Nation tunes out analog radio in favor of digital
STAVANGER, Norway — For some radio listeners in Norway, there will be dead air starting Wednesday.
The mountainous nation of 5 million will become the first in the world to phase out analog signals in favor of Digital Audio Broadcasting, or DAB.
The move has provoked concern for the elderly and motorists, while others will be nostalgic for the crackling sound of old radio.
Judith Haaland, 98, remembers the radio broadcasts from London during World War II and Norway’s king stiffening the resolve of his countrymen under German occupation. Now blind and living alone, her radio has been her tether to the outside world.
“I remember April 9, 1940, planes flying overhead and Quisling coming on the radio saying he had taken control of the government with the help of the Germans,” said Haaland, recalling the rule of Norwegian Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling.
In a move likely to be watched closely by other nations, the Norwegian government will begin shutting off the FM signal on Wednesday. By the end of the year, national networks will be available only on DAB.
Norway claims the move will free up cash for broadcasters to invest in programing, while providing a clearer and more reliable network,
But critics say that Norwegians are being forced to expensively upgrade their technology and warn that emergency messages could be missed, especially in cars, as up to 20 million analog receivers are rendered obsolete.
Between 2.2 million and 2.3 million cars have no DAB. Motorists will either have to buy a new radio costing $468 or an adapter for $175. A DAB radio for the home costs $117, though consumers can pick up the signal through TV or the Internet.
”Norway is not prepared for this. There are millions of radios in homes, cottages and boats that won’t work anymore, and only 25 percent of cars have digital radios or adapters,” said Svein Larsen of the Norwegian Local Radio Association.