South Africa - preparation for licensing digital radio now underway

The Minister for Communications this week published a policy directive asking the media regulator ICASA to prioritise licensing for the commercial rollout of terrestrial digital radio. This represents a huge opportunity not just for South Africa’s broadcasters and their listeners, but also for auto manufacturers, DAB+ domestic receiver and chip manufacturers.

With FM spectrum full and any available slots hugely oversubscribed, existing broadcasters on FM are keen to add new services and extend their coverage. DAB's spectrum efficiency, lower cost transmission and receiver availability will help enable the Government to meet their stated goals for digitising radio - universal service and access for all, the introduction of new entrants into the industry, promoting investment, promoting competition, fostering innovation, and reducing costs.

Many cars in South Africa already have DAB+ (where 40% of listening takes place) and the global DAB+ receiver market has been well established for some time, with a wide range of receivers at all price points. DAB’s ability to cater for national, regional and - particularly important for South Africa - community radio, means that, once licensed, South Africa's broadcasters and listeners will readily have access to DAB+ digital radio.