving to be an attractive market for mobile telecom operators, the cost of using 3G networks to deliver video streaming to mobiles is prohibitive. A broadcast technology is far more cost effectrive and DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) fulfils this advancement. The range of products receiving video and multimedia services via DMB such as mobile phones, PC, in-car, PDA-like devices is now well over 150 with many manufacturers producing cutting-edge designs at affordable prices. DMB is the technology of choice in France, and trials are currently running in many other countries across Europe. All three technologies, DAB, DAB+ and DMB, can be used alongside each other on the same multiplex, using the same infrastructure, resulting in a wide range of possible multiplex scenarios. 3 Where is the technology broadcasting More than half a billion people around the world can receive DAB services from over 1,000 radio stations. Regular services using one or more of the Eureka 147 standards are available across Europe, the Far East and Australia. Trials continue in countries as diverse as Israel, South Africa, Ghana, Lithuania, Kuwait and Sweden. Every year, more and more countries are bringing listeners the added choice, clarity and data services digital radio provides. Common Regulation: The digitalisation of radio and multimedia services continues to progress rapidly across the world. Over 500 million people can now receive more than 1,000 DAB based multimedia services and these numbers are increasing rapidly as more licences are awarded and more countries adopt the Eureka 147 Family of Standards. Outside Europe, the key areas of development are seen in China, Korea and the majority of the Asia Pacific Region, including Australia. New media tends to progress rapidly while governments traditionally move more slowly. This means that in many cases regulation has not yet caught up with the technology. Thus, where DAB based services have been introduced, existing radio broadcasting legislation and regulation has been generally applied whilst further consideration is given to what regulation will best allow these services to achieve their full potential. It is impossible and potentially dangerous to attempt to impose common regulation, or to suggest that one country's regulatory regime would work in any other. However, it does make sense that within any collection of separate regulatory regimes there should be some common threads. This publication attempts to identify those common threads, and to illustrate the "best practice" experiences of countries with an established DAB based network. We will also look at how countries without specific DAB based legislation can still roll out services. And, finally, we look at countries taking their first steps into DAB Digital Radio and DMB Multimedia broadcasting. The Regional Radio Conference in Geneva in 2006 paved the way for the structured development of terrestrial broadcasting towards an all-digital future. Frequency plans that allow full exploitation of the benefits of digital transmission were established for T-DAB and DVB-T in Band III and DVB-T in Bands IV and V with a transition period from 2006 to 2015. The digital dividend is currently influencing countries thoughts on the future use of spectrum. The Geneva 2006 (GE06) conference specified that each country should establish the scale of its own digital dividend. The digital dividend is; the spectrum made available over and above that required to accommodate the existing analogue television services in a digital form, in VHF (Band III: 174-230 MHz) and UHF bands (bands IV and V: 470-862 MHz). The 'Envelope' concept, identified and evolved during GE06, has been widely accepted and facilitates the introduction and harmonisation of alternative technologies without destabilising the GE06 agreement and frequency plans adopted by all countries in the area covered by European Conference for Postal & Telecommunications (CEPT). The European Commission has mandated the CEPT find the best way to explore the digital dividend. Among other things, the task is to try to find a harmonised frequency in the UHF band for Europe. 4 Countries with DAB and DAB+ DAB Launched and DAB Launched and DAB Launched DAB+ Launched DAB+ Trial DAB+ Launched DAB Trial and DAB Trial DAB+ Trial DMB Audio DAB+ Trial 5 Countries with DMB DMB Launched DMB Trial 6 Australia Population: 20.6 million Coverage: 60% Current situation A year after launching DAB+ services in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, Commercial Radio Australia reported more than half-a-million people listening to digital radio in an average week and three times the predicted number of digital radio sets in the market at nearly 150,000. Each market boasts up to 20 new, digital only stations on air. The Australian Government passed legislation on 10th May 2007 to enable the launch of digital radio in Australia. The legislation enables incumbent commercial, national and wide-coverage community radio broadcasters to provide digital radio services on DAB+. While the Australian radio industry has implemented digital radio using the DAB+ standard, this may be supplemented by the use of DRM in rural and regional areas in the future. The Australian commercial radio industry has pledged to invest up to $400 million over the coming years to roll out digital radio across the country. To date, broadcasters have invested more than $50 million dollars on the DAB+ infrastructure and in excess of $24m in on air promotion. Australia is also working with other Asia Pacific countries to encourage the take up of DAB+. Coverage Australia's DAB+ broadcasts currently cover its major state capital cities with all commercial and national public radio stations and their associated multi-channels in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on air. Coverage is currently at 60% of the population, or around 12 million people. A DAB+ trial is underway in Canberra where 10 stations are on air. A trial in Darwin launched in August 2010. Planning is based on achieving robust indoor coverage using VHF Band III spectrum. Services on Air In this country there are 9 Regular and 6 Trial Regional multiplexes Simulcast Exclusive Total on air. DAB 2 14 16 CRA reports 65 stations broadcasting on DAB+ in Australia, with 16 DAB+ 3 2 5 being DAB+ only. There are currently 14 regional multiplexes and two trial muxes on air broadcasting nearly 170 services between Total 5 16 21 them, with each multiplex delivering up to 15 services. Some stations in Australia are using slideshow and EPG, and all deliver dynamic scrolling text. Receiver Market A wide range of DAB+ radios is available in Australia. In 2010 there are approximately 60 models in the market from 20 different manufacturers. The latest DAB+ radios include a large colour screen, EPG, Slideshow and interactivity via an internet connection. Details of Trials The first DAB+ trials started in Australia on 1st July 2007. Prior to this, Australian broadcasters had conducted DAB trials in Sydney on L-band since 1998 and on VHF Band III since 2003. A single high-powered Band III transmission, and two L-band cells to the west and north of Sydney, provided around 80% population coverage. Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney have already launched commercial services. Trials are currently underway in Canberra and Darwin. There have, in the past, also been DMB trials in Australia but at the present time there is no clear view on where the mobile TV market will go. Regulation The Australian Communications and Media Authority is the regulatory and licensing authority. There are currently no regulations on coverage requirements, but there is a quota for Australian music and video services are prohibited. Other key points of the digital radio legislation in Australia are that there is no cost for the spectrum for incumbent commercial broadcasters and no new entrants are allowed for six years from the start date. First right of refusal is given to commercial radio broadcaster consortiums to operate multiplexes. There is an entitlement to a minimum of 128kbit/s (1/9 multiplex) and a maximum of 256kbit/s (1/5 multiplex).The legislation covering digital radio requires 7 a review by 2011 to consider issues such as the availability and price of receivers, the coverage characteristics of various digital radio technologies and whether any adjustment to the regulatory framework is necessary, including the specification of subsequent start dates for digital radio in further markets. The Government has indicated that it will reserve spectrum for digital radio regionally after analogue television switch-off by 2013. Further information http://digitalradioplus.com.au http://www.abc.net.au/radio/digital http://www.digitalradioaustralia.com.au Belgium Population: 10.5 million Coverage: 100% Current situation De Vlaamse Radio - en Televisieomroep (VRT), the public broadcaster in the Flemish community, introduced DAB in Belgium in 1997. VRT has one multiplex in operation with nine audio programmes (five simulcast and four DAB only). RTBF, the public broadcaster for the French community, also has a multiplex in operation with six audio programmes (all simulcasts). The promotion undertaken by VRT and its development of DAB-only programmes, is helping to increase DAB household penetration. A major increase is expected when commercial DAB stations start broadcasting. There is space reserved on the RTBF multiplex for commercial broadcasters. In Flanders where there are more programmes they plan to launch a new multiplex. DAB is on-air but no information is available on numbers of receivers sold. Coverage Both in the Flemish and the French region, DAB coverage reaches 100% of the population. Also, all motorways and main roads are covered. Services on Air In this country there are 1 Regular and 1 Trial Regional multiplexes on air. - Flemish-speaking part of the country: nine audio programmes (four of which DAB only) by the public broadcaster VRT - French-speaking part of the country: six audio programmes (simulcast) by the public broadcaster RTBF Simulcast Exclusive Total DAB 11 4 15 Receiver Market The availability of DAB receivers in Belgium continues to grow with a range of devices now on the market, including kitchen radios, handheld and tuners. As more DAB services launch, with marketing campaigns to support them, sales are expected to grow significantly. Regulation Broadcasting legislation in Belgium differs between the Flemish, French and German speaking communities. Licences will be granted to programme providers only in the French community, licences in the Flemish community will, most likely, be granted to the multiplex operator and may have restrictions. Simulcasting is permitted within both French and Flemish communities and there are no specific rules or conditions governing this. There is also no legislation governing advertising, sponsorship and marketing on DAB digital radio broadcasting. No information is available on plans for FM switch off or over at the present time. Further information http://www.dab.be http://www.digitaleradio.be 8 Canada Population: 33.2 million Coverage: 30% Current situation DAB services have been on air in Canada's major cities - Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ontario and Ottawa for around 10 years with coverage reaching about 35% of the population. While the rest of the world has embraced DAB or DAB+ using Band III, Canada's digital output is restricted to L-Band. This has resulted in a lack of receivers in the market, high prices and slow consumer uptake. Combined with the fact that the US, Canada's powerful neighbour to the south, has opted for a different system of broadcast, this has led to a complete re-think by the regulator, CRTC, and broadcasters on the future direction of digital broadcasting in Canada. The situation is complicated by the need for spectrum, currently occupied by dormant DAB transmitters, for new digital TV and broadband roll out. The CRTC has discarded its 1996 plan for DAB replacement of all AM and FM radio. Instead it proposes keeping these stations on analogue and using L-Band for new digital multi-media services. However, stakeholders are considering how L-Band is used in other countries before deciding how to reallocate the spectrum. As a result, while exisitng DAB multipexes are slowly being dismantled, there is no firm plan for replacing them and delivering digital