Norwegian DAB roll-out complete in 2014

Minister of Cultural affairs Anniken Huitfeldt last week announced that the contracts to ensure complete coverage of digital radio by the end of 2014, have been signed. 99.5% of Norwegians will then have access to between 15 and 30 radio channels, up from 80% today.

"This is a milestone that we have been working to achieve for a long time. As the last of the major media, radio now takes a definitive step into the digital age. As a consequence of this, Norwegian radio listeners will be able to enjoy an even wider and more exciting selection of radio channels – in the rural areas as well as in the cities. Many listeners use the radio as a source for both entertainment and information every day – they deserve an up-to-date radio medium", Anniken Huitfeldt said on May 9 during the Nordic Media Days in Bergen.

Digital broadcasting will yield room for many more radio channels than the current FM networks are able to deliver. Digital broadcast will offer all of the most popular FM channels, plus a variety of new ones. The detailed plan will be implemented by the end of 2013, to ensure that more than 90% of the population can receive DAB signals. By the end of 2014, some 99.5% of the population will be able to access NRK`s digital radio channels on DAB. The historical agreement was signed last week by Digitalradio Norge (owned by P4 and NRK) and the network builder, Norkring.

Information is the key

80% of the Norwegian population can listen to DAB radio in their homes today, but a lot still remains in terms of road and indoor coverage. These issues are to be completed within the end of 2014 – more than two years ahead of the final transition from analogue to digital radio in January 2017. Digitalradio Norge plays a central role in informing the listeners about this process, and has recently launched the web site radio.no for this purpose. The site includes a postal code based search service for easily checking current and future coverage. You can also order an e-mail or sms notification when coverage reaches a certain area. The extensive enhancement of coverage has already started and both new and improved transmitters are being installed throughout the year.

"This simple-to-use search service enables everyone to quickly find out whether they can receive DAB signals, or alternatively when they will receive it. In addition, you will find tips on how to get started with digital radio, and much more" says Ole Jørgen Torvmark, CEO of Digitalradio Norge.

Half a million DAB radios have been sold in Norway, corresponding to approximately 22% of the households. Sales are rising sharply, with a 65% increase from 2010 to 2011. DAB radios and adaptors are now available to consumers in most shop carrying electronics.

For more information, please contact Ole Jørgen Torvmark, CEO of Digitalradio Norge, one of the IDAG members, on +47 924 30 600.