Value added services such as news, data and slideshow have been provided through Push Radio services. In Spring 2011 a common vision of the main broadcasters, both private and public, was defined with a four-tier strategy for migration from analogue to digital radio (DAB+ broadcast; hybrid radio; single online radio player and radio on TV). There is one trial multiplex on air broadcasting a total of six DAB services from public broadcaster Radio Romania. The standard is dominant in Europe and is also used in Australia, and in parts of Africa and Asia; as of 2022, 55 countries are actively running DAB broadcasts. The closure of FM radio in Denmark has been canceled, and there is no known date for future closure. Consequently, the spectral efficiency (the number of phonecalls per MHz and base station, or the number of bit/s per Hz and transmitter, etc.) It is widely believed[by whom?] In digital broadcasting systems, the analog audio signal is digitized, compressed using an audio coding format such as AAC+ (MDCT)[1] or MP2, and transmitted using a digital modulation scheme. Use of digital technology to transmit or receive across the radio spectrum, "Digital audio broadcasting" redirects here. The newly updated frequency map has not yet been published. A T-DMB test was carried out in VHF Band III on Channel 6A between July 2009 and September 2009. Cooperating with Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Beijing Jolon has upgraded their latest generation receivers to support DAB+ and is trialling Push Radio in Australia. The Korean government has set up a digital audio project to recommend a digital audio broadcasting standard for Korea. A second transmitter was also planned for Istanbul. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In total there are 116 DAB+ stations simulcast on FM and 20 DAB+ stations available exclusively on DAB+ digital radio. DAB+ uses a robust modulation which is designed for radio . As of 2017, 420 million people are able to receive DAB services,[1] with over 2,100 DAB services on air in 38 countries. AmeriStar cannot be launched from the United States as Worldspace transmits on the L-band and would interfere with USA military as mentioned above. [43] In 2011, Cofetel allowed other stations in the country to use IBOC. [59] Hundreds of DMB devices are available in this market and usage of mobile TV increases year on year. There is no federally mandated transition to HD Radio for both FM and AM Stations. Government criteria for setting a date for digital radio switchover are: A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Government the BBC and commercial operators in 2012 establishes an agreement in principle to fund the build-out of local DAB to FM equivalence over the next five years, with a commitment to consider further funding if necessary. [19] In 2016 a total of 36% of all radio listening was on digital platforms (DAB and online).[20]. Once the first multiplex is filled with radio content (about 20 programmes), tenders for additional multiplexes will be published. The Council of Ministers reached an agreement on Digital Radio in June 2011 and approved a Digitalisation Plan for Terrestrial Broadcasting with the following measures: DAB transmissions in Sweden started on 27 September 1995 and today the coverage (MUX1) is 35% of the population with services from public service broadcaster Swedish Radio (SR). 16 Audio programs are broadcast 15 times per day and downloaded onto receivers. Nevertheless, a working group that was created in 2009 to consider the countries digital future is still at work. Portugal and Finland abandoned DAB. A Marketing Committee was formed to plan marketing and promotional activities. Sales of DAB receivers where available in stores was also low, and DAB listeners were very few, due to low coverage, being available only in Bucharest. [6] Results of these tests remain unclear, which in general describes the status of the terrestrial digital radio broadcasting effort in North America. The new laws being developed should set a firm timeline in place for digital conversion of all media and telecoms. In 2012 four digital wireless radio systems are recognized by the International Telecommunication Union: the two European systems Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) and Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), the Japanese ISDB-T and the in-band on-channel technique used in the US and Arab world and branded as HD Radio. About half a million people, or 22.5% of the population, were potentially able to receive DAB transmissions. Unlike earlier trials, consumers will receive more information on this new way of radio consumption and there will be a large volume of digital radios available in consumer electronic shops. 