radio services to Canada's population of 32 million potential listeners. Canada's broadcasters are expected to lobby for a portion of the L-Band spectrum to be retained for broadcasting services. Coverage DAB stations operating in the five main cities Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Ottawa have provided services to some 11 million potential listeners or more than 35% of the population. In the short term, these numbers will reduce as multiplexes are closed and L-Band spectrum is reallocated. Once there is a settled digital broadcasting landscape in Canada, it is expected that some of the spectrum will be used for a revised digital radio system, possibly using DAB+. Services on Air In this country there are 4 Regular and 12 Trial Regional multiplexes Simulcast Exclusive Total on air. DAB 45 53 98 There are currently a total of 73 licensed Digital Audio Broadcast Data 0 3 3 DAB stations in Canada. Total 45 56 101 - 15 stations in Ottawa (11 commercial and 4 public) - 25 in Toronto (21 commercial and 4 public) - 15 in Vancouver (11 commercial and 4 public) - 12 in Montreal (8 commercial and 4 public) - 6 in Windsor (2 commercial and 4 public) Details of Trials Radio-Canada (CBC) and Communications Research Centre Canada have been carrying out demonstrations of DMB in Montreal, Toronto and in Ottawa to raise the awareness of these DAB-based technologies among broadcasters, regulators and Telecom (Mobile) industry. Also, there are seven DAB stations (four commercial and three public) field-testing in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A service was also on-air in Windsor in 2000 however this has now ceased. Regulation In its 1995 transitional policy, the CRTC allowed a maximum of five programmes per multiplex, which prevented broadcasters from offering an attractive choice of programmes on DAB. In 2006 in response to requests from broadcasters the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) agreed to change Canada's 1995 transitional policy to allow more freedom to provide DAB only programmes to attract more consumer interest (i.e. more services per multiplex, use of L-Band, multimedia, subscription). There is no news on the future of regulation in this market. Further information http://www.digitalradio.ca 9 China Population: 1.32 billion Coverage: 8% Current situation The Chinese regulator, SARFT, chose DAB for the industrial standard in May 2006. DMB/DAB is now on air in 11 cities across the country. After the Guangzhou launch of commercial services in 2007, the Ministry of Industry and Information (MII) decided to issue licences for DMB in mobile phones. Beijing Jolon, the main public broadcaster in Beijing, was a key industrial driver for the quick roll out of DAB/DMB in China as it prepared for broadcasting the Olympic Games. DMB/DAB was successfully broadcast during the Games (pictured). Photo of Mavis Ma, University of Hong Coverage Coverage is currently available in the following provinces: Guangzhou, Beijing (approximate coverage: 12 million people), Shanghai (expected coverage: 15 million people), Dalian (expected coverage: 5.4 million people), Henan, Hangzhou, Shengyang, Jiangsu, Shenzhen, Changsha and Kunming. Services on Air - Beijing: 20 radio services (16 of which are simulcast), four video services, two data services by Beijing Jolon (commercial broadcaster) on Band III. - Dalian: Dalian Tiantu Cable Television Network received a licence for digital radio and mobile TV via DAB/DMB and plans to launch four radio services and one video service Receiver Market There are various retailers in Beijing, Shanghai & Guangzhou. Lenevo was the first Chinese manufacturer to develop a DMB mobile phone for the Chinese market (Lenovo ET980T). Products are also now available from Aigo, Longcheer, BBEF and SIM. DMB devices are also now available in Beijing for affordable prices, around RMB2500 (250 Euro). To date over 80,000 such devices have been sold in Beijing alone. Details of Trials Guangdong Province has had an ongoing Band III trial in the Pearl River Delta area, broadcasting eight video and four radio services. Commercial services are currently available from the Guangdong Mobile TV Media. Shanghai has had L-band trials of DAB based services with four video, four radio and three data services since 2005. Trials of DAB/DMB based services are expected to begin shortly in other locations across China. One key driver for DAB/DMB rollout was the deadline of the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Regulation China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) manage licences and standards in China. It was recently announced by SARFT that no trials of digital broadcasting were permitted without a licence. Currently, Eureka 147 based services are the only European digital broadcasting technology that has been granted licences in China. In 2007 four operators were granted trial licences and, following recent SARFT approval, there are likely to be more DAB and mobile TV licences in the near future. Further information http://www.abs.ac.cn/en Czech Republic Population: 10.3 million Coverage: 50% Current situation The public broadcaster, Czech Radio and the TELEKO Company have run regular trials of DAB and DAB+ transmissions in cities such as Prague, Pribram, Plzen and Brno. The infrastructure is therefore in place to reach around 50% of the population when full roll out occurs. The Czech Republic faces a similar issue as some other countries in that the ideal spectrum in Band III is currently 10 used by terrestrial television. As a result, in 2009 the government advertised L-band frequencies but, ultimately, no licences ere awarded. It is likely that digital radio broadcasts in the Czech Republic will use DAB+ in both L band and Band III. Coverage Infrastructure is in place to provide coverage across the main cities within the Czech Republic. Trial services have cover over half of the population in the past. Details of Trials In August 2007 a trial was launch by the TELEKO Company in co-operation with the public broadcaster Zesky Rozhlas with three DAB programmes and two programmes in DAB+. This trial used both Band III and L-Band and covered almost 130,000 people. A further trial began in June 2008, again as a joint project between the TELEKO Company in cooperation with the public broadcaster Czech Radio. A 2.5Kw transmitter provided coverage of the capital city, Prague, to a population of around 1.3 million. The goal of this non-commercial trial was the promotion of digital radio to the Czech public and Government administrators. In early 2009 a further trial was launched in the second largest city Bruno covering approximately 0.5 million people. Further trials have also been held in other cities around the Czech Republic In the past there have been DMB trials in the Czech Republic, however, the industry is waiting for the government to make regulatory decisions on mobile TV in the country as there are issues with lack of spectrum. Regulation In April 2006 the Czech Parliament adopted a version of the media law focused on digital broadcasting. The Telecommunications Office has also declared that their office will be technology neutral with regard to the DAB audio codec (DAB or DAB+). In November 2009 the Czech Telecommunication Office started the DAB+/DMB tender process for digital radio and mobile TV within the Czech Republic. The network operators are waiting to for the licensing process for L-band regional broadcasting around the country to be completed. Further information http://www.ctu.cz http://www.radio.cz/en http://www.tdab.cz Denmark Population: 5.5 million Coverage: 90% Current situation Denmark is one of the most successful DAB markets in the world. With 33% of the population accessing digital services, Denmark has the highest number of DAB users per capita in the world. Outdoor coverage in Denmark is more than 90% and indoor coverage will rise to 95% by the end of 2010. The public broadcaster, Danish Radio (DR) has been an enthusiastic supporter of digital radio since it began trials in 1995. Regular services have been available since 2002. Two multiplexes deliver 20 stations, all from DR, many of which are unique to DAB. The Danish market is now looking to the government about a decision on the futue of digital radio and a possible FM switch off. Over one third of the 2.5M Danish households has one or more DAB radios and around 8% of all radio listening is to a DAB set. Cumulative set sales in 2010 are around 1.5 million. The two multipexes which reach 90% of the country are operated by state broadcaster Danish Radio (DR) and between them deliver 20 services, all of which are broadcast by DR. Stations include pop, country, jazz, classical, children's and culture. DR has announced it will launch four new presenter led stations in 2011. In 2009, the Danish government agreed that commercia radiol stations would be offered the opportunity, through a beauty contest, to broadcast on the second multiplex. This is an ongoing process with stations expected to lauch in 2010 or 2011. A third multiplex is planned for regional and local stations. 11 The Government is spending EURO 1.5M on a national information campaign on digital radio during 2010. Meanwhile, industry body, DAB Digital Radio Denmark, will focus on marketing, promotion and communications launch a series of nationwide marketing campaigns during 2010. The DDRD's campaigns will use radio, TV, magazines, newspapers and websites to deliver its message. Coverage Coverage in Denmark is about 90% outdoor and 95% indoor Services on Air In this country there are 2 Regular National multiplexes on air. There are 14 public and three commercial DAB radio services on air, all of which are broadcast nationwide. A second multiplex is also on-air for commercial broadcasters. Simulcast Exclusive Total DAB 11 7 18 Receiver Market There are currently 1.5 million DAB receivers in the market. Approximately 300 specialised electrical retail stores currently sell DAB radios; supermarket and food chains are also significant players with frequent product offerings. Details of Trials In 2006 a successful trial was carried out of DMB video. Regulation DAB regulation is set by three different bodies in Denmark; The Ministry of Culture legislates for media politics and licences, the Ministry of Science sets the political framework for frequency applications and the National IT and Telecoms Agency maintains technical management of the frequency spectrum. Public broadcaster Denmark Radio (DR) runs one national multiplex, and two regional multiplexes are run as one national multiplex by the commercial broadcasters, however no commercial DAB services are currently on air. In 2009 the Danish government confirmed it would not be renewing the FM network, saying that Denmark's radio future is digital. There are currently no firm digital migration plans however both public and commercial broadcasts are keen for switchover to progress. The Danish government is full supportive of a digital radio future for the country. While the current standard used is DAB, it is likely that Denmark will launch DAB+ services at some point in the future. A new media law, which will be in force for four years, is due in January 2011 and it is expected to outline a wholly digital future with all stations broadcasting in DAB, DAB+ or via the Internet. Further information http://www.dabradio.dk http://www.dr.dk France Population: 63 million Coverage: 20% Current situation The launch of DMB digital radio services in France is expected in December 2010. Over the years, France has experimented with all formats in the Eureka 147 family of standards, DAB, DAB+ and DMB, comparing one to the other. In Paris, Marseille and other major towns, some of these trial multiplexes remain on air. At the end of 2007, France's regulator, the Conseil suprieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) announced that the official standard 12 for digital radio in France would be DMB-A, to be marketed as Radio Numrique Terrestre. (It is worth noting that DMB-A differs from the DMB in use in Korea because the audio codecs are different.) Some broadcasters in France advocate the use of DAB+ alongside DMB, but it is clear that, in general, French broadasters support the swift deployment of digital radio across the country. In March 2008, the CSA published a call for tenders for terrestrial digital radio licences. It received an enthusiastic response with