DAB penetration over 50% by 2011

New research from the Digital Radio Development Bureau has predicted that DAB digital radio will reach 58.5% of UK households within four years.

The study forecasts that by the end of 2007, 21% of households will be listening to DAB, equating to around 6.6 million UK homes. This is expected to rise to 30% by the end of 2008, 40% in 2009 and 50% in 2010.

Domestic portable radios and stereos will be key to DAB growth, while DRDB expects significant growth in DAB clock radios. A real surge in penetration is predicted when the service can be received on most mobile phones, MP3/MP4 devices and docking stations.

DRDB chief executive Ian Dickens said: "While it is important to continue to see successful growth in traditional radio products, DAB’s longer-term future lies in the penetration of these new products, along with in-car and mobile phones. Over the coming months, the DRDB will be changing its shape and focus to ensure that radio moves swiftly down this road."