Rollout of digital radio in Australia
In May 2007, the Australian Parliament passed legislation to implement a framework for the introduction of digital radio services that would operate alongside, rather than replace, existing analog (AM and FM) radio services. Under the framework the first digital radio services would be introduced by radio broadcasters in those areas where they would most likely be commercially viable.
For this reason, planning for the introduction of digital radio has initially focused on the state capitals, with smaller radio licence areas considered subsequently, on the basis of broadcaster interest. In October 2008 the legislation was amended at the request of the Hobart commercial radio broadcasters. Those broadcasters had expressed concern that they were not in a position to commence digital radio services at the same time as the other state capitals.
Digital radio services began in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney in May and June 2009. The Australian Government is assisting the national (ABC and SBS) and community broadcasters with funding for the rollout of digital radio in these markets. The first regional trial of digital radio commenced in Canberra in mid-July 2010.
The first digital radio services use the world's most widely implemented terrestrial digital radio technology—Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB). In early 2007 the radio industry announced that it would use the enhanced version of DAB, known as DAB+ (DAB plus). Through its more efficient use of radiocommunications spectrum, DAB+ allows the possibility of both higher audio quality and a greater number of digital radio services.
However, the DAB+ platform may be unable to replicate the extensive broadcast coverage of some AM services. This was one of the matters considered in a review into technologies appropriate for digital radio broadcasting in regional licence areas. The review considered issues such as the availability and price of reception equipment and the coverage characteristics of the various digital radio technologies, including DAB+ and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM).
A report of the review was tabled in Parliament on 12 October 2011.
