Gloomy Prognosis for DAB Radio in the Nordic Countries

FM Radio to be retained for decades while online listening is increasing.

Denmark has been broadcasting DAB-radio since 2002. Norway is on its way into a complete DAB+ structure and for Sweden there is a DAB+ proposal to the government for a transition period 2016-2022. Finland has definitely left the DAB track.  -  Will DAB survive the established FM radio and the fast rising on-line platforms in the Nordic market with a total population of 26,7 million - and a combined resource of 50 million FM receivers?

Mobile broadband future major platform for radio and tv

Data transfers on 5G thousand times faster than 4G

Record-breaking speeds have been achieved during tests of 5G data connections. Researchers at the University of Surrey's 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC) managed one terabit per second (Tbps) - many thousands of times faster than current data connections.

At 1Tbps, it would be theoretically possible to download a file 100 times the size of a feature film in about three seconds. The speed is more than 65,000 times faster than average 4G download speeds.

Will Denmark Ever Go From DAB to DAB+ ?

Political Decision on Danish DAB+ Postponed Again

For the third time in a row the media political MPs in Danish Parliament has decided to postpone a decision on a transition from DAB to DAB+ This after a consultation with a skeptical or negative radio industry opinion with a retainment of FM on its agenda. Next meeting with Folketinget (the parliament) culture committee on this matter will be January 30.

Broadcasters To Lose Still More Space in the UHF Band.

A new band of spectrum 600 MHz may be available for mobile use in Canada.

There is  an ongoing process in most countries to use the 700 MHz band for mobile broadband replacing over-the-air television broadcasting. But there will be a growing demand for still more spectrum on lower frequencies for mobile broadband. The Canadian government has now taken the first step in that direction with a new consultation round.

17.777 FM Transmitters in the U.S.

According to the FCC there are 17.777 FM-transmitters in U.S.A.  6.633 are Commercial radio, 4.085 Educational (mostly NPR and universities) and 873 Low-Power FM (Community radio). Also there are 6.186 FM translators and boosters.

DAB Radio Too Expensive for Commercial Radio in Bavaria

German broadcaster is cutting digital radio involvement  

This month the commercial broadcaster Antenne Bayern is closing two DAB+ channels Antenne topp 40 and Antenne Bayern which will remain online.  Antenne Bayern is critical against the economical possibilities for commercial radio to finance DAB+.  More money for development of content and distribution is needed. But the income from commercial ads will not cover this according to the company.