Author: Beyonce Diamond Kpogli
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has launched the trial phase of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Ghana.
Leveraging digital technology, Ghana has become the first country in West Africa and the fourth in Africa to deploy Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is a digital technology that enables radio stations to extend their reach to cities beyond their immediate locations, giving them a wider audience.
The trial kicked off with 11 radio stations in Accra, including Citi FM, and an additional 7 stations in Kumasi.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, underscored that due to the rapid development in the radio and TV industry and its convergence with telecommunication, it has become necessary to ensure that the quality of broadcasting services does not deteriorate.
“We will continue to implement innovative digital infrastructural and skills development projects such as rural telephoning and digital inclusion projects, the girls in ICT initiative, to make ICT assessable to all Ghanaians and encourage youth to pursue careers in the ICT sector. We are building the foundations of our digital economy and working assiduously to transform our economy through technology”.
The minister indicated that throughout the years, Ghana’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital innovation has propelled us to the forefront of digital transformation on the continent, and our government, through its digital Ghana Agenda launched in 2017, instituted projects and programmes geared towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring digital inclusion for all sectors of the economy.”
The Director General of the National Communications Authority, Joe Anokye, noted that DAB has the potential to reshape the radio landscape in Ghana.
Mr. Anokye said the DAB provides good quality audio and supports the provision of value-added services and spectrum efficiency.
“For example, in this trial, up to 18 existing FM stations in Accra and Kumasi will share one frequency channel out of the DFH boundary (which is between 174 to 230 megahertz) and a transmitter in Kumasi and Accra. With the concerns raised about restrictions on authorized coverage areas for FM stations, we will be testing the possibility of extending coverage”.
Accordingly, in this trial, stations in Accra will extend their coverage to Kumasi and vice versa.
To receive DAB+ broadcasts, you will need a radio or receiver that is DAB+ compliant. For the trial phase, the NCA gave out a few of such devices to the public.