2.6 GHz Satellite Sound digital broadcasting. Canada tested DAB services in the L-Band, in five major cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Windsor, and Ottawa in 1999. Public service broadcaster DR began regular services of DAB in 2002. However, analog radio (AM and FM) is still more popular and listening to radio over IP (Internet Protocol) is growing in popularity. DAB related standards Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) and DAB-IP are suitable for mobile radio and TV both because they have MPEG 4 AVC and WMV9 respectively as video coding formats. The total area covered by the trial is 21185km2 and the total gross population covered is 10 705 387 (21.5% of total SA population). DAB and DAB+ cannot be used for mobile TV because they do not include any video codecs. Mobile TV PTY is awaiting a commercial license from the government. MobileTV PTY is in dialogue with the Department of Education to evaluate whether the technology can be used for educational purposes, such as to reach rural schools and colleges in a cost-effective manner. There are seven trial services available including one DMB. I noticed looking at a website with a list of countries with DAB, quite a few had them for a couple of years and have now abandoned digital radio completely. DAB+ demonstrations started in Bangkok on 1 March 2013. Several digital audio streams, or "subchannels", can be carried within this single digital data stream, with the number of audio of subchannels and bandwidth allocations at the choice of the station. The Telekiosks are self-contained and are available as fixed or mobile units. The SADIBA/NAB Working group is encouraged by the commitment of all stakeholders in putting digital radio firmly on the South African broadcasting agenda. Regular services in Romania started on 9 January 2012 on the Bucharest region. In 2013, the Government appointed a Digital radio Industry Coordinator to put forward a Digital Switchover (DSO) plan at the latest in November 2014 after consultation with SR and the commercial radio broadcasters. No programmes are on air. At the end of 2013, the French Parliament will examine an update of the 1986 law about radio and television. MobileTV PTY performed technical tests of DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) and DAB+ in Gauteng from August 2011 until the end of July 2013 and plans to expand trials in South Africa. The multiplexes are operated by Digi B Network and cover 100% of the population. Failure to reach it can postpone the shutdown until 2019). The licences would be in the nationwide and region-wide categories. [71] was rejected by the government June 2015 after a negative consultation round which included the telecom authority (PTS). [66] In January it was announced[67] that they have obtained a frequency allocation for a national network of DAB+ transmitters, covering 73% of Slovene households and 89% of highways and expressways. With the initial market success of DAB+ the contractors decided on an expansion of the digital radio station network in November 2012. Thank you and welcome to the FMR family. The L-Band assigned for DAB is currently considered for DMB services in Canada. Considering the conservative power of the trial DAB+ transmitter of 1kW, the results of the field trial looks promising and are in line with figures already established by the ITU and in broadcasting agencies in Australia. The rejection of the DSO plan was finally confirmed by a unanimous vote in the Parliament 3 February 2016.[72][73]. It can be received in many parts of the country thanks to the presence of twenty-six transmitters, but due to very low listening figures and high costs, plans for future extensions (and new stations) have been cancelled and the switch-off of digital radio has been proposed. The trial will operate as a SFN in VHF band III on Channel 13F on a frequency of 239.200MHz. [14] CRTC had initial plans for DAB to replace all AM/FM radio stations in 1996, but lack of adoption led to the decision to keep AM/FM stations. Demonstrate digital radio services and value-added services DAB radios are available in almost all electronic appliances shops. From 19 November 2009, Slger Rdi and Danubius Rdi were cancelled from the list after terminating the nationwide broadcast of their programs. The FM digital schemes in the U.S. provide audio at rates from 96 to 128 kilobits per second (kbit/s), with auxiliary "subcarrier" transmissions at up to 64 kbit/s. A digital radio switchover would maintain FM as a platform, while moving some services to DAB-only distribution. Two commercial trials were run in Dublin, Cork and the South-East of the country carrying a mix of FM simulcasts and DAB exclusive stations operated by independent companies dB Digital Broadcasting Ltd and Total Broadcasting Ltd. The aim is to plan a roadmap for DAB+ in French speaking Belgium together with the private broadcasters, subject to approval from the French Community Government and the regulator, the Conseil Suprieur de lAudiovisuel (CSA). These include a preliminary analysis of the effect of a switchover, as well as a number of documents addressing technical and communications issues. Some digital broadcasting systems allow single-frequency network (SFN), where all terrestrial transmitters in a region sending the same multiplex