DAB+ Trial Extended

CRA has welcomed being given the green light by AMCA to extend the DAB+ digital radio trial licences in Canberra and Darwin until 30 June, 2015.

Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner said: “Both trials have provided valuable insights into coverage planning that will help ensure regional rollout of DAB+ provides cost effective reception.”

The plan is to experiment further with new features and functions that are unique to DAB+.

Including using it's slideshow (images) and scrolling text to broadcast emergency information. An example was detailed in the recent CRA Report in the digital radio platform.

It will also give the industry a chance to continue testing a range of planning techniques and equipment types used in DAB+.

The DAB+ trial includes:

Canberra, 2CA, 2CC, Mix 106.3, 104.7, My Canberra, Hot Country, Canberra 100 and Buddha are on DAB+, as well as suite of ABC and SBS services.

Darwin, Hot 100 and Mix 104.9 along with Top Country Digital, Classic Rock and Radio TAB.

The Canberra and Darwin DAB+ trials are the first outside the metropolitan capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The latest DAB+ listening and sales figures are now available in the Digital Radio Industry Report 2014.