Aeranti-Corallo, the Italian association representing local radio and television broadcasters, is urging the government to allocate additional frequencies to enable local stations to transition to digital terrestrial DAB+ technology.
After the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy (MIMIT) called for expressions of interest in launching DAB+ broadcasts, it became evident that several regions lack sufficient frequencies to accommodate all local stations seeking to switch to digital.
Aeranti-Corallo has proposed reallocating unused frequencies from television multiplex no. 12 to local DAB+ networks. In response, MIMIT has requested Agcom, the communications regulatory authority, to explore options for reallocating radio resources to address demand in areas with frequency shortages. AGCOM is expected to discuss this issue during today’s board meeting.
“We hope that MIMIT and Agcom will quickly find a solution to the need for additional frequencies for DAB+ broadcasts by local broadcasters,” said Marco Rossignoli, president of Aeranti-Corallo.
Rossignoli emphasized that DAB+ must evolve naturally from the analog system in accordance with sector regulations. He highlighted the critical role of local radio in Italy, which serves around 19 million listeners and employs over 2,000 people. Rossignoli concluded that it would be “unthinkable” for the switch to DAB+ to result in a downsizing of the local radio sector.
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