DRM: EECC Signals Positive Step

Digital Radio Mondiale has announced that it welcomes the adoption of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC). EU member states need to apply the code, passed in December 2018, into national legislation by Dec. 21 2020.

DRM says it applauds the neutral recommendation that any car for rent or sale after this date should have a radio receiver capable of receiving services provided via digital terrestrial radio broadcasting.

“Digital terrestrial radio broadcasting covers more than one standard,” DRM said in a statement. “With DRM transmissions on the air in Europe and from other parts of the world to Europe, such an overarching recommendation can hasten radio digitization. Existing multi-standard chipsets allow for the use of one or two complimentary standards so listeners in various countries have access to a variety of services both nationally and internationally.”

The consortium points to the many OEMs that provide car receivers to the automotive industry on a global level. “The EECC sends a positive signal to the entire world. It’s encouraging the digitization of radio through a balanced approach that energizes the automotive industry and benefits suppliers, no matter where they’re located,” it said.

“The EU act encourages the car industry to take note and work even harder toward multi-standard solutions, which can also be introduced in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia and Africa,” said Ruxandra Obreja, DRM chairman. “The act is also significant because it urges the creation of an equal playing field for the car industry. It’s important to offer continuous services across countries and continents, thus giving listeners access to digital radio, irrespective of the digital broadcasting platform.”