L'Allemagne, c'est parti pour le multiplex national RNT en DAB +

German commercial broadcasters and the public service broadcaster Deutschlandradio have today proceeded to the awaited signature of  contracts with network operator Media Broadcaster to launch the first national DAB+ digital radio multiplex. A step forward which was also highly welcomed by the german brodcaster ARD.

Among the station who have committed themselves to launch a radio service on the new DAB+ multiplex in 2011 are the public broadcaster Deutschlandradio and the following 5 private radio operators:

•       Die Neue Welle Rundfunk-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
•       Entspannungsradio GmbH i.G.
•       ERF Medien e.V.
•       Radio 97,1 MHz Hamburg GmbH (ENERGY)
•       REGIOCAST DIGITAL GmbH

The commitments include the airing of a radio service program as well as marketing initiatives meant to promote digital radio among listeners. Also the car industry will play a major role in Germany to push digital radio. The British chip manufacturer Frontier Silicon has committed himself by a letter of Intent signed by its CEO Anthony Sethill to heavily boost the digital radio development by financing marketing campaigns targeting the end consumers and listeners. “We expect that 2011 will be the year that DAB+ is successfully launched in Germany and it is clear that Frontier Silicon will be a major contributor to its success” said Helmut G. Bauer, representative of the commercial broadcasters.

WorldDMB President Jørn Jensen said “This paves the way for national digital radio in Germany and demonstrates a clear commitment on behalf of both public and commercial broadcasters to the country’s digital radio future,” ...  “It has an added significance for digital radio roll out across Europe, as Germany’s decisions often influence those of its neighbouring States.”

3 slots for 3 more national stations are available on the DAB+ multiplex today and a next tender is highly awaited for which apparently there would be some interested candidates. A next important awaited date is 20th December where we should get the result  of the KEF  whether the funding will finally be allowed in the current proposed  constellation or not.