The sessions covered DAB+ global status, an update on DAB+ receivers, the business case for DAB+, technical features, headend and transmitter systems, and DAB+ network design.
WorldDAB and the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) presented a technical webinar series last week, attracting over 350 broadcasters, network operators, regulators and other radio stakeholders from over 50 countries. The series, which extended for three days, presented a panel of experts who explained the features and opportunities that (Digital Audio Broadcasting) DAB+ offers broadcasters in the MENA region.
The sessions covered DAB+ global status, an update on DAB+ receivers for home and car, the business case for DAB+, technical features, headend and transmitter systems, and DAB+ network design.
Questions raised by participants during the lively Q&S a session focussed on how to establish DAB+ in the region, DAB+ receivers range, cost and the ability to display Arab text, business cases and deployment models, and trials before moving towards wider country coverage
In recent years, DAB+ services have grown significantly in the MENA region. In Tunisia, where regular services cover 75% of the population, the government is aiming to switch-off of FM services by 2025. Neighbouring Algeria – where a trial launched in 2018 currently covers 68% of the capital Algiers – is also planning the migration from FM to DAB+.
Trials have been launched in Oman and Jordan, while Qatar and Kuwait have regular services on air – with 16 stations on-air and 100% population coverage for the latter. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the government is in the process of introducing regulation requiring radio receivers to include DAB+ digital radio.
WorldDAB is also planning another webinar series produced in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), presenting information tailored specifically to the Asia Pacific region. The webinars will take place during October 20-22.
