The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to revolutionize radio broadcasting in the country with the launch of the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) Pilot Project.
Initiated at the UCC Headquarters, this pioneering project signifies a monumental leap in broadcasting technology and aligns with international agreements and national standards, setting the stage for a digital transformation in Uganda’s audio broadcasting landscape.
The What
The DAB+ Pilot Project, operating under the guidelines of the Uganda Communication Act 2013 and the ITU’s Geneva 2006 Agreement (GE06), is a one-year initiative aimed at evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of digital audio broadcasting in Uganda.
The project focuses on the Greater Kampala area, with a coverage radius of approximately 80km, and is being implemented in Spectrum Band III (174 – 240 MHz), reserved for such services.
DAB+ technology stands at the core of this project, offering enhanced audio quality, reduced interference, efficient spectrum utilization, and additional features compared to traditional FM radio.
The technology supports text, images, program guides, and is energy efficient, providing a richer and more diverse listening experience. The project also involves the distribution of DAB+ receivers to select users to gather valuable feedback.
The Why
The primary objectives of the DAB+ Pilot Project are multifaceted. It aims to assess the technology attributes of DAB+, understand the prerequisites for a national rollout, evaluate market readiness through listener feedback, encourage digital content development, and inform policy & regulatory requirements for the introduction of digital audio broadcasting in Uganda.
The project seeks to address the limitations of FM radio by offering clearer sound quality, broader coverage, varied content access through a multiplex model, additional data services, and superior energy efficiency.
DAB+ also presents cost-effectiveness through its ability to broadcast multiple stations on one frequency, allowing for cost-sharing and potential long-term savings.
Read About: UCC launches new portal to manage frequency spectrum
What They Said
UCC is collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders, including content providers, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), academia, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and consumer representatives, to ensure the success of this project. The Commission is engaging the business community to import more receivers and has requested broadcasters to acquire additional ones.
Upon the completion of the pilot phase, the Commission plans to engage stakeholders on the next steps regarding the digital sound broadcasting standard.
This will lead to a comprehensive strategic planning phase, focusing on establishing the requisite infrastructure and networks, service needs, geographical coverage, and interference control. The deployment of the broadcasting system will encompass the creation of platform-specific content and consumer awareness initiatives.
Addressing potential interference between FM and DAB+, UCC assured that with careful planning, regular equipment maintenance, and collaboration among broadcasters, interference challenges can be effectively managed and minimized. DAB+ can coexist with FM broadcasting.
UCC also highlighted that several countries globally and in Africa, including South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Botswana, and many European and Asian countries, have explored or adopted DAB+, with mixed experiences regarding benefits and challenges.
%20Pilot%20Project.){kind=link}