EU Parliament backs digital radio in cars
January 18, 2019
Policy makers, broadcasters and car makers are gathering at the Brussels Motor Show this evening to raise awareness of new EU rules requiring all new car radios to be capable of receiving digital terrestrial radio within two years.
The European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) entered into force on December 20th 2018. EU Member States have two years from this date to transpose the code into national legislation.
The EECC states that “any car radio receiver integrated in a new vehicle available for sale or rent in the EU will be required to include a receiver capable of receiving and reproducing radio services provided via digital terrestrial radio broadcasting”. The decision is driven by a pan-European industry trend away from the previously prevailing FM standard and towards digital radio. Speaking ahead of the Brussels Motor Show, WorldDAB President Patrick Hannon commented:
“Within two years, all new car radios in the EU will be able to receive digital terrestrial radio. This requirement applies equally to countries with established DAB+ markets, such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands and those at an earlier stage of development, such as Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Motorists across Europe will be able to receive the benefits of digital terrestrial radio – greater choice, clearer audio and enhanced data services. In times of emergency, when mobile networks are most likely to become overloaded, motorists will still be able to receive reliable safety and security information.”
“We are very pleased and proud to have actively campaigned for this”, added Noel Curran, Director General of the EBU. “Having all radios in passenger cars capable of digital terrestrial radio reception opens up new opportunities for broadcasters to develop ever more innovative services and for audiences to enjoy an enriched and better quality offer when they are on the move.”