Australia prepares for Digital Radio Mondiale

The Australian communications regulator has embargoed spectrum that could in the future be used for Digital Radio Mondiale services.

The Australian Media and Communications Authority cited the country's "interest" in the technology and ongoing international trials as the reasons for the move.

"ACMA intends to plan for the introduction of Digital Radio Mondiale but is also aware that international arrangements are still evolving and that Australia is influenced by these arrangements," said Giles Tanner, general manager of the ACMA's inputs to industry division. "ACMA believes that a greater public benefit should be realised if its introduction is planned rather than introduced prematurely while international developments are still occurring. ACMA’s use of embargoes and planning is intended to avoid the premature introduction of unplanned services that may compromise the benefits to the public that would otherwise result from the delivery of comprehensively planned Digital Radio Mondiale bands."

No new frequency assignments will be permitted in the 5950–6200, 7100–7300, 9500–9900, 11650–12050, 13600–13800, 15100–15600, 17550–17900, 21450–21850 and 25670–26100 kHz bands as a result of the embargo; applications for DRM trials on the frequencies will, however, be accepted.

DRM, unlike its DAB counterpart, is designed to deliver digital radio services with FM-like quality sound over bands currently used for AM broadcasts.