Norway first nation to scrap FM radio for DAB in 2017
Norway is to become the first country to shut down its FM radio network with Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) primed to replace the medium.
A statement released by the Norwegian ministry of culture said that FM transmitters will be closed in 2017 to make way for a full digital transition.
Thorhild Widvey, Norway culture minister, said: “Radio digitisation will open the door to a far greater range of radio channels, benefiting listeners across the country. Listeners will have access to more diverse and pluralistic radio content, and enjoy better sound quality and new functionality.
“Digitisation will also greatly improve the emergency preparedness system, facilitate increased competition and offer new opportunities for innovation and development, whereas the FM system only had space for five national channels, DAB already offers 22, and there is capacity for almost 20 more.
Widvey added: “In addition, more than half the population already has access to local radio on DAB, and there is considerable potential for further local channels.”
The ministry stated that FM transmission costs as much as eight times more than DAB - money which could be invested into improving the network and content upon the switchover.
With Norway leading the way with DAB technology, Ed Vaizey, the UK minister for culture, communications and creative industries, in March said a UK SAB switchover was a while off, adding: "We want all the building blocks in place before we make a final decision”.