DAB+ FOR HOBART

Regulatory arrangements have been completed for digital radio to be made available in Hobart, while the trial services that have been running for years in Canberra and Darwin will finally be made officially permanent, according to ACMA. Not immediately, however — no date has been set for the ‘rollout’, and discussions with the broadcasters about starting the transmitter licence allocation process is just beginning. As for the regions, ACMA acknowledges “that many regional radio broadcasters are eager to provide digital offerings... the Government has commissioned ACMA to identify which regional markets wish to commence services and prioritise planning accordingly.” Meanwhile FM & AM remain the choice for the regions (see p16).