Norway is to become the first country to shut down its FM radio network, despite concerns that millions are not ready for the switch to digital.
The move, which aims to ditch the analogue platform in favour of a digital one called Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), has caused some controversy among some people who say the majority of cars lack the necessary technology.
Critics say the government is rushing the move and many people may miss warnings on emergencies that have until now been broadcast via the radio. Of particular concern are the 2 million cars on Norway's roads that are not equipped with digital audio broadcasting (DAB) receivers, they say.
The government says the digital option will bring savings of more than 200 million kroner ($23.5 million) for broadcasters and a clearer sound for the only 5 million people living in a huge country formed by fjords and mountains.
"The main reason that Norway is the first is because of the Norwegian landscape, which has deep fjords, high mountains and scattered communities," it said in a statement. "This makes it particularly expensive to operate the Norwegian FM networks compared with other countries."
The shutdown will begin in the city of Bodoe on Jan. 11 and is expected to cover the whole country by the end of the year.
Switzerland plans a similar shift beginning in 2020, and Britain and Denmark are among those also considering such a switch. A smooth transition to DAB, which is already beamed across Norway, could encourage these countries to move ahead.
Posted by , Published at January 07, 2017 and have
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