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.

Public Service Now Also Doubt DAB+ in Denmark

Politicians must reconsider digital transition

In a hearing at the Parliament the major private radio broadcasters together with the music copyright organizations has questioned DAB as the sole future digital platform in Denmark. They point to the fact that DAB has a limited use in Europe and presents no clear advantages for the listeners. Radio listening is shifting from FM and DAB to online listening on tablets, smartphones and computers.

Now also the two public service companies Danmarks Radio (DR) and Radio24syv have joined those voices. DR says there is a need for deeper analyzis of future media consumption and several decisions should be postponed. DAB+ will demand substantial investments the day the FM network will be closed.

Most of The World Will Be Mobile Connected

Nine out of ten will have a mobile or smartphone 2020
Becoming the major radio and television platform 

Ericsson ConsumerLab has identified some of the most important consumer trends for 2015 and beyond. Rapidly evolving urban consumer attitudes are transforming our world. With only 5 years to go until 2020, the future seems closer than ever. In another report Ericson forecast that 90 percent of the world population will own a mobile phone 2020 and there will be 6,1 billion mobile phones. The mobile video streaming will increase ten times and will 2020 represent 55 percent of all data communications.

DAB Radio: Swedish Green Party Is Not Impressed

Technology and consumer needs must be reviewed says a party in the government

Miljöpartiet - the Green party - is still opposing a proposed national venture in digital terrestrial radio using the DAB system. I don't envisage DAB as an interesting alternative. But the proposal will be put on consultation and based on received answers  we will take a decision if there will be a need of more enquires, says Niclas Malmberg MP for the Greens and spokesperson for culture and media.

DAB Radio Cannot Replace FM in Cars in Sweden

Digital radio proposal missed importance of in-car radio
- including foreign visitors on Swedish roads

In an article in Sweden's no.1 daily Dagens Nyheter the two major car organizations Bil Sweden and Motormännen write that the DAB radio proposal recently presented to the government "seems to have forgotten that three out of ten radio listeners sit in a car".  The proposed time table for switching off FM 2024 is too tight. Millions of cars with FM receivers only will still be in use ten years from now.

It seems also forgotten that Sweden's neighboring world is comprising more than just Norway, comments Gunnar Bergvall president of the Public Service Council.

No Decision to Introduce DAB+ in Sweden

DAB lobby slanting facts about digital radio proposal.

Last week a proposal for a transition from FM to DAB+ in 2016-2024 was presented to the Swedish government. Information about his has now been slanted by DAB promoters as a decision by  the Swedish government for a “roadmap” to a digital-only future. The announcements from Sweden and Switzerland send a clear statement that the future of radio is digital, claims Patrick Hannon, president of the EBU connected lobby organization WorldDMB.   

However, the Swedish government has not taken any kind of decision regarding digital radio. The former center-right government commissioned a "digital radio coordinator" and she has now presented a proposal for a roadmap.  

Royal Academy Rejects DAB Radio

A severe setback for proposal to switch-off FM in Sweden 

The renowned Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) has promptly rejected DAB digital radio in response to the proposed roadmap for a transition to DAB+.

The "Digital Radio Coordinator" commissioned by the former center-right government presented her proposal Dec 1. The plan consists of a mutual launch, extension of the licenses for commercial radio actors to broadcast analogue and a conditional shutdown of FM transmissions 2016-2024.
However, the proposal has been mauled by the public opinion in the press and social media and widely criticized by experts outside the DAB sphere of interest.