According to Aeranti-Corallo, the association representing Italy’s local broadcasters, the country’s communications regulator, Agcom, has called on the government to revise current legislation requiring digital radio receivers in new vehicles. Agcom warns that recent changes in automotive infotainment design are undermining the rollout of DAB+.
The regulator issued a formal advisory (Resolution No. 316/24/CONS) following a market investigation into the development of terrestrial digital radio. The advisory highlights a growing loophole in the 2020 law mandating the inclusion of DAB+ receivers in vehicles equipped with traditional car radios.
According to Agcom, some newer vehicle models — despite being from major manufacturers — are no longer equipped with built-in car radios. Instead, they rely on infotainment systems that connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone, using mobile data to stream radio over IP. While these vehicles comply with the letter of the law, Agcom says they violate its spirit, which is to promote the adoption of DAB+ and ensure access to free-to-air terrestrial digital radio services.
Strengthening radio broadcasting’s resilience
The current regulation, Agcom notes, applies only when a vehicle includes a car radio. As a result, vehicles with integrated infotainment platforms but no traditional tuner fall outside the mandate, effectively allowing manufacturers to sidestep the DAB+ requirement.
Agcom is urging lawmakers to close this gap by expanding the law to require DAB+ compatibility not only in vehicles with standard radios but also in those featuring broadband-connected infotainment systems. The regulator argues that all vehicles should include receivers capable of handling AM, FM and DAB+ signals, ensuring nationwide continuous and universal access to radio services.
Agcom adds that such a revision would strengthen radio broadcasting’s resilience, especially in emergencies and road safety situations, by preserving access to familiar broadcast frequencies. It also warns that continued erosion of standard radio receiver requirements could disrupt internal market stability and reduce public service reach.
Aernati-Corallo says the regulator’s recommendation is now with the Italian government for consideration.
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