approximately 300 plus applications and in 2009 the licences were allocated in three main towns: Paris, Marseille-Aix and Nice-Cannes. In January 2009 a law was passed which sets out a three step programme of integration of digital radio into all receivers including those in cars. It states that on the 1st September 2013 all radio receivers must be digital enabled, including those in cars. Coverage The current deployment of digital radio is planned for December 2010 in Paris, Nice and Marseille. An appropriate plan for coverage and roll out of digital radio across the remaining areas in France will then be put in place. Services on Air In this country there are 1 Trial National multiplex, 30 Trial Regional Simulcast Exclusive Total multiplexes and 2 Trial Local multiplexes on air. DAB 63 51 114 Receiver Market DAB+ 11 0 11 Although the market is waiting for the official roll out plan for digital radio to be released by the CSA, radio sets capable of receiving DMB 2 1 3 DMB, DAB and DAB+ stations are already available. Data 4 31 35 Details of Trials Total 80 83 163 In 2007, the CSA, the French regulatory body, created a working group on digital radio and authorised eight trials to take place in France for a duration of six months; six in T-DMB, one in DMB and DAB+. Following a decree by the French Ministry of Industry, the Digital Radio Association, at the end of July 2007 a trial took place in Nantes to compare DAB+ and DMB radio. These trials demonstrated the capacity of both standards for radio services and data applications. Regulation Digital radio licences will be issued in France with a duration of 10 to 15 years and any broadcasters going digital will get a five year extension of their analogue licences. Simulcasting, associated data and audiovisual communication services will be permitted. Analogue and digital licences are both issued free of charge. There is a quota for French music and new artists and the current analogue rules which govern advertising and sponsorship will apply to digital radio. The French Law on digital radio released in March 2009 can be found in the Useful Links section (French version). Further information http://france.digitalradiodr.com http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020352071 http://www.csa.fr http://www.radio-numerique.fr http://www.radionumerique.org Germany Population: 83 million Coverage: 70% Current situation Since the mid-1990's, Germany has tested and trialled all of the flavours of the DAB family of standards and there is currently a DAB network on air serving around 70% of the population. Now, however, Germany is working towards a re-launch of digital radio using DAB+ and, to that end, the German Commission of broadcasting policies (Rundfunkkommission), has approved a nationwide multiplex which can transmit between 10 and 15 radio programmes. The national digital channels will be supplemented by two or three multiplexes in each of the 16 regions to provide regional and local radio from public service ARD stations and private broadcasters. 13 Digital radio listeners in Germany will therefore be able to receive between 30 and 40 services (a mix of national, regional and local) wherever they are in the country. Germany's public service financing committee, the KEF is to provide funding to facilitate the roll out of national DAB+ digital radio in Germany. The funds, which allow public broadcaster Deutschland Radio, to build out a national digital radio network using DAB+ technology, will be available providing the industry meets a tight timetable set out by the KEF. Space on the network however will be shared between public and commercial broadcasters giving the whole industry the opportunity to secure future development of radio. Conditions require commercial and public broadcasters to sign contracts with Media Broadcast GmbH by the end of September. Funding will also be made available to ARD for programmes which will continue to be broadcast the federal states. Germany's commercial radio broadcasters and network operator, Media Broadcast, have agreed to work together to facilitate national digital radio. Coverage DAB radio reaches about 70% of the Germany population. Services on Air In this country there are 16 Regular Regional multiplexes and 4 Simulcast Exclusive Total Regular and 3 Trial Local multiplexes on air. DAB 83 59 142 There are now more than 60 DAB radio stations in Germany (both DAB+ 8 3 11 public and commercial). There are up to 15 stations per site, split into a variety of regional and local multiplexes. Most are simulcasts DMB 1 0 1 of FM stations, but there are an increasing number of DAB-only Data 29 6 35 channels. Data services broadcasting news and travel information are also available in many areas. Total 121 68 189 As Germany's re-launch of DAB using DAB+ rolls out, the number of stations on air will fluctuate but should eventually provide each listener with between 30 and 40 services. Receiver Market There has been no official market research on the number of DAB receivers sold. There are more than 1,000 DAB retailers in Germany listed by the www.digitalradio.de website. Users can search by postal code, map or name of retailer. There is also a list of online traders. Details of Trials Between 2005 and 2008, the European DMB-project MI FRIENDS, was operated by the Bayerische Landeszentrale fr Neue Medien (BLM) as a pilot project aimed at enabling mobile and interactive usage of new and existing media applications in receivers. This multi-standard trial allowed services to be broadcast on all digital multimedia standards DAB, DMB, DVB-H, TPEG and GPRS/UMTS using a single device. Regulation Germany has a two-tier government, federal and state, which is reflected in the country's broadcasting legislation. The federal government issues telecommunications licences to network operators and regulates frequency and spectrum issues. Broadcast programme providers are regulated by the states, each of which has its own regulatory framework. The federal government assigns frequencies, but content distribution is licensed by State Media Authorities. Network operators are granted frequency allocation for 15 years and state licences run for between four and eight years and holders must promote DAB digital radio. It is a requirement that within three years of a licence being issued there is 80% population coverage. There are also no defined rules relating to data capacity use, up to 20% multiplex capacity is normal. Analogue switch off is targeted for after 2015. Further information http://www.digitalradio.de http://www.dr-m.info http://www.mi-friends.org 14 Hong Kong Population: 6.9 million Current situation The latest in a series of trials is currently on air in Hong Kong from Wave Media Ltd, a commercial radio broadcaster. Seven services, including a range of music stations such as opera, classical, oldies and easy listening, are available to 50% of Hong Kong's 6.9 million population covering the main urban areas of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula and Shatin. The broadcasts include text and visual slides alongside the audio. Stations on the multiplex are broadcast in a mix of DAB and DAB+, and the trial is due to run until November 2010. Wave Media, which also broadcasts analogue stations, is committed to a digital radio future for Hong Kong. Company boss, Albert Cheng, says he would like to run up to ten digital channels, but admits that depends on government approval. He says: "Since the beginning, what we actually aimed for is digital audio broadcasting." Meanwhile, two other companies, Metro Broadcast Corp and Phoenix Radio have also applied for digital broadcast licences. Due to the nature of its topography, it is difficult to broadcast FM services on the island of Hong Kong and, as a result, the diverse community that makes up the population is underserved in terms of station choice. DAB and DAB+ are seen as the best way to increase that choice using the restricted spectrum available. Services on Air In this country there is 1 Trial National multiplex on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total DAB 0 7 7 Details of Trials The public broadcaster, RTHK has conducted serveral trials using DAB. The first was a three year trial using L-Band that ran from to 1998 to 2001. The was followed by a Band III trial between 2004 and 2006. These trials included audio, data such as traffic, weather and financial information, and an element of visual media using DMB. Regulation Any DAB/DMB licensing development will be party to a review process by the Hong Kong regulator. Currently the regulation in Hong Kong is divided between three different bodies: OFTA (telecommunications authority - spectrum allocation), HKBA (broadcasting authority) and TELA (entertainment content licensing authority). The merger of these various bodies, to form one broader regulatory authority, is ongoing. Hungary Population: 10.1 million Coverage: 30% Current situation Hungary has chosen DAB+ for its digital radio standard, and there is currently a test multiplex on air broadcasting 13 stations to the Budapest area. The multiplex is operated by Antenna Hungaria, which also runs national TV and radio stations in Hungary. Coverage is currently at 30% of the population, but this is expected to reach 94%by the end of 2014 as Antenna Hungaria rolls out more transmitters and services. Coverage Coverage is currently 30% of the population in Budapest and the surrounding area. Coverage plans suggest there will be an estimated population coverage of 94% by the end of 2014. National coverage will gradually increase up until 2011, which is the deadline for analogue TV switch off. Services on Air In this country there is 1 Trial National multiplex on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total DAB 3 1 4 15 Receiver Market DAB+ receivers are already available in Hungary from specialist audio visual and online stores. With a full commercial launch, the number and type of available receivers will increase and a marketing campaign will support the sector. Details of Trials The first DAB trial was launched in 1995 by Antenna Hungria and Hungarian Radio. It ran until 2008 and covered almost 30% of the population centred around the Budapest area. In 2008, when the National Communications Authority called for tenders to run digital TV and radio multiplexes, Antenna Hungaria was the successful bidder. The company then closed its long running DAB trial and began testing DAB+ in the same area early in 2009. In the past, Antenna Hungaria has also carried out DMB trials and mixed multiplex trials enabling direct comparison of DAB, DAB+ and DMB. Regulation The government strategy for the implementation of digital broadcasting (both radio and television) was approved in March 2007. The Act on the rules of broadcasting and digital switchover was published in June 2007. It gives the legal background on the introduction of digital radio services, but specifies that more detailed regulation will be needed on local digital radio and issues regarding switchover. Although the statutes say that the switch from analogue to digtial should begin in 2014 this will only happen if, by then, 94% of the population and 75% of people have a digital radio receiver. In line with the provisions of this Act, in March 2008 the National Communications Authority (NCAH) published an invitation to tender for a national multiplex. The winner was Antenna Hungaria which subsequently announced its decision to broadcast in DAB+. Further information http://www.ahrt.hu http://www.katolikusradio.hu http://www.nhh.hu http://www.ortt.hu http://www.radio.hu http://www.slager.hu Indonesia Population: 240 million Current situation Indonesia is the largest country in south-east Asia with a population of around 240 million. DMB trials have been running in the capital, Jakarta, since 2006. There are currently four services on air. The trial is operated by the regulator and MNC, the largest media company in Indonesia. In 2007 the PST Indonesian electronics company, PT Agis, IPTV systems integrator, Broadband Network Systems and Toshiba joined together to build a nationwide DMB network in Indonesia. The benefit of using DMB in Indonesia is that a single frequency could be used to cover the whole of the country. A Ministerial Decree in 2009 confirmed that the DAB family will be the offical standard for digital radio broadcasting in Indonesia. Meanwhile, further tests are planned for Bandung, Medan and Surabaya. A commercial launch of DMB and DVB-H in Indonesia is expected in 2010 or 2011. PT Media and Nasantara Citra (MNC) and DMB Nusantara have won the license to provide mobile TV in Jakarta and this is likely to be offered on a subscription basis. 