Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will Thursday launch Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) Pilot Project, one of the first steps towards transforming radio broadcasting in Uganda.
Launch Details: UCC Headquarters located on Plot 42-44, Spring Road Bugolobi, on September 28, 2023 at 8.am, for an event that will mark the beginning of a new era in radio broadcasting. The launch will include presentations, and a physical demo.
Duration of the Pilot: The Pilot project will run for a duration of one-year, paving way for steps that shall lead to the eventual rollout of Digital Audio Broadcasting in Uganda.
Details of DAB+ Pilot Project
Introduction: The DAB+ Pilot Project represents a significant forward leap in radio broadcasting technology. It aligns with the Uganda Communication Act 2013, and its implementation is guided by international agreements such as the ITU’s Geneva 2006 Agreement (GE06).
Background: Under the Uganda Communication Act 2013, UCC is tasked with managing radio frequency spectrum resources and setting national standards for all communication services in Uganda including audio and sound broadcasting. The Geneva 2006 Agreement (GE06) agreement aimed to harmonize the use of radiofrequency spectrum and channel arrangements for digital TV and sound broadcasting, to minimize interference and ensure efficient spectrum utilization during the transition. It provides the technical foundation of implementation for this project.
Objectives: The primary objectives of the DAB+ Pilot Project include evaluating technology attributes of digital audio broadcasting, identifying and understanding the prerequisites for national rollout, assessing market readiness through listener feedback, encouraging digital content development, understanding costs and revenue models, and informing policy & regulatory requirements for introduction of digital audio broadcasting in Uganda.
Technology: DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) is at the heart of this project. It offers enhanced audio quality, reduced interference, efficient spectrum utilization, and additional features compared to traditional FM radio. DAB+ provides a richer listening experience, supports text, images, and program guides, and is energy efficient. Other digital broadcasting technologies include DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) which is best suited for broadcasting in sparsely populated or rural areas. However, this pilot is being run on DAB+ due to its effectiveness in broadcasting digital radio in densely populated areas like Kampala, the project’s primary focus.
Spectrum: DAB+ pilot is being implemented in Spectrum Band III (174 – 240 MHz) which is reserved for such services.
How DAB+ Differs from FM
Unlike traditional FM radio which uses analogue technology, DAB+ utilizes digital technology, which results in:
Transmission Type: DAB+ is digital modulation and transmission, while FM is analogue modulation and transmission.
Sound Quality: DAB+ offers clearer sound quality with reduced interference, as compared to FM which can be prone to static and interference