Digital radio is firmly on the agenda over the next two years in Thailand now that the digital TV licence process is underway, says the media regulator.

The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) confirmed plans to prioritise the new radio technology in a recent briefing to mark its second anniversary.

The Nation newspaper reports that NTBC plans to allocate frequencies to digital radio over the next year.

NBTC officials told the paper they want to learn from Australia’s experience in rolling-out digital radio, where 10 percent of the population is already reached.

Australia uses the DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) platform, an updated version of DAB, offering more robust reception and more efficient use of frequencies.

NBTC representatives also recently visited the UK – seen as the most mature digital radio market – where 45 percent of the population own a DAB digital radio.