of radio programs may use the same frequency channel without self-interference problems, further improving the system spectral efficiency. [4]. The government of Norway on 16 April 2015, announced that the country will officially switch-off national FM broadcasting in January 2017. Hungary chose DAB+ for its digital radio standard, and there was a test multiplex on air broadcasting seven radio programs to the Budapest area. 2. This is seen as the first step to a switchover from analogue FM to digital DAB/DAB+. The Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie (VRT) is the public broadcaster for the Belgian Flemish Community. WorldDAB infographic. On DAB digital radio most listeners can receive around 30 additional stations. Unfortunately this limit was not reached as too few parties showed interest or failed to meet the criteria of the call for interest. Before 2015, there must be reasonably priced, well-functioning in-car adaptors on the market. [15], Trials using DAB were launched by Croatian Radio Television (HRT), the biggest Croatian public broadcaster, in 1997. There are no plans to turn on the DAB network in Singapore. On 14 May 2008 FonTV, Africa's first mobile phone enabled television content service, was launched via DMB. It was expected that Ireland would adopt the DAB+ standard. Back-up ground transmitters (repeaters) will be built in cities where satellite signals could be blocked by big buildings. MobileTV PTY has teamed up with SABC, the public service broadcaster in South Africa. Indonesia is the largest country in south-east Asia with a population of around 240 million. Efforts are underway to study/familiarise staff with other aspects of the DAB+ system such as adding Slideshow (SLS) and text (DL) in order to maximize the full potential of DAB+. While traditional terrestrial radio broadcasters are trying to "go digital", most major US automobile manufacturers are promoting digital satellite radio. During the years several propositions have been put forward to the Parliament suggesting a larger digital radio network roll-out for public service broadcaster SR. MobileTV PTY wishes to also offer distribution for private radio stations following the launch. RTHK operated and maintained the network on behalf of the Consortium and the seven hilltop sites. [citation needed]. This trial has been completed in 2011. Docooler DAB + Box Digital Radio Antenna Tuner FM Transmission USB for Car Radio Android 5.1 and above (only for countries with DAB Signal) 662. [65] First and only multiplex is currently broadcasting all national programmes (4) and some commercial programmes (9), bringing total number of programmes to 14, with all major radio stations announcing, that they are interested in broadcasting in digital technology in the near future.[66]. However, there is a group of broadcasters who are very outspoken in favour of DAB+, but the majority of radio stations remain unsure. Compendium of Statistics on Bank Group Operations is an annual publication of the African Development Bank Group, presenting data on operational activities of the Bank Group. The purpose of this plan is to put forward a proposition on DSO for a decision by the Swedish Parliament. Get it tomorrow, 28 Apr. Frequency planning has allocated a national multiplex and one for each of Greece's nine regions. Thereafter the Company started experimental broadcasting on its DAB+ digital terrestrial radio network, which is received since 23 January 2009 in and around Budapest. SABC will offer their 18 radio channels. The goal is to coordinate the b2b and b2c marketing initiatives of all stakeholders to foster the evolution of digital radio in Germany by obtaining a reasonable market penetration by end of 2014. As the first country to commercially launch mobile TV, South Korea is the most successful DMB market in the world. Other states had funded a station network but the lack of success led them to scrap the funding - the MDR switched off in 1998 already and Brandenburg declared a failure in 2004. RTBF is testing Radio DNS interactive slideshows on its DAB+ channels. On 1 October 2017 a nationwide switch from DAB to DAB+ took place and three DAB multiplexes became available:DAB MUX 1Digital Radio Cibicom is the gatekeeper of this multiplex broadcasting commercial national radio.DAB MUX 2 Coordination with the device industry is carried out via the initiative 'Digitalradio Deutschland', organised by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). This item Docooler DAB + Box Digital Radio Antenna Tuner FM Transmission USB for Car Radio Android 5.1 and above (only for countries with DAB Signal) FirstE Car DAB/DAB+ Radio Portable Bluetooth FM Transmitter 2.3" Big LCD Car Kits Crystal Sound - Play Micro SD/TF Card(64G) +Handsfree Call+5V 2.1A/1.0A Dual USB Ports+ 3M Antenna+3.5mm Aux Output Malta boasts a vibrant and growing DAB+ community of services.