The National Communications Authority (NCA) has launched a Trial phase of the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) technology, that allowed up to eighteen (18) existing FM stations to share one frequency channel out of VHF Band III.
In a welcome address, the Director General of National Communications Authority (NCA), Mr. Joe Anokye explained that, DAB is a digital radio standard for broadcasting digital audio radio services in many countries around the world.
“This launch today positions Ghana as the first country in West Africa and the fourth in Africa to deploy DAB”.
DAB he stated, provides good quality audio, supports the provision of value-added services and spectrum efficiency.
“With the concerns raised about the restrictions on the authorised coverage area for FM stations, we will be testing the possibility of extending coverage with DAB. Accordingly, in this trial, stations in Accra will extend their coverage to Kumasi and vice versa. Additionally, because the frequency used for DAB is different from the one used for FM, both services will run simultaneously (i.e. a simulcast)”.
Mr. Anokye revealed that, to receive DAB+ broadcasts, one would need a radio or receiver that is DAB+ compliant.” For the purpose of the trial phase, the Authority will be giving out a few such devices to the public, but they will not be enough for the millions of radio listeners in Accra and Kumasi”.
The Government, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo he indicated, has pursued a Digital Transformation Agenda aimed at expanding digital access and adoption, enhancing digital public service delivery, and promoting digital enabled innovation.
Mr. Joe Anokye further disclosed that, the introduction of digital sound broadcasting is consistent with the Government’s vision for digital acceleration and transformation.
“We are profoundly grateful to our sector minister, Hon. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful for her continued support, especially the direct support we have received on this project”.
He announced that, the Board of Directors of the NCA approved the DAB trial with enthusiasm and has reviewed reports on its progress at each board meeting this year. “This project should properly be one of the legacies of this Board under the Chairmanship of Mr. Isaac Emmil Osei-Bonsu Jnr”.
Over the years, Frequency Modulation (FM) radio has become a critical medium for communication, entertainment, and information dissemination in Ghana.
As Ghana’s population continues to grow and urbanise, the demand for FM radio stations in major cities has surged, however, the available FM frequencies are limited, leading to numerous challenges.
Some of the issues currently being faced by Ghana’s FM radio landscape are:
Spectrum constraints, which hinders the grant of new FM radio authorisations.
FM radio sometimes suffer interference which causes poor sound quality and disrupted reception for listeners. Additionally, this pose a challenge for advertisers and broadcasters, as it impacts their reach and potential revenue.
Embracing digital radio technologies, such as Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), can alleviate some of the challenges faced by traditional FM radio. Digital radio offers better sound quality, more efficient spectrum utilisation, and a wider range of channels.
Among the benefits to be derived from DAB comprises:
Overcoming Frequency Constraints: With severe constraints on FM radio frequencies in major Ghanaian cities, DAB offers a solution to expand coverage and cater for the growing demand for sound broadcasting services.
Improved Reception Quality: DAB utilises digital signals, mitigating interference and delivering superior audio quality compared to traditional analogue FM radio.
Efficient Spectrum Usage: DAB allows more stations to share the same frequency channe and transmitter thereby enhancing energy and frequency efficiency. In this trial, 18 existing FM stations in Accra and Kumasi will share the same frequency channel to deliver DAB services.
Enhanced Interactive Services: In comparison to FM, DAB allows the transmission of metadata such as text and images for the following- service and programme information, emergency warnings, news, weather and traffic information.
Ease of selecting DAB stations to listen: Consumers are able to select DAB stations by searching for the names of the stations instead of memorising their frequencies.