16 Ireland Population: 4 million Coverage: 56% Current situation The Republic of Ireland currently enjoys around 56% population coverage of DAB broadcasts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DAB_in_Ireland In Cork, Limerick and the North East (including Dublin) RTE, the public broadcaster, operates a multiplex broadcasting 11 audio services and an EPG data channel. Some of these stations are exclusive to DAB and all are RTE channels. In 2010 a trial multiplex was launched by Total Broadcast Consultants (Total DAB) in the south east of Ireland around the Waterford area. It has been licensed by Comreg for a year. This multiplex broadcasts a mix of commercial stations in DAB and DAB+. Ten audio services are on air plus slideshow data. Coverage As can be seen from the map, coverage is mainly focussed on the East coast, and nearby areas. There are two transmitters: Three Rock which covers the capital, Dublin; and Clermont Cam which provides coverage around Dundalk. Services on Air In this country there are 1 Regular National multiplex and 1 Trial Regional multiplex on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total DAB 18 1 19 DAB+ 2 1 3 Total 20 2 22 Receiver Market DAB sets from a range of manufacturers are widely available in electrical retail stores in the ROI. Ireland has seen a steady increase in the sales of DAB radios. Industry monitor GfK reports 40% volume growth in 2009 (vs 2008) with 14% of all audio home systems including DAB. Regulation In March 2007 the Broadcast (Amendment) Act was passed into law. This makes provision for the licensing of sound broadcast multiplexes to RT and to the commercial sector. In June, the 2008 Broadcast Bill was published. It proposes the establishment of a single regulator for both public and commercial broadcasters, the B.A.I. (Broadcasting Authority of Ireland). With respect to DAB, the Bill allows the regulator to determine DAB multiplex coverage areas and makes provision for the migration of existing broadcasters in those coverage areas to migrate to DAB through the concept of "relevant incumbent". The multiplex operator is then obliged to carry these services. Once an existing broadcaster begins transmission on DAB there is a provision for an extension of their FM licence for up to four years. Further information http://www.digitalradio.ie http://www.rte.ie/digitalradio/index.html Italy Population: 59 million Coverage: 75% Current situation After several years of test and trials, digital radio development in Italy is now happening very fast. Late in 2009, the Council for the Authority of Communications approved regulation setting out steps for the future roll out of digital radio across Italy. Broadcasters can opt for either DAB, DAB+ or DMB and the regulation allows for the migration of services from analogue to digital. It provides clear regulation on coverage, networks for national services, spectrum allocation for services, local coverage and rules on simulcasting and new content. 17 There will be one national network for the public broadcaster, RAI, and two national networks for commercial radio. Space will be available for local radio stations and the network operator will be given additional capacity to provide data services. Around 75% of Italy's population can currently receive digital radio broadcasts via several trial multiplexes currently on air. A joint project between the commercial and public radio stations Club DAB Italia, EuroDAB and Raiway plans the launch of pilot services covering Rome, Torino, Naples and Cagliari in late 2010. The project will be extended to cover 50% of the population by 2012 following the switch off of analogue TV and focus on major urban areas and motorways. There are currently 13 multiplexes on air in Italy with a mix of national and regional coverage. Between them, they deliver more than 100 services, with around half being digital only. Coverage Coverage of the trial broadcasts is estimated to be around 75% of the Italian population (i.e. people in reach of DAB/DMB transmissions for outdoor coverage). Services on Air In this country there are 3 Trial National multiplexes and 2 Regular Simulcast Exclusive Total and 8 Trial Regional multiplexes on air. DAB 22 52 74 Details of Trials DAB+ 17 0 17 Trials in Italy have included: DMB 1 0 1 - July 2007 - Club DAB Italia launched the first DAB+ trials in Italy, Data 0 10 10 broadcasting five audio channels. Total 40 62 102 - June 2007 - Vatican Radio carried out a DAB trial in the Pope's State. - 2007 - A DMB trial by public broadcaster RAIway - 2005 - RTL 102.5 became the first European radio station to broadcast using DMB technology. Regulation The Italian Media Authority has approved official regulations for Eureka 147 digital radio, bringing an experimental phase to an end and paving the way for the creation of a successful digital radio market. Licences and authorisations will be issued initially to existing FM licence holders, with remaining spectrum available for new entrants. National and local multiplexes must carry at least five radio stations each, offering a wide choice of programmes and services. The licence period for content providers is 12 years and for network operators 20 years. Further information http://www.dab.it http://www.raiway.rai.it http://www.ras.bz.it/de/tv_radio/dab.htm Malaysia Population: 24 million Current situation In June 2010, Malaysia's regulator, the MCMC awarded three blocks of L-Band spectrum to Asia Media, a broadcasting, advertising and digital media company. A sia Media will use the spectrum to broadcast up to twelve T-DMB channels, including radio and data services, as well as mobile TV. Malayasia's public broadcaster, RTM, launched a DAB+ trial in Kuala Lumpur in 2010. This multiplex carries 15 audio services, all of which are simulcasts of existing FM stations. A DMB trial multiplex from Malaysia DMB is also on air broadcasting two TV channels and one audio station. Services on Air In this country there is 1 Trial Local multiplex on air. 18 Simulcast Exclusive Total DAB+ 15 0 15 Details of Trials Malaysia ran a DMB trial between January and mid-March 2008. It was a technical trial, organized with support from the regulator: the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The trial involved one transmitter on the Kuala Lumpur Tower plus a filler at the MCMC head office in Cyberjaya. It was broadcast on Band III, Channel 11B and carried two radio services and two TV channels. Regulation The first edition of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's Spectrum Plan was released on 1 January 2002. Two Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) systems were identified in the Spectrum Plan, Eureka 147 (DAB) and DRM, and there is spectrum allocation for both. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is the regulator for the converging communications and multimedia industry. There are two main broadcast groups under MCMC, Digital Sound Broadcast (DSB) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTT). Both DSB and DTTT have completed their standard submission for DAB and DVB respectively and the standards are now under public scrutiny. DSB proposed DAB & DMB as the DSB standard to MCMC. Due to the current development of DAB+, DSB is proposing DAB+ to the MCMC as an attachment to the previous document. The recent DMB trial results and findings will be used to support the preparation the mobile TV standard by the Mobile TV Working Group. Malta Population: 0.4 million Coverage: 100% Current situation Malta was the first European country to roll out a DAB+ network and services were on-air in October 2008. There are over 25 services on the multiplex which include unique digital only stations, MOT, EPG and DLS applications. The multiplex is operated by Digi B Network and covers 100% of the population. By the middle of 2010, 12.2% of Maltese listeners were tuning in via DAB+. Malta boasts a vibrant and growing DAB+ community of services. The regulator, the Malta Broadcasting Authority, has embraced digital radio and multi-media broadcasting and its enthusiasm has transferred to the Maltese population. Digi B Network, which operates the island country's national mux, hopes to increase available services to around 40 channels. Among the stations already on air is an international mix including channels in Italian, French and German, plus the BBC World Service and Voice of America. And there is plenty of choice among local stations too with genres such as opera, pop, classical, news, religion, sport and jazz. Digi B Network also designs and manufacturers DAB+ radios and has brought out the first DAB+ enabled car stereo for both domestic use and export. Coverage Coverage has now reach 100% in Malta. Receiver Market A range of DAB+ radios from manufacturers such as PURE and Revo are available in Malta. The Digi B Network has launched the first DAB+ in-car receiver which is currently available in Malta or online. Details of Trials Digi B is committed to bringing increased listening choice to its digital audience and will cotinued to run test broadcasts of new services. Regulation In early 2006, the Malta Communications Authority awarded the country's four terrestrial DAB frequencies. The licence runs for eight years, subject to review after six. The Broadcasting Authority in 2008 approved the rebroadcasting of 36 foreign digital radio stations, the simulcasting of 12 nationwide analogue radio stations and of one community radio. 19 Further information http://www.digibnetwork.com Netherlands Population: 16 million Coverage: 70% Current situation Digital radio in The Netherlands has had ups and downs over the years and, until now, has failed to find traction with commercial broadcasters. This is due in part to the added costs involved in dual transmission. In 2009 the Ministry agreed that, when analogue licences expire in 2011, instead of auctioning them off to the highest bidder, it would reissue them to the incumbent broadcaster if it in turn agreed to go digital. Commercial broadcasters have until September 2010 to take advantage of this offer however there remains an issue over the cost of these licences. The issue is further complicated by a recent change of government. Also in 2009, the Ministry auctioned two broadcast licences, one in Band III and one in L-band. Broadcasters can opt to transmit in DAB, DAB+ or DMB and it is likely that DAB+ will be the standard of choice for most. For those broadcasting in L-band, it therefore becomes necessary that radio sets receiving DAB+ broadcasts in L-band are available. The National Public Broadcaster, PO, broadcasts audio nine stations and three data channels on a national multiplex operated by NOS. The services are all simulcasts of existing PO stations, including pop, classical, oldies, current affairs and news. Coverage of this multiplex is about 70% of the population. Licences have also been issued in Band III to MTVNL which is currently testing DMB transmissions in The Hague, and in L-band to CallMax which plans testing in the Eindhoven area. A national Band III multiplex licence will be issued to commercial radio in late 2010 or early 2011. A regional Band III multiplex for combined public and commercial services will be issued in late 2010 or early 2011. There is no FM switch off date, but FM licences will be extended for 6 years until the end of 2017. Formal policy is that ultimately 1-2 year before the end of the FM licences, there will be a full review regarding FM switch off. Coverage There is currently 70% population coverage with sites including Arnhem, Den Haag, East Amsterdam, Hilversum, Haarlem, Lelystad, Loon op Zand, Lopik, Mierlo, Rotterdam. , Services on Air In this country there is 1 Trial National multiplex on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total This carries nine audio services (simulcast) and three data services DAB 0 9 9 (DAB only) and is broadcast by the public broadcaster NOS. Data 0 3 3 Receiver Market Total 0 12 12 There is a small number of specialist retailers selling DAB digital radios. Details of Trials MTVNL is currently testing DMB transmissions in The Hague area. A test of DAB+ in L-band by CallMax is scheduled for the Eindhoven area in 