[42]. [14] All DAB bouquets in Canada have been discontinued. The radio technology known as Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB and DAB+), and its TV sibling, Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), is being operated in several regions worldwide, either in the form of full services, or as feasibility studies. "Mexico Authorizes Transmission of HD Radio Broadcasting", Riksrevisionens rapport om digitalradio, (RiR 2015:5), Learn how and when to remove this template message, Radio Tlvision Belge de la Communaut Franaise, Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie, National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, "Australian Government report on Digital Radio", "Austria | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Radio stations have until 2022 to prepare for DAB+ (in Dutch)", "VRT-radiozenders op DAB+ vanaf 17/10 | VRT.be", "VRT radiozenders van DAB naar DAB+ op 17 oktober", "Toyota uses DAB traffic info in Belgium", "Brunei Darussalam | Country Information | WorldDAB", "WorldDMB Global Update: Digital radio broadcasting using the DAB family of standards", "Croatia | Country Information | WorldDAB", "OIV vijesti: Odailjai i veze pokreu eksperimentalno emitiranje digitalnog radija DAB+ u Hrvatskoj", "Czech Republic | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Krav fr FM sluk rykker nrmere: Digital radio udgr nu 36%", "Dlibration n 2013-1 du 15 janvier 2013 relative la fixation de rgles de partage de la ressource radiolectrique de la radio numrique terrestre en bande III | Legifrance", "Dlibration n 2013-31 du 16 octobre 2013 modifiant la dlibration n 2013-1 du 15 janvier 2013 relative la fixation de rgles de partage de la ressource radiolectrique de la radio numrique terrestre en bande III | Legifrance", "Prolongation d'exprimentations de radio numrique - CSA - Conseil suprieur de l'audiovisuel", "France | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Germany | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Hong Kong | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Digital radio in Hong Kong to end with RTHK closing 5 channels", "Government announces discontinuation of digital audio broadcasting services in Hong Kong", "Hungary | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Lekapcsoltatta a magyarorszgi digitlis rdizst a nemzeti mdiahatsg", "Oktberben kisrleti DAB+ sugrzs Budapest krzetben - sat-tv-radio", "Indonesia | Country Information | WorldDAB", "RT to end radio services on Digital Audio Broadcast network", "Ireland | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Country Information - Italy - Current situation", "Budget law number 205 of the 27th of December 2017 - Article 1 comma 1044", "Digitalradio weiter ausgebaut UKW Abschaltplan der RAS von der Landesregierung genehmigt", "Informcija par NEPLP sdi 17. novembr", "Malaysia | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Monaco | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Netherlands | Country Information | WorldDAB", "New Zealand | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Review of options for 174-230 MHz | Radio Spectrum Management", "Kordia 'ready to invest' in Digital Audio Broadcasting if radio firms supportive", "In 2017, Norway will be first country to shut down FM radio", "Norway | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Portugal | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Romania | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Russian Federation | Country Information | WorldDAB", "DAB Ensembles Worldwide | Archives 2009", "Singapore | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Slovenia | Country Information | WorldDAB", "RTV Slovenija pridobila frekvenco za DAB omreje", "South Africa | Country Information | WorldDAB", "South Korea | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Sweden | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Riksrevisionens rapport om digitalradio", "Switzerland | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Chinese Taipei | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Thailand | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Turkey | Country Information | WorldDAB", "amlca Kulesi'nde tm yayn testlerinde "baar" | Video", "United Kingdom | Country Information | WorldDAB", "Vietnam | Country Information | WorldDAB", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Countries_using_DAB/DMB&oldid=1159123189, Coverage (absolute condition for FM shutdown): Before 2015, the public broadcaster NRK must achieve coverage of 99.5%, the commercial broadcasters on the national network #1 are required to reach 90% of the population. The first Thailand Broadcasting Master Plan (20122016) states strategies for digital terrestrial radio roll-out, roadmap and policy for digital terrestrial radio roll-out within two years, after the adoption of the Master Plan. At present these are priced too high to be affordable by many in the third world, however. In 2007 RTB (Radio Television Brunei, the public and main broadcaster) began a DAB trial, originally to last for five years to include simulcast services. The first DAB trials in Spain started on 23 June 1996. Both the FM and AM