The expansion of the ongoing DAB+ trial in Bangkok Thailand was announced at the WorldDAB Technical Group meeting on December 9, 2021. With this development, the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission of Thailand (NBTC) is set to coordinate the construction of 10 new transmission sites which include both National and Local DAB+ layers.
The original DAB+ trials are in Bangkok and the surrounding region and were set up in cooperation with the Royal Thai Army with the objective to establish technical parameters. This expansion will include the areas and cities of Chang Mai in the north, Khonkaen and Nakhon Ratchasima in the northeast, Pattaya and Chonburi adjacent to Bangkok, and Songkhla, Nakhon Thammarat, and the tourist centre of Phuket in the south.
NBTC officials indicated: “This is an exciting opportunity to expand the DAB+ coverage from our capital Bangkok into the major regional centres across the country. Not only does this expansion provide the opportunity to test features and educate broadcasters but most importantly to start the journey to attract DAB+ listeners. We intend to embark on a nationwide marketing campaign once we have the transmissions constructed. This project offers both national and regional broadcasters the opportunity to expand their services and coverage and to help ensure a healthy radio environment for the future, one which is both green and competitive”.
WorldDAB president Patrick Hannon expressed his support for Thailand saying: “The expansion of the DAB+ trial is an important step forward for digital radio in Thailand. As the global body responsible for promoting the adoption of DAB+, WorldDAB is always ready to support countries to move forward with deploying DAB+ in any way needed. We very much welcome the Thai initiative and we wish our Thai colleagues every success”.
Initial objectives of the trials were to establish network parameters, demonstrate interference-free audio, introduce DAB+ data services, emergency warning system and electronic programme guide and pop-up services. Given the diverse geographic features and urban development in Bangkok and regional areas, the overall aim is to achieve the most beneficial coverage and quality of sound.
The NBTC are active members of the WorldDAB APAC Technical Group and regularly provide valuable contributions to the forum.