2010. Regulation The Dutch government issues DAB licences and determines the terms and conditions that apply to the use of DAB in the Netherlands. It was announced that Band III and L-band should be used for DAB based services. Broadcasters may choose to use DAB, DAB+ or DMB. The majority of interested parties are likely to choose DAB+. Further information http://www.digi-radio.nl http://www.mtvnl.nl 20 Norway Population: 4.8 million Coverage: 80% Current situation Norway began test transmissions of DAB digital radio very early, in the mid-90s. In fact, NRK Alltid Klassiskwhich launched in 1995, was the world's first 24-hour digital station. Coverage stands at around 80% of the population, and Norway intends to achieve 100% coverage by 2014. The Government says FM broadcasting will be switched off once 50% of the population has a digital radio. Penetration is currently at 17%. In Norway, there are two national DAB multiplexes on air, one of which is split into seven regional muxes. There are nine audio and one data services on the national multiplex. These are a mix of stations from the public broadcaster NRK and commercial radio operators. The seven regional multiplexes broadcast local services from NRK as well as some niche programming such as classical and folk music. All major FM radio channels in Norway are also available via DAB Coverage is at 80% of the population, with around 300,000 DAB sets sold. Norway's three leading broadcasters, NRK, TV2 and MTG, have jointly set up a new company to launch mobile TV services via DMB. MiniTV trials began in the Oslo area in 2009 with six live TV channels, on demand content and other related services. These trials, which reach 30% of the Norwegian population, will continue on air until 2011. Coverage National and regional multiplexes cover about 80% of the population. Services on Air In this country there are 1 Regular National multiplex and 1 Regular Simulcast Exclusive Total and 3 Trial Regional multiplexes on air. DAB 7 19 26 NRK has a total number of about 20 programmes on DAB. DMB 6 0 6 Depending on the region there are between 11 -13 NRK services on-air, as well as two commercial services. Data 1 0 1 Total 14 19 33 Receiver Market DAB receivers are available in Norway from a range of manufacturers. Details of Trials The DMB trial of MiniTV continues in the area around Oslo until 2011 Nova Radio, an established FM Student radio services, has been licensed to run a test DAB+ service in the Oslo area. This trial will last until July 2011. Regulation Broadcasting in Norway is regulated according to the Broadcasting Act/Law. According to this Act, NRK has the right to broadcast nationally. Licences for the commercial broadcasters have been issued up to 2014. Further information http://www.dabdigitalradio.no Poland Population: 38.5 million Coverage: 5% Current situation There are currently two trials running in Poland delivering a mix of DAB+ and DMB services. In May 2009, public broadcaster Radio Wroclaw and infrastructure provider Emitel launched a DAB+ and DMB trial multiplex in the Wroclaw area. This is the biggest city in south west Poland with a population of around 640,000. Eight audio channels broadcasting both public and commercial stations in DAB+ and one mobile TV channel in DMB are available in this region. In the capital, Warsaw, Emitel operates a multiplex broadcasting 12 audio services using DAB+ and one mobile TV 21 service using DMB. It reaches 2.5 million people and airs a combination of public and commercial stations. This trial multiplex launched in November 2009. Services on Air In this country there is 1 Trial Local multiplex on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total A DAB transmitter is operated in Warsaw in Block 10B. There are 5 DAB+ 12 0 12 programmes on air: DMB 1 0 1 - 4 public radio's national services: Program One ("Jedynka", Total 13 0 13 general programme), Program Two ("Dwojka", serious music, drama), Programme Three ("Trojka", youth channel), Radio BIS (education, sciences) - 1 local service by the local public radio broadcaster "Radio dla Ciebie" ("Radio for you") No auxiliary data services are transmitted at present. Regulation There are two regulators for broadcasting media in Poland. The National Broadcasting Council manages and issues licences, while the Office of Electronic Communications governs the frequency spectrum. The two bodies work closely together. Singapore Population: 4.5 million Coverage: 99% Current situation Singapore has enjoyed DAB transmissions since 1999 and was the first country in the world to reach 100% coverage. MediaCorp Radio, the national public broadcaster, is a keen supporter of digital radio. The commercial operator, Rediffusion, launched commercial DAB+ services on a subscription basis in 2008. There is also an on-going DMB multimedia data service trial showing the local traffic road conditions and a trial Traffic News DAB channel based on automated text-to-speech conversion. Various operators in Singapore have announced their plans for commercial mobile TV services. MediaCorp Radio launched DAB services in 1999. Since then, the company has lauched a second national multiplex (2002). The two muxes deliver a total of 14 audio services and four data channels. Data on offer includes EPG, BWS and TPEG traffic services. In 2008, the commercial broadcaster Rediffusion, launched a subscription based multiplex using DAB+. It delivers a mix of 15 audio services on a subscription basis, including stations from around the world, and commercial-free services. Singapore is a very car-orientated country with around 800,000 vehicles (approximately one for every five people). In-car applications using DAB or DAB+ are seen as key to further developing the market. Coverage MediaCorp Digital Radio & Rediffusion both have 99% outdoor coverage. Services on Air In this country there are 3 Regular National multiplexes on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total - 14 commercial audio and data services, free-to-air DAB 12 5 17 - seven commercial audio services, subscription DAB+ 0 15 15 Receiver Market Total 12 20 32 Retailers selling DAB receivers in Singapore include consumer electronics stores, car audio retailers and Rediffusion's sales offices. Rediffusion has sponsored a number of radios for use by the eldery (pictured). 22 Details of Trials MediaCorp is evaluating the feasibility of introducing DMB & DAB+ services and is working towards conducting several data application trial services that include DMB TPEG, eBillboard and Public Warning System (PWS). Regulation Broadcasting in Singapore is regulated by the Media Development Authority (MDA). For DAB Digital Radio, there are three different licences for three different categories; there is a DAB Multiplex Licence (eight years) where operators are required to carry at least five audio services on each multiplex but can allocate 35% of the multiplex to data services. The second category is a DAB Broadcaster Service Licence (five years) for content providers, which incorporates programme and advertising guidelines issued in the analogue world. Finally, there is the Class Licence (no stipulated licence period), which covers a range of data and multimedia services supported by DAB. The MDA has adopted a self-regulatory approach, and there is no need for service operators to approach the MDA for approval to start a data service. Further information http://www.dab.org.sg http://www.rediffusion.com.sg South Korea Population: 59 million Coverage: 75% Current situation As the first country to commercially launch mobile TV, South Korea is the most successful DMB market in the world. More than 23 million DMB enabled devices have been sold, of which the most popular are mobile phones. This number is expected to rise even more with an increase in coverage; services already cover over 75% of the country There are six major broadcasters providing a variety of services to the South Korean market including mobile TV services. New data applications such as BIFS have been introduced and broadcasters are anticipating an increase in revenue as these will be subscription only.. TPEG services are also available giving the consumer traffic and travel information. Hundreds of DMB devices are available in this market and usage of mobile TV increases year on year. Interactive services are also growing in popularity adding value to broadcasting services. The Korean government has set up a digital audio project to recommend a digital audio broadcasting standard for Korea More and more Korean companies are seeing the global potential of DMB (including DAB and DAB+) and are starting to widen their focus to include the European markets and non-domestic Asian markets. Korea's latest innovation is an interactive mobile TV service, or DMB 2.0, launched by SK Telecom in April 2010. with six terrestrial-DMB operators (TDMB). With DMB 2.0, mobile TV viewers are able to search the internet, receive news or stock information updates, and even enjoy mobile shopping while watching television. Coverage DMB services cover approximately 75% of the country (almost all residential areas). Services on Air In this country there are 3 Regular National multiplexes on air. Simulcast Exclusive Total There are seven video services, 13 audio services and eight data DAB 5 0 5 services on air, five of them public and 23 commercial. DMB 3 2 5 Receiver Market Data 2 4 6 There are a large number of retailers in Korea selling DMB devices, and there are over a hundred different models by over thirty Total 10 6 16 different manufacturers on the market. The most popular are DMB mobile phones and GPS devices. Sales have sky-rocketed since the initial launch of DMB services. Regulation The Ministry of Information and Communication (MIC) and the Korean Broadcasting Commission (KBC) govern broadcasting. The MIC is responsible for the development of broadcasting technology, spectrum management, and 23 the licensing of stations. The KBC is responsible for regulation of content and advertising, as well as authorising and recommending licences. Only one licence is awarded to the multiplex operator, who can then either provide their own programmes or can lease capacity to other programme providers. The government divided the country into six regional broadcasting areas and 13 new nationwide broadcast licences have been granted for DMB services. Further information http://www.dmb-alliance.org Spain Population: 45 million Coverage: 52% Current situation Spain first began broadcasting digital radio in April 1998 covering Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. There have also been trial services in the Basque country and Catalunya. The Spanish DAB Association (Asociacin Foro de la Radio Digital), comprising both national private and public broadcasters, is responsible for DAB in Spain. While there has been little progress in DAB expansion in Spain, three multiplexes remain on air broadcasting a mix of stations to 60% of the population. A statement from the AERC, the Spanish Commercial Radio Association, in 2010 noted the broadcasters' commitment to a digital radio future for the country, but said it must be "carried out properly, respecting the rights and concessions of analogue radio." The Spanish government is due to pass a broadcasting Act before the end of 2011, It is hoped the Act will set out a plan for digital terrestrial radio broadcasting which will allow the industry to move forward. Coverage Currently about 60% of the population have access to DAB services. Coverage is expected to rise to 80% by 2011. Services on Air In this country there are 3 Regular National multiplexes and 2 Simulcast Exclusive Total Regular and 1 Trial Regional multiplexes on air. DAB 29 0 29 A total of 29 DAB audio services are on air. Data 5 0 5 Receiver Market Total 34 0 34 There are a small number of electrical retailers selling DAB digital radios in Spain, but until more services are availalbe and especially unique DAB only stations, this market is not expected to grow significantly. Details of Trials There were various trials of DMB in Barcelona in 2007 and 2008 for the 3GSM exhibition and show. Future plans for further trials are ongoing. Regulation National station licences are issued by the central government, while local and regional licences are the responsibility of the regional government. Licences are valid for ten years with an automatic renewal for a further ten years and operators must commit to the