schemes use lossy compression techniques to make the best use of the limited bandwidth. Each satellite provides three transmission beams that can support 50 channels each, carrying news, music, entertainment, and education, and including a computer multimedia service. Ireland's public service broadcaster, RT operated a full-service Multiplex across a five transmitter network covering 52% of the population in the main cities until late March 2021. As well as here at dubainow.co.uk, you can listen on DAB Digital Radio in parts of the UK. Until November 2013 Slovenia's public broadcaster, RTV Slovenia, broadcast four DAB services - Prvi program, Val 202, Ars and Radio Slovenia International from Krvavec transmitter on a trial multiplex 12B (frequency 225.648MHz, vertical polarization) covering the capital city of Ljubljana and central Slovenia. The Radio Tlvision Belge de la Communaut Franaise (RTBF) is the public broadcaster for the Belgian French speaking community. Regional and local commercial radio. people in reach of DAB+transmissions for outdoor coverage). Digital radio stations are also distributed on digital television platforms such as Sky, Virgin Media and Freeview, as well as internet radio. Finland is requesting the EU to mandate that automakers support FM similarly to DAB. The digital radio service will be provided on VHF (very high frequency) bands that will be returned to the NBTC by the state agencies that own existing analog TV concessions. [11] The number of transmitters will increase from 5 to 10 in April 2018 and 20 in September 2018. A second national mux (6A Digi B2) was launched in 2011. [53] It became the first country in the world to announce an official switch-off date for FM broadcasting. Unique in the radio sector, the Alliance brought together public service media (PSM) and commercial broadcasters while remaining agnostic . [4], DRM+ is regarded[by whom?] If licences are granted they will within the first year cover up to 50% of the population of South Africa, although they aim to increase this to between 80 and 90% within 23 years. Digital radio action plan, Following the Government's statement on digital radio at the end of 2013 it has now published a range of supporting documents here. FREE Delivery by Amazon. KommAustria intended to launch DAB+ by an open call for tender regarding the DAB+ network if enough parties showed believable and sustainable interest. In 2020, DAB+ signals cover more than 90% of Germany. Beijing Jolon broadcasts 30 hours or 25 program channels every day through Push Radio. [38], RAS is planning to shut down the first minor FM transmitter stations in the province of South Tyrol started in December 2017 and will be completed in November 2018. But FM listening has increased to 61% and DAB decreased to 21% DAB listeners may also use AM & FM too.[11]. More than 62 million DMB enabled devices have been sold, of which the most popular are mobile phones. In May 2016, the Flemish government announced the intent to have all nationwide Flemish radio stations broadcast exclusively in DAB+ by 2022. The trial will allow the testing of: This test mode is scheduled to last a year, with the possibility of an extension in to 2015. Digital listening (condition to be met in order to shut down FM in 2017. Austria is committed to a digital radio future and a report by the regulators, the Austrian Communications Authority (KommAustria) and RTR-GmbH recommended DAB+ in Band III as the way forward. During that time the DVB-H variant of the DVB family was released for transmission to mobile receivers in 2004. Listeners could continue to receive MediaCorp radio through online streaming as well as mobile phone apps alongside the FM services in Singapore. The DAB+ transmission is clearly in the test phase the technical characteristics are constantly shifting. Transmissions use orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing, a technique which is also used for European terrestrial digital TV broadcast (DVB-T). See main WorldSpace article. This article provides brief information on most of the regions using DAB, DAB+ and DMB. This page is not available in other languages. The CSA has set Friday, 20 June 2014 as the start date of the broadcast for digital radio for the authorised radio stations in the areas of Marseille, Nice and Paris. This period will enable publishers of radio and multiplex operators to conduct all necessary technical and commercial operations launch services. Five RTB stations are broadcast on DAB in Brunei. A total of 18 DAB audio services are on air. Low-cost DAB radio receivers are now available from various Japanese manufacturers, and WorldSpace has worked with Thomson Broadcast to introduce a village communications center known as a Telekiosk to bring communications services to rural areas. At last the KEF (commission to determine the financial needs of broadcasters) blocked federal funding on 15. The AM digital schemes have data rates of about 48 kbit/s, with auxiliary services provided at a much lower data rate. The Ministry of Communication and Information got together with other broadcasters in Vietnam: VTV, VOV, VTC and TTNVN to implement the digital broadcasting scheme by 2020.