Pricing and launch dates for the new LG Stylus DAB+ smartphone was confirmed at high noon on the SCA rooftop in Sydney.

You’ll be able to purchase the device outright for $449 at selected outlets of Harvey Norman, BIGW, Officeworks and The Good Guys from next Monday.

It will also be available from Optus and Allphones through special plans.

By next Thursday, it will be available through Virgin Mobile too.

Participating radio stations will promote the LG Stylus DAB+ with an extensive on air marketing campaign from May 9, worth up to $5 million, including listener giveaways of 250 handsets, over a six week period. 

Unlike music streaming and other apps that can use hefty amounts of data, the LG Stylus DAB+ lets users listen to digital quality radio broadcasts for free through a tuner in the smartphone. Not only will this provide quality digital broadcast, but it also allows the user to access pictures and text information on the screen similar to those online while providing unprecedented interactivity compared to AM/FM.

The LG device was launched in conjunction with Commercial Radio Australia which is a member of IDAG (The International DMB Advancement Group), a global organisation representing radio broadcasters which helped develop the DAB+ smartphone. 

Gino Casha, General Manager, Mobile Communications at LG Australia commented: “We are delighted that Australia is one of the first countries in the world to get the LG Stylus DAB+. This is a smartphone that offers something nobody else does – built-in digital radio. Customers in the market for a fully-featured affordable smartphone on which to enjoy a fantastic digital broadcast experience should look no further than this latest offering.” 

Joan Warner, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Radio Australia, said; “Australians love radio, with 95% of the population tuning in each week. Now with the LG Stylus DAB+, radio stations will be able to deliver an even richer radio experience for listeners through the broadcast of visual content such as pictures and text about the track now playing, breaking news and web links.

“Commercial Radio Australia has developed a tailored interface for the smartphone, which allows listeners to enjoy digital radio alongside related internet content. Users will be able to see station logos and branded landing pages, and click on links to more information, events, offers and radio social media channels,” added Warner.