Industry seeks clarity on digital radio migration

Coordinated research and action between vehicle manufacturers, broadcasters and governments across Europe is needed if plans to introduce digital radio to all vehicles on the road are to be met, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in its submission to the House of Lords Select Committee on Communications.

In June 2009, government published the Digital Britain Report, outlining plans for all new vehicles to be fitted with digital radios from 2013 and every vehicle currently on the road to be digitally enabled from as early as 2015. Today’s submission, in response to the House of Lords' Inquiry, backs the challenging deadline for new vehicles but raises concerns about the timeline given for adapting the existing parc of over 31 million vehicles. Given their long lifespan, most vehicles registered from 2006 will still be in use by 2015, requiring radio convertors to be fitted. The availability of low-cost converters and an appropriate network of trained technicians to ensure they are correctly installed.

Commenting on the submission, SMMT chief executive, Paul Everitt said, “An increasing number of new vehicles are now available with digital radio but convertors would be needed to upgrade the existing parc. It is essential that a thorough cost/benefit study is undertaken before government commits to any digital migration date, particularly when applying this to vehicles already on the road.

“Consumer demand is key to the speed at which digital radio progresses and to build this demand, broadcasters must improve the desirability of content and geographical reach. Government must also raise consumer awareness of these deadlines to encourage the take-up of this technology. A collaborative approach between broadcasters, vehicle manufacturers and government is vital to the effective delivery of the Digital Britain recommendations.”