[83]. After the completion of the network construction of seven hilltop sites on 19 June 2012, 17 out of the 18 channels broadcast formally. The highest proportion of radio use in cars is also via DAB+ (51%). The services are currently operating in the five state capital cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and is being trialled in Canberra and Darwin. The present . Because of the early success of the old DAB standard, the transition to the more efficient DAB+ takes more time. "Digital platform" also includes listening via internet and via the digital TV network. A minimum limit of 12 possible programs (to fill one MUX coverage) was set. By the end of 2013 more than 120 national, regional and local programs will be broadcast in Germany. In April 2012 the CSA re-launched a call of tender for three cities (Paris for seven multiplexes, Marseille and Nice for six multiplexes each). From the channel 12C multiplexer (frequency 227.36) the First, Second and Third Program, Kosmos, ERA Sport and Voice of Greece, as well as a program called ERA7, broadcasting sound from the Parliament channel, are being broadcast, reports radiofono.gr. Satellite radio is neither of these things; however, in the early 21st century it has grown by providing uncensored content (most notably, the crossover of Howard Stern from terrestrial radio to satellite radio) and commercial-free, all-digital music channels that offer similar radio formats to local stations. This does not specify market share of listening, contrary to the UK requirement, only reach. End-to-end technical functionality A national multiplex contains three public stations by Deutschlandfunk and 12 commercial stations. As with XM Satellite Radio, Sirius implemented a series of terrestrial ground repeaters where satellite signal would otherwise be blocked by large structures including natural structures and high-rise buildings. All DAB services in Hong Kong has ceased to exist since.[29][28]. Korea's latest innovation is an interactive mobile TV service, or Smart DMB, launched in May 2011 with six terrestrial-DMB operators (T-DMB). Their two transmitters will be relocated from Pretoria and Johannesburg Autumn 2013. DAB in Taiwan is solely operated by SuperFM on a trial basis. Normal radio services operate on the AM and FM bands, as well as four stations (ABC and SBS) on digital TV channels. All kinds of digital communications can be multiplexed or encrypted at will. Three of the multiplexers are regionally MFNs and one multiplexer is a nationwide SFN on channel 12B. Mexico had tested various radio problems in the 1990s, including Eureka 147. Docooler DAB + Box Digital Radio Antenna Tuner FM Transmission USB for Car Radio Android 5.1 and above (only for countries with DAB Signal) 3.9 out of 5 stars 695 1 offer from 34.99 The multiplex was operated by Antenna Hungria, which also runs DVB-T multiplexes, national TV and radio stations in Hungary. MediaCorp launched the DAB service in Singapore in November 1999 and was the first broadcaster in Asia to offer DAB digital radio service. Digital radio deployment was rebooted during 2011 - a joint commission of public and private radio broadcasters decided upon "DAB+" as the new national standard in December 2010. Take-up of DRM has been minuscule and many traditional Shortwave broadcasters now only stream on Internet, use fixed satellite (TV set-boxes) or Local Analogue FM relays to save on costs. Nantes was already allowed until the end of the year. Extent of portable mobile coverage The report suggested a moratorium of two to three years during which time the French market would look at No DAB+ rollout is planned. In 2012, the license regulator (MRTV) started the license process for commercial digital radio. An additional 125,000 DAB+ devices were fitted in vehicles. The aim of the new organisation is the promotion and development of digital radio in Austria, developing the media category "Radio" in the digital media world, the establishment of radio on new platforms and to promote the provision of information and support for education and training in the field of electronic and new media. On February 19, 2007, Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio merged, to form Sirius XM Radio. Because of the shutdown of national FM stations, Norway fully shifted to digital audio broadcasting (DAB) by December 2017. In February 2013 Norkring launched a "call for interest" for a DAB+ roll-out in the Northern part of Belgium. Furthermore, a stable ecosystem of private digital radio stations could be established in metropolitan areas such as Frankfurt, Berlin and Munich. While coverage is currently limited to the areas around Accra and Kumasi, the operator has plans to roll out FonTV across the country.[26]. Monaco and the area around it has a transmitter, but due to some on-going technical issues, at present digital radio in Monaco is on hold.