promotion of DAB Digital Radio. Advertising and sponsorship are permitted under the same rules which exist for analogue radio, and data is permitted on up to 20% of multiplex capacity. Further information http://www.dabbarcelona.info http://www.radiodigitaldab.com http://www.rtve.es/dab 24 Sweden Population: 9.1 million Coverage: 35% Current situation Following lengthy trials by the public broadcaster, Sveriges Radio, DAB radio in Sweden is moving to DAB+. Sveriges Radio, has been operating a DAB multipex since the mid 1990s, covering about 35% of the population but in 2005 the Swedish government halted digital radio investment due to low consumer takeup. The radio industry, however, remained committed to a digital future for Sweden and blamed the lack of consumer response on the fact that commercial radio operators were denied by law the opportunity to broadcast on DAB, thus limiting consumer choice. Both public and private broadcasters continued to lobby the government for a change of heart. A new Radio and TV Act came into effect in August 2010 which, for the first time, allows commerical radio companies to apply for digital licences. This paves the way for a radio industry united behind DAB+, something for which both public and commercial services have been lobbying for some time. In 2009, network operator Teracom began conducting tests of DAB, DAB+ and T-DMB which included programming from commercial, community and public service broadcasters, reaching two million people around Stockholm, Uppsala and Gavle. The existing DAB multiplex remains on air, but with the country turning to DAB+ for future launches, it remains to be seen if Sveriges Radio with switch this mux to DAB+. Coverage DAB coverage from the the Public Service broadcaster, Sveriges Radio, currently reaches about 35% of the population. Teracom's trial of DAB, DAB+ and T-DMB services reaches around 22% of the population. Network operator, Teracom AB, continues work to improve network coverage to take advantage of the relaxations allowed by the Geneva-06 international frequency plan. Services on Air In this country there are 1 Regular National multiplex and 1 Trial Simulcast Exclusive Total Regional multiplex on air. DAB 1 6 7 Digital radio in Sweden has switched its focus from coverage to DAB+ 9 0 9 content. Swedish Radio, the public broadcaster, offers eight services on its DAB multiplex, including six unique services on digital Data 0 2 2 radio: Radio Knattekanal (children's programming), SR Klassiskt Total 10 8 18 (classical music), P3 Star (aimed at young people), Sisuradio (for the Finnish spoken audience), SR Minnen (content from the archives) and SR Atlas (World music and multi-lingual programmes). These sit alongside SR P1 and SR P4 simulcasts from FM. In addition to the audio services there are also a few data services available which include: SR Plus, a BWS service which contains a condensed version of the SR web and SR EPG, a trial version for testing electronic programme guides and SR TPEG, which is a test service for future TPEG streams. The DAB+ Terracom test multipex delivers nine audio services from a combination of public and commercial broadcasters. Details of Trials Alongside the regular programmes from Swedish Radio, there have been various test broadcasts. These include trials of DAB, DAB+ and DMB as well as test broadcasts of eight Danish digital radio programmes across the Stockholm area. Further information http://www.sr.se/digitalradion 25 Switzerland Population: 7.5 million Coverage: 93% Current situation Switzerland first launched DAB digital radio services in 1999 when the public broadcaster, SRG SSR idee suisse went on air. Today there are five regional multiplexes covering the German, French and Italian speaking areas of the country, with a mix of public and commercial services. There is also a mix of standards broadcasting in Switzerland with multiplexes transmitting both DAB and DAB+ services. Swiss digital radio on DAB or DAB+ now covers over 90% of the population. Half a million receivers had been sold by mid-2010 and internal forecasts expect accumulated sales to rise to 700'000 by early 2011. Currently, over 10% of all households have access to a digital radio. There are currently 72 DAB or DAB+ services on air (incorporating 30 different brands on five multiplexes). The original four multiplexes are run by the public broadcaster SRG SSR ide suisse, and the first commercial DAB+ multiplex which was launched on October 13th 2009 now broadcasts 11 commercial digital-only and 4 public radio stations in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Coverage Digital radio on DAB or DAB+ in Switzerland reaches over 90% of the population. The Swiss public broadcaster, SRG SSR idee suisse, has now started filling the last white spots on the DAB coverage map, most of which are in remote or sparsely populated areas. The most recent region to receive DAB reception is the Grisons in the East of Switzerland. Services on Air In this country there are 5 Regular Regional multiplexes on air. There are 19 different brands on air, all of them by the public broadcaster SRG SSR idee suisse (one in cooperation with the BBC). - 12 programmes on DAB in the German-speaking part of Simulcast Exclusive Total Switzerland (6 DAB only, 1 AM simulcast and 5 FM simulcast) DAB 10 20 30 - 11 programmes on DAB in the French-speaking part of Switzerland DAB+ 10 32 42 (5 DAB only, 1 AM simulcast and 5 FM simulcast) Total 20 52 72 - 10 programmes on DAB in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland (7 DAB only, 3 FM simulcast) - 13 programmes on DAB+ and 2 on DAB in the Romansh-speaking part of Switzerland Receiver Market All specialist radio and TV retailers as well as the major chains now sell DAB+ receivers in Switzerland, and there is a huge choice of different receivers in the market. A survey regularly conducted by the Swiss research company Mediapulse suggests that by early 2010, a total of 450,000 receivers have been sold. By mid 2010, the accumulated sales have risen to about half a million, and internal forecasts expect a total of 700'000 receivers in the market by early 2011. Details of Trials DAB+ local trials took place in Berne and Zurich in November and December 2007. A DMB trial has also been on-air through the MIFRIENDS project. Regulation The SRG licence includes the operation of a DAB multiplex and transmission network in Band III. The transmitter sites are operated by Swisscom Broadcast, but SRG is responsible for the planning of the network, signal generating and multiplexing. Commercial radio and media companies in the German part of Switzerland were granted 8 licences in summer 2007. SwissMediaCast AG was granted a licence to broadcast on Channel 7D by Swiss Ofcom (the regulator). SMC AG is now running the first commercial DAB+ multiplex in German-speaking Switzerland. 26 The Swiss Ofcom has also opened a call for tender for eight commercial programme licences in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Further information http://www.dab-digitalradio.ch Taiwan Population: 24 million Current situation The Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC), a private network with nationwide coverage, operates three FM and three AM channels as well as a digital audio broadcasting system. In July 2010, the Government of Taiwan announced plans for digital convergence by 2015. During the first stage of the program, from 2010 through 2012, a number of bills will be formulated and sent to the legislature for passage, including a radio and TV broadcast law. Taiwan has been a supporter of DAB and DAB+ broadcasting and planned for a full implementation of digital broadcasting (both TV and radio) by 2010. Lack of marketing, promotion and consumer awareness has slowed this digital expansion. The new laws currently being developed should set a firm timeline in place for digital conversion of all media and telecoms. Coverage Previous trials undertaken by BCC (formerly the public broadcaster, now the commercial broadcaster) had a network of transmitters to cover 90% of the population, whilst the commercial operators have, so far, mainly concentrated on Taipei city only. Services on Air In this country there are 1 Regular and 1 Trial National multiplexes on Simulcast Exclusive Total air. DAB 11 0 11 Data 2 0 2 Further information http://www.idab.com.tw Total 13 0 13 United Kingdom Population: 60.6 million Coverage: 85% Current situation On Thursday 8 April 2010 a new law, The Digital Economy Act, was passed which will ensure the smooth transition from analogue to digital radio. The Act includes six sections relating to radio which will allow a date for switchover to be set, grant licence renewals to local and national analogue stations also broadcasting on digital to facilitate investment in digital radio, gives Government the power to withdraw those renewals, gives greater operational freedom for local Commercial Radio stations, gives Ofcom, the UK regulator, the flexibility to re-plan local multiplex licences and extend the coverage area of Digital One, the national commercial multiplex and allows a new piece of (secondary) legislation to be brought forward to extend multiplex licences. The Act gives broadcasters, manufacturers and listeners a clear roadmap for the future of digital radio in the UK. 20 million people now tune in to digital radio each week, an increase of two million from last year, according to the latest RAJAR figures released. Weekly reach has increased by 11% year on year from 18 million to 20 million, and now 43% of all radio listeners are listening to digital every week. DAB listening now accounts for 15.8% of all radio listening, an increase of 20% year on year (up from 13.1% of all listening from last year and up from 15.1% in the last quarter). The proportion of adults claiming to own a DAB set at home has increased by 7.6% year on year, with over one third of the population or 18.2 million adults (aged 15+) now claiming to live in a household with a DAB receiver. 27 Coverage About 90% of the population now live within the coverage area of DAB services. Services on Air In this country there are 2 Regular National multiplexes, 10 Regular Simulcast Exclusive Total Regional multiplexes and 37 Regular Local multiplexes on air. DAB 233 220 453 There are 43 public services and 126 commercial services available Data 3 16 19 on DAB. Total 236 236 472 Receiver Market There are hundreds of DAB products on the market in the UK being sold through a large number of high street and online retailers as well as most of the big electrical chains. The cheapest receivers are sold at no more than GBP20. Details of Trials Slide show trials via DAB are currently on-going in the London area. Regulation A Royal Charter and Agreement govern the public broadcaster; the BBC, with new stations subject to Government approval and the Office of Communications (Ofcom) regulate the commercial sector. Multiplex licences are currently awarded on a beauty contest formula rather than auctioned. Regulation controls such things as minimum bit-rate for music stations, mandatory must carry' obligations, maintenance of service providers stations commitments and the amount of data content. An Ofcom consultation document entitled 'The Future of Radio requested comments from the industry on changes to the current regulation system (total% of data permissible etc), there were around 160 responses to this document and Ofcom issued its final report at the end of 2007. Analogue commercial broadcasters who receive a DAB licence have their existing analogue licences extended for an additional eight years. Digital One (the national commercial multiplex operator) is required to carry the three existing commercial analogue national radio stations, and local and regional commercial operators must carry local and regional BBC (public radio) stations. DAB licences are awarded for 12 years. Commercial and public operators may carry broadcast data services. The national commercial operator must invest in promoting and marketing DAB. As part of the bid for the second multiplex DAB it was stipulated that DAB+ could not be used for radio stations though it could be used for data services such as podcasts. The UK Government published its final Digital Britain report on 16th June. This follows on from the governments Digital Radio Working Group report which published its own recommendations for the digital future of radio in the UK. The Digital Radio Working Group suggested that these criteria could be met between 2015 and 2020 and therefore a switchover could occur as early as 2017. The Digital Britain Report set out a five point plan for DAB to be in all new cars by 2013 is proposed and the report called on the European Commission to lead a common Europe-wide approach to digital radio. The Digital Britain report by Lord Carter, the British Minister for Communications, is the culmination of work by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DIS).The report can be found in full at http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/digitalbritain-finalreport-jun09.pdf Details of the Digital Economy Act which sets out details of plans for migration of analogue to digital radio can be found at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2010/ukpga_20100024_en_1 Further information http://www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/digitalbritain-finalreport-jun09.pdf http://www.drdb.org http://www.getdabdigitalradio.com http://www.now-digital.co.uk http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2010/ukpga_20100024_en_1 http://www.uk-dab.info http://www.ukdigitalradio.com 28 Other countries using DAB, DAB+ and DMB Austria Current situation There are currently no digital radio broadcasts in Austria following the completion of two pilot projects in Vienna and Tyrol early in 2009. Austria, however, is committed to a digital radio future and a report to the regulator, the RTR, at the end of 2009 recommended DAB+ as the way forward. Austria continues to prepare for digital radio with a Working Group to consider the country's digital future. Meanwhile, authorities are watching neighbours Germany and Switzerland as they re-launch services in DAB+. Coverage During the trial in 2008 it was estimated 19% of Austria's population was covered by the DAB Digital Radio signal. Details of Trials The trial held in 2008 included three transmitters in Vienna on Channel 12B. The multiplex featured classical music, Radio Wien (local station), pop music and FM4 pop music. The Austrian public broadcaster ORF, was awarded a DAB Digital Radio trial licence for the Federal States of Tyrol. ORF set up two DAB Digital Radio transmitters in Tyrol, covering the Inn valley between Kufstein and the Brenner Mountain (Channel 12C). 1, 3, FM4 and the regional station Radio Tyrol, wre available on the multiplex. This meant that there was continuous DAB coverage between South Germany and Northern Italy. All trials were completed by the end of 2008 and there are currently no DAB broadcasts in Austria. Brunei Darussalam Current situation In 2007 RTB (Radio Television Brunei, the public and main broadcaster) began a DAB trial, which will last for five years and will include simulcast services. Five 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. Croatia Current situation Trials using DAB were were launched by Croatian Radio Television (HRT), the biggest Croatian public broadcaster, in 1997. Centred around Zagreb, the HRT multiplex broadast simulcasts of its three national radio services. This trial has now been completed. Coverage DAB coverage exists in northern Croatia around the capital city of Zagreb and its suburbs. The network can potentially reach 1.2 million people, or around 20% of the Croatian population. Estonia Current situation Estonia has been carrying out experimental DAB broadcasts since 2000. There were four DAB programmes available on the multiplex of the Eesti Rahvusringhling (ERR) the Estonian Public Broadcaster though no information is currently available on whether these services remain on trial. 29 Ghana Current situation On 14th May 2008 FonTV, Africa's first mobile phone enabled television content service, was launched via DMB. The network is operated by Black Star TV in collaboration with OneTouch and VDL. This launch followed on from a successful trial that ran in Accra during 2007. FonTV is a subscription based service costing around 2 Euros a month. Currently operating three mobile TV services, including the BBC World News, Black Star ultimately hopes to provide up to six TV channels and four digital radio services. While coverage is currently limited to the areas around Accra and Kumasi, the operator has plans to roll out FonTV across the country. Coverage At the moment coverage is limited to the two cities of Accra and Kumasi, but this will be extended in due course. Greece Current situation There is currently interest in the Eureka 147 platform in Greece and, although no services are on air, DAB radios are available in many shops. Frequency planning has allocated a national multiplex and one for each of Greece's nine regions. It is likely that when Greece does progress its digial radio roll out it will use DAB+. Details of Trials There are reports of occasional DAB tests in the Athens and Thessaloniki areas. India Current situation The vast country of India with its population of over one billion people, has considered several variations of digital radio over the past decade. All India Radio (AIR), the public broadcaster, started trial DAB broadcasts in New Delhi in late 1997, but was unable to progress to permanent broadcasts due to regulatory issues. In 2010, the Indian government approved an AIR plan to move its entire network to DRM by 2013, with a possible FM switch off by 2015. India has tested mobile TV broadcasts using T-DMB and S-DMB. The challenge for India is to ensure that any new digital technologies have receiver prices at a realistic level for the price-sensitive Indian consumer. Israel Current situation DAB+ has been adopted as the official digital radio standard in Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Communication offered a permanent DAB+ country-wide licence for tender in 2008. The licence is for a period of 14 years and the winning bidder is expected to make provision for 36 channels and achieve a coverage area of 80%, rising to between 90% and 98%, depending on location. There has been no response to the Ministry's initial call for bids, and it may be that a multi-platform landscape, including DAB+, would better suit the country's needs. 30 Coverage The infrastructure is currently in place for DAB services to reach about 85% of the population. Kuwait Current situation Following a DAB trial that has been ongoing in Kuwait City since March 2007, preparations are now under way for the second phase of the trail. This may include either DAB+ or DMB. The current trial is led by Kuwait Radio and broadcasts eight audio programmes from Liberation Tower on Band III, covering almost the whole country. A decision regarding commercial roll out is expected once all the trials have been completed. Coverage DAB trials cover about 90% of the population. Lithuania Current situation In June 2001, SC LRTC (SC Lithuania Radio and Television Centre) started DAB test transmissions with 2 public radio programmes. In 2003 four commercial services were added to the multiplex. About 20% of the population in the Vilnius area are covered with DAB services. There is currently no information on whether these services remain on-air. Coverage A 500W transmitter is installed in Vilnius and covers an area of approximately 30km (about 20% of the population). Mexico Current situation In recent years, Mexico has tested several digital radio platforms, including DAB, DRM and HD radio. While there is support for digital radio via the Eureka 147 standard among some Mexican broadcasters, a Cofetel official says "The primary problem for Eureka in Mexico is that here the L-band is used for maritime transmissions and space communications." In 2010, the country's broadcast regulator, Cofetel, decided on IBOC as Mexico's primary digital radio platform, in line with its neighbour to the north, the USA. Monaco Current situation The Principality of Monaco has been broadcasting DAB digital radio services to 100% of its population of 32,000 people since 2005. There are five stations on air, MFM, Radio Classique, Radio Monaco, Riviera Radio and RMC. All are simulcasts of existing FM services. Regulation Due to Monaco's status as a constitutional monarchy the Government decides media policy under royal authority. 31 Namibia Current situation The Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) held a conference in early March 2002 to look into digital broadcasting for radio and television. As a result of the conference, greater and on-going co-operation between SABA (Southern Africa Broadcasting Association) and SADIBA (Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association) has been planned. While the immediate emphasis has been on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), which was launched in Namibia in February 2005, broadcasters are equally interested in DAB Digital Radio. A number of digital radio test broadcasts have been conducted in South Africa. New Zealand Current situation New Zealand's government owned broadast and telecoms company, Kordiia, has been operating a DAB test service in Auckland and Wellington since October 2006. The multiplex currently delivers a mix of DAB and DAB+ services, including nine audio channels, slideshow and EPG. Originally, New Zealand's digital radio allocation was in the L-Band, but the majority of broadcasters prefer spectrum in Band III. Band III, however, is currently being used for terrestrial telelvision, so it is unlikely that a full roll out of services will happen much before 2012 by which time TV will be digital in New Zealand. Digital radio services in New Zealand are expected to be broadcast in DAB+. Details of Trials Kordia's test transmissions in Auckland and Wellington are ongoing using a mix of DAB and DAB+ broadcasts. Portugal Current situation RDP, Portugal's public broadcaster, has been on air with DAB since January 1998. Six stations broadcast to 75% of the population. Transmitters are located in mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira and cover the district capitals, the coastline of the country, the main routes and part of the Madeira and the Azores. Expansion of the network awaits a decision by the Portuguese government. It is likely that future roll out will use DAB+ or DMB. Coverage There are 42 transmitters in use, 27 in the mainland, nine in Azores and six in Madeira, covering more than 75% of the population. Russian Federation Current situation In 2005 and 2006 DAB was demonstrated at CSTB, Russia's largest broadcasting event. However, plans to launch services have been delayed due to a lack of available spectrum. 32 Slovakia Current situation Slovakia currently has no digital radio broadcasts of any kind, nor are any trials known to be on air. In 2002 a report entitled "Strategy and Technical Criteria for Implementation of Terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcating in T-DAB System" was submitted to the government for approval. The original intention was to start regular DAB transmissions in L-band in the western part of Slovakia in 2006, and to later start DAB transmissions in VHF. There has been no recent update from Slovakia and therefore details of the latest situation are unknown. Slovenia Current situation Slovenia's public broadcaster, RTV Slovenia, broadcasts four DAB services on a trial multiplex covering the capital city of Ljubljana and central Slovenia. About half a million people, or 22.5% of the population, are potentially able to receive DAB transmissions. . South Africa Current situation South Africa is not yet running a commercial DAB/DMB/DAB+ system, but has been running a DAB pilot under a test license for some time. This trial multiplex is operated by Sentech and broadcasts to the Johannesburg aread. Migration to digital terrestrial television is scheduled for November 2011. Due to the intensive usage of Band III spectrum by television there is currently no scope for DAB/DMB transmissions in South Africa. Once Band III is cleared of analogue TV transmissions, it is envisaged that licensing of digital radio will begin. Coverage Coverage of the ongoing DAB trial reaches approximately 18% of the South African population. Details of Trials By late 1997, test transmissions started in both Band III and L-Band covering Johannesburg with a DAB signal. This established the first pilot trials in Africa. In November 1999 the demonstration audio services were replaced with seven live audio programme simulcasts of licensed FM and AM services currently on air in Gauteng. Included are commercial and