Opposition Communications spokesperson, Lindsay Tanner put Digital Radio on the agenda in the House of Representatives this week by asking a series of questions on notice that suggested that the government might be delaying action on digital satellite radio technology.

He asked:

Did the September 2001 report of the Rural Radio Inquiry recommend that the minister should consider [the potential for] satellite digital radio technology in regional and remote areas…

Has satellite digital sound broadcasting been available to most of the world for more than two years…

Can trials be commenced immediately in north-west Australia using affordable satellite … equipment…

What is the government’s position on conducting trials.

Did Australia in 1994… require the International Telecommunications Union to reserve a satellite orbit position [for digital satellite broadcasting]

Does the minister’s department now want to suppress this notification

Has [it] the capability to provide early universal service coverage to all of Australia…