Following the digital switchover for our TV service, the government has now unveiled plans for an analogue switch off in its Digital Report, with all non digital signals finally shut down by 2015.
The move would mean the same for analogue radio listeners as it did for analogue TV viewers - come the cut off date if you don't have a DAB radio you won't be listening to anything.
Current stats reveal that in the UK one third of all households already own at least one digital radio, so there's plenty of room for growth, with the report noting that the digital move will be designed to 'provide clarity to broadcasters, manufacturers and listeners, alongside cost-saving and economies of scale, which will be necessary to achieve the Digital Radio Upgrade programme'.
The obvious problem area for radio over television is car use - some 34 million cars to be more accurate, although the government is outlining plans to ensure every new car will feature a DAB radio by 2013.
'We are delighted that the Digital Britain report recommends a clear migration date for in-car DAB and even more pleased to see major car manufacturers already giving their support', opines Paul Smith, general manager of Brit DAB manufacturer PURE.
www.culture.gov.uk (WARNING: BIG PDF file!)
