Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2010
68 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that has been spent on digital audio broadcasting radio here; if he will give details of the position regarding this project; his views on criticisms that DAB radio is outdated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16640/10]
View answerThe Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for the development of digital radio in Ireland. Under this Act, RTÉ is given the right to operate a multiplex for the purposes of providing a digital sound broadcasting service. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is responsible for the development of commercial digital sound broadcasting services. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for managing the spectrum and for licensing spectrum to both the BAI and RTÉ in respect of sound broadcasting services. In addition the Broadcasting Act provides an incentive, in the form of an extended licence term, for existing commercial radio stations to simulcast on a digital multiplex.
From 2006 to 2008, RTÉ operated a trial of DAB services on a number of sites in Ireland. This trial also included commercial sound broadcasters. Since the trial ended RTÉ has received a licence from ComReg and has developed a number of new RTÉ sound broadcast stations specifically for their DAB service i.e. RTÉ Junior, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ Chill and RTÉ 2xm. The present service is available in the greater Dublin area, the North East of the country, Cork City and Limerick City. Commercial radio stations are not available on this DAB service.
In 2009 the BAI conducted research into digital radio and they plan to develop a policy for the licensing of commercial digital radio services in Ireland this year. The amount spent on DAB in Ireland to date is an operational issue for RTÉ and the BAI. I have asked both organisations to revert to the Deputy with this information. Unlike the case of digital television, there is no imperative on broadcasters to "go digital" — this is purely a commercial decision for broadcasters.
I am supportive of the development of digital radio. Digital radio provides opportunities for the development of more radio channels which can offer a greater variety of content and more choice for listeners. In addition, digital radio offers the potential to provide value added services such as data information services. In this regard, digital radio is seen as an opportunity for sound broadcasters to expand their businesses and to provide innovative and novel content to their audience. The choice of technology for digital radio services is one for broadcasters and the BAI. As with all new technologies, these are constantly evolving and improving and there are a number of factors — practical, economic, spectrum efficiency, timing, technological, consumer cost and service related issues that will need to be considered by broadcasters and the BAI in making the technology choices.
