Digital radio takes off

Abstract

The author describes the progress made in digital radio since the launch of a BBC pilot service in the UK in September 1995. Digital radio was launched in the London area in September 1995 with five transmitters working as a single frequency network, offering Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5 Live and additional experimental services. At the time of writing the BBC's services cover London, Birmingham, Manchester and the interconnecting motorways. Covering motorways is an important part of the BBC's roll-out plans because in-car receivers are likely be a significant part of the digital radio market in the early years. The BBC plans to reach 60% of the UK population by Spring 1998 via 27 transmitters, with near universal coverage of the UK the longer term objective. The author describes the extra services, digital receivers, digital radio around the world, and ongoing research.