public service broadcasters providing a mix of Talk Radio, Pop, Kwaito and Classical Music. Experimental PAD slide-show and dynamic label services were included on one audio service in May 2000. A two-transmitter Band III Single Frequency Network established in 2001 provides DAB coverage to approximately 18% of the South African population. Apart from the ongoing DAB trial, some DMB trials have also been undertaken. Regulation The regulatory framework for digital radio in South Africa has yet to be established. The Digital Broadcasting Advisory Body (DBAB) established by the Minister of Communications completed its research into Digital Radio and Digital Terrestrial Television. The recommendations made to the Minister are available via the website of SADIBA, the Southern African Digital Broadcasting Association that actively supported the above processes, lobbied stakeholders and shared information on systems and standards implemented world-wide. In 2005 the Minister of Communications established a Digital Broadcasting Migration Working Group, comprising representatives from the broadcasting industry, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), government, civil society, organised labour and consumer groups. Its aim was to develop recommendations and contribute towards the development of a national strategy for migrating from analogue to digital broadcasting. The final report of the Working Group was presented to the Minister in November 2006 and is available at http://www.digitalmigration.gov.za. 33 Turkey Current situation TRT, the Turkish Broadcasting Corporation, has aired DAB test transmissions broadcasting four simulcast services in Band III and covering the capital, Ankara. A second transmitter was also planned for Istanbul. In 2010, neither transmitter was broadcasting and it is assumed these trials are now complete. Details of Trials As well as the trials mentioned above, TRT had plans to broadcast MPEG-4 video over DAB. Vietnam Current situation In March 2010, Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications published a draft plan for digital radio and television broadcasting. Broadtech SC, a subsidiary of VTV has had a DMB trial on-air in Hanoi since September 2008. Vietnam is also trialing HD radio. 34 Potential building blocks for legislators and regulators It is impossible and potentially dangerous to attempt to impose common regulation, or to suggest that one country's regulatory regime would work in any other. However, it does make sense that within any collection of separate regulator regimes, there should be some common threads. Licence Period DAB based services require new transmitter networks. This is an expensive exercise requiring considerable capital investment. However, this allows for a cost effective investment if one is interested in using one network for both Digital Radio (DAB/DAB+) and Multimedia Services (DMB for mobile TV, Data Services, etc). In a dynamic radio/multimedia market, any new venture will take between five and seven years to achieve a break-even point. Clearly, if the multiplex licence period is shorter than this, or if renewal of shorter duration licences is not possible, it makes little commercial sense for potential operators to launch DAB based services. The same applies to a lesser extent, to the broadcasters (if their licences are separate from those of the multiplex operator). What incentive is there to invest in new facilities or programming if the licence duration is restricted? Time is also required to build up a listener base for a new service, and for commercial broadcasters this often means little or no advertising revenue for an extended period. Programme Content DAB based services enable the delivery of new digital radio stations or simulcast of existing radio programmes; audio, data and multimedia are also possible. The data services can be either "stand-alone" or related to audio content, providing the potential for multimedia listening. The laws regarding delivery of data services vary substantially from country to country, being completely unregulated in some parts of the world and restricted or denied in others. Multimedia and mobile TV broadcast services using Eureka 147 based technology are already commercially available in Korea, Germany, China, and trials have been held or are currently being held in: France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the UK, Luxembourg, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Malta, the Czech Republic and Portugal. In Asia and the rest of the world, DMB has also been trialled or there are plans for trials in Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kuwait and Ghana. Broadcasters are eager to exploit DAB's capabilities in the area of broadcast content delivery and this will have an impact on how content is regulated in different countries. Bit-rate of Audio Services The technology of the Eureka 147 Family of Standards packages a finite number of kilobits into audio and data services on a multiplex. It is possible to broadcast as many as 12 audio stations on one multiplex using traditional DAB and around 28 audio stations with DAB+. These figures may vary depending on each country's regulation. Across the world, there are differing views as to how many kilobits per second are required to broadcast music effectively. In some countries, the level is 256 kbit/s for traditional DAB, but if this is applied across the multiplex, then a maximum of only four audio stations can be carried. This may not leave room for new stations, and denies DAB Digital Radio listeners the increased choice they should expect when they invest in new receivers. DAB+, which uses a more efficient audio codec AAC+, provides the same perceived audio quality as DAB at about one third of the sub-channel bit rate needed by DAB. In other countries, such as the UK, stereo music is currently broadcast using 128 kbit/s, with an acceptable result. This was confirmed by the Ofcom ICM poll, which showed that "81% of all respondents rated sound quality as either excellent or good, with a further 14% rating it as average. Only 3% rated it as poor or very poor, with 2% who said they didn't know." As digital technology has progressed, new audio coding algorithms have been developed which 35 can deliver the same spectrum audio quality at a reduced bit-rate. As a result, regulators could look at a system of co-regulation in which minimum bit-rates are abolished, but licensees are required to establish and apply appropriate criteria and practices for securing quality. With the introduction of DAB+, broadcasters now have the opportunity to reduce the cost of each audio service. Governments and Regulators have better spectrum efficiency and consumers have a larger choice of stations. WorldDMB has successfully standardised the inclusion of this new audio coding algorithm, which can easily be added to any DAB multiplex (ETSI TS 102 563 V1.1.1). Analogue Switch Off It is intended that conventional analogue FM broadcasting will eventually be replaced by digital radio, with Eureka 147 at its core. Therefore, one of the factors for the success of digital radio is the closure, at least for mainstream broadcasting, of existing analogue stations. It is unreasonable to expect this closure to happen overnight, but there is little incentive for broadcasters and receiver manufacturers to take Eureka 147 Digital Radio seriously if governments continue to ignore analogue shut down in their various legislative proposals. To this end, governments should endeavour to make digital broadcasting available to every analogue broadcaster, no matter how small. This means ensuring there is adequate spectrum available to accommodate all existing analogue broadcasters; it could mean creating a plan to help smaller broadcasters to meet the cost of going digital. Some countries have already suggested analogue switch off dates. In Germany, the goal is to phase out analogue radio between 2010 and 2015, while the Norwegian public broadcaster, NRK, has set 2014 as a switch off date. The Netherlands is aiming for 2019 and the UK has recently begun discussing possible dates between 2015 and 2020. Spectrum Scarcity Another key factor for success is the availability of frequencies for DAB based services. The spectrum demand was studied by the World DAB Forum in 2000, and it was clearly demonstrated that an appropriate amount of spectrum is needed during the migration from analogue to digital in order to accommodate all existing analogue broadcasters. An international regional planning conference for the VHF and UHF broadcasting bands in Europe, Africa, Middle East and the Islamic Republic of Iran held its final session in Geneva from May to June 2006 and resulted in increased spectrum for T-DAB and DVB-T in Band III (VHF) and for DVB-T in Bands IV and V (UHF). The increased spectrum for T-DAB is partially available now and after a transition period it will become fully available in 2015 (except for a few countries when this will not happen until 2020). This positive result will contribute to a structured development of digital radio. 36 Product Overview Long gone are the days when digital radio manufacturing was limited to a handful of products from a small number of receiver manufacturers. Today, in the markets where DAB, DAB+ and/or DMB has been adopted and is promoted, you'll find a product range that is impressive, diverse and affordable. Different markets have different needs and product availability reflects this. The success of DMB in Korea leads to a high proportion of multimedia devices in Asian countries. Whereas in Europe, audio remains the priority and so traditional radio products are most popular. Throughout these markets, new product launches occur on a regular basis and keeping up with them is quite a challenge. This brochure can therefore only give a brief overview of the most popular types. In-home receivers This category encompasses traditional radio devices: kitchen radios, tuner separates, mini/midi hifi systems, clock radios and boom boxes. Overall these products are sold at competitive prices and consequently are rapidly gaining market share. Whilst they focus mainly on audio, new features such as rewind/pause, timer record, and the availability of an EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) mean that consumers find their radio listening enriched and improved in ways they could previously only imagine. In-car receivers The Eureka 147 family of technologies was designed to improve radio reception on the move, and this forms a natural alliance with the in-car radio market. Although developments in this area have been slower than in others, the in-car market is now firmly back on the agenda. In December 2007, PURE Digital launched an adaptor product which converts an existing FM car stereo to enable it to receive DAB digital radio. This product has been well received and is currently selling very strongly in the UK. Additionally, in August 2008 UK car manufacturer Ford announced the introduction of DAB digital radio into three of its car ranges, with more vehicles getting it as an optional extra in the near future. Other car manufacturers with similar audio offerings include Vauxhall/Opel, Audi and Mitsubishi. Multimedia devices Dominated by Korean and Chinese manufacturers making products for their domestic markets, this category includes mobile phones, MP4 players, portable media players and pocket TVs. In China, the market was boosted by special content being offered for the Summer 2008 Olympics. Manufacturing is led by Longcheer, Aigo and BBEF. Some of the key Korean manufacturers include LG, iRiver, Samsung and Ontimetec. Handheld devices In addition to multimedia devices, audio based handheld products are also widely available. As silicon technology has developed, these products have become ever smaller in size and with longer lasting batteries, ensuring that they are ideal for listening on the move. The rise of the iPod has also led to the introduction of DAB enabled docking devices. 37 All information is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of document creation 10 September 2010. WorldDMB cannot take responsibility for any mistakes or incorrect data. WorldDMB Forum Project Office The RadioCentre 77 Shaftesbury Avenue London, W1D 5DU United Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 7306 2531 Fax: +44 20 7306 2539 www.worlddab.org
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