WorldDMB has for the first time collated key statistics from digital radio markets around the world. The aim is to present, in an easily accessible format, the status and progress of DAB/DAB+ in nine major territories.
Headlines
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DAB/DAB+ coverage in UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark and Netherlands over 90%
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In last 12 months, DAB+ services launched in Netherlands, Poland and France and 2nd national commercial multiplex awarded in Italy
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Norway on track for DSO in 2017-19
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Strong receiver sales growth in several markets
- Automotive adoption of DAB accelerating rapidly in UK, Norway, Switzerland and Australia
Coverage
Digital radio network coverage continues to expand and is now at 99% in Switzerland, 98% in Denmark, 95% in Netherlands, 94% in the UK and 91% in Germany. Although in pre- launch phase, Italy has already reached 65% population coverage.
Household penetration
In mature digital radio markets, household penetration is close to half of the population: UK 46%, Norway 43%, Switzerland 39%, and Denmark 37%. These figures are expected to jump as the ongoing planning towards a digital switch over progresses in these, and other, key markets.
Digital radio listening
In Q2 2014, 47% of listeners in Norway were using a digital device (up from 40% in Q4 2013) and the market appears on track to achieve the switchover target of 50% by the end of 2014. The Norwegian Media Authority has announced this month that all other switchover criteria have been met. In the UK digital radio reach was at 52.1% at Q4 2013.
DAB/DAB+ receiver sales
Sales of DAB/DAB+ receivers continue to grow with worldwide cumulative sales of consumer and automotive radios now exceeding 26.5 million. Growth in several markets has been very strong – in 2013, sales in Germany were up 50% year on year and in Switzerland up 35%. In Norway, as the market gears up for DSO, growth has been even more spectacular at 139%.
Automotive
Coverage is pushing the take up of digital radio in cars. Approximately 30,000 km of highways in mainland Europe and the Nordic region are covered by a digital radio signal. 63% of new vehicles in Norway, 55% in the UK and 29% in Switzerland are line fitted with DAB digital radio.
There is a clear roadmap for growth of DAB/DAB+ digital radio in all European markets, as well as in the Asia Pacific, South Africa and other territories.
Click here. for full information on the market developments in all countries in the September 2014 issue of the WorldDMB Global Update, distributed at the IFA Berlin 2014 consumer electronics fair. An infographics piece is featured on pages 4-5.