The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomes the certainty that the Digital Britain report provides and government’s commitment to working with industry in the implementation of DAB radios in new cars by 2013, but has reservations about the ambitious timetable.
Industry, through the Digital Radio Working Group, had advised government that before it would commit to providing DAB as standard, digital coverage must be comparable to FM coverage in the
However, industry’s main concern regards the 32 million vehicles already on the road. Only a small percentage of these will already have DAB radios fitted and, while the report says that the remainder could be converted or use low cost aftermarket devices, the timetable is extremely challenging.
“This is an ambitious and accelerated timetable for all involved but we welcome the clarity it provides to motorists and industry alike,” said
“Ultimate success will be achieved through working with government and content providers to deliver products which ensure that the investment is justified. We look forward to discussing the next steps with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in the coming weeks,” he concluded.
The report sets out a five-point plan to encourage take-up of digital radio in cars:
· Work with manufacturers so that vehicles sold with a radio are digitally enabled by the end of 2013.
· Support a common logo for digital radios and ensure that non-DAB radios and their limitations are clearly labelled.
· Encourage the development of portable digital converters.
· Promote the introduction of more sophisticated traffic information via DAB and comprehensive marketing by broadcasters.
· Work with European partners to develop a common European approach to digital radio.
The full Digital Britain can be accessed here
