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The switchoff of FM radio in Norway is not complete. The NRK and the major commercial networks have switched off. There are some commercial FM services which have until 2022 to comply with the law, source, https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/norways-fm-shutdown-six-months-later .
Given that ABC's AM and FM transmitters produce the highest level of CO2 compared to other broadcasters, it should, like its Norwegian equivalent NRK consider a transition to fully digital services, whether AM or FM. Where the metropolitan AM and DAB+ service diverge in service for sporting and talking respectively, it would be simple to use either the existing "Grandstand" DAB+ channel or allocate a mono talk channel for sporting matches.
At the same time, not all countries have adopted DAB+. Though some have 'plans' to cease analogue transmissions and adopt DAB+., that is not 'concrete'. Even some countries such as NZ, HK, Finland have abandoned and not proceeded with DAB+. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Audio_Broadcasting - the bottom of the article. Though RNZ's overseas service transmit in DRM+ https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/listen .
Streaming IP radio is another way of consuming media. With an increase in the uptake of 5G mobile services, initially the transmission rates will be extremely fast especially if one lives near a 5G transmission tower. My concern is that with an increased uptake of 5G and an increasing use of consuming media via 5G, consumers may be disappointed. This is because 5G uses RF while IP conveyed via fibre optic is limited by the electronic interfaces between the laser transmitter and laser receiver. There is no guarantee that IP via RF will be maintain the high bit rates initially promoted to consumers at the beginning of the uptake of 5G as a mode of receiving IP streams.
As an aside, NEP, the provider of OB services for up to 4K video transmission uses IP with data rates in the order of gigabits, https://www.nepgroup.com.au/services/centralised-production. I doubt that they'll be using 5G.
In conclusion, there appears to be no plans by broadcasters to switch over to fully digital radio whether DAB+ or DRM+ despite their adoption by Norway and India. Other countries have no firm plans.
Thank you,
Anthony of exciting Belfield
"technology has passed you by (think AM music stations in major markets"
This is very true.
The industry should in capital cities push DAB+ and not streaming because it is cheaper than AM/FM broadcasting and providing streaming.
We have been broadcasting DAB+ for 11 years. It's about time a switchoff date of AM/FM in those areas be set. Look at ratings in Norway which switched off AM/FM. It is broadcast DAB+ which is accelerating listening and it is not coming from streaming.
Country areas should be pushing for Digital Radio Mondiale using the vacant analog TV channels 0 - 2. It covers much larger areas than DAB+. It will allow country commercial stations to transmit their two programs on a single transmitter close to their prime audience and have enough data capacity for images and even an electronic newspaper. For the ABC/SBS they could radiate their 18 programs also from another single transmitter per site.
Integrated circuit manufacturers already make chips which can receive DAB+/DRM/FM and AM. They just need broadcasters to adopt new standards and promote them. Look at 1300 million Indians have large scale high power DRM and millions of new cars with factory fitted DRM radios.
The use of DAB+ & DAB+ not only reduces capital expenditure the electricity consumption will drop by much more than 60 % and that will cause a similar drop in Carbon Dioxide production in power stations.
Remember that AM was invented in 1910 and FM in 1935. DRM is the latest technology (2009). Who is using an Windows computer with version 3.1 software which was the first to use the mouse. The software/computer companies made all users upgrade. Radio must do the same, as Norway did.