WorldDMB, the global industry forum for digital radio promoting DAB+ radio broadcasting standard, along with ABU-RTM held a technology workshop from February 28 to March 2 with over 150 participants from 14 countries across the Asia Pacific region in attendance at Kuala Lumpur.

The primary aim of the workshop was to demonstrate to delegates how to implement DAB+ technology and its enhanced services and features to save millions of dollars in radio operating and power costs.

The two-day workshop provided an overview of DAB+ digital radio services and was followed by drive tests for delegates to listen to DAB+ transmissions on air in Kuala Lumpur and demonstrated the DAB+ standard and its efficiency improvements compared to analogue FM broadcast.

The conference also came up with recommendations to secure the future of digital broadcasting in the Asia Pacific region.

It highlighted growing demand on spectrum from mobile operators and new entrants and urged radio broadcasters to start planning now.

It suggested that broadcasters should collaborate on technology to get a good share of spectrum and compete with each other on content.

WorldDMB President, Patrick Hannon said: “Commitment from all parties including regulators, public and commercial broadcasters, receiver manufactures and retailers is paramount for a successful roll-out of DAB+ digital radio. Now is the time to tell your regulator about your spectrum and network planning requirements for digital radio so that the regulator can develop a policy framework that paves the way for a digital radio future.”