Digital radio blackspots to be fixed

DAB+ On Channel Repeaters (OCR) are to be turned on in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to help with blackspots in dense urban areas and geographically challenging environments on the boundaries of licence areas.

The Melbourne CBD is the first of 12 commercial radio repeater sites that have been licensed by the ACMA. Others in Melbourne include Bacchus Marsh and Fishermen’s Bend.

In Sydney they will be installed to assist in the CBD as well as Collaroy, Newport, Winmalee, Mt Badgelly, and Redfern.

In Brisbane coverage will be improved in Mt Mee for the northwest, and in Perth they will be installed to assist in the CBD and Mindarie.

Adelaide does not require a repeater as the current transmitter provides good coverage.

CRA CEO Joan Warner said: “Australia has the most powerful DAB+ digital radio signal in the world and the repeaters will ensure more radio listeners across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth can experience the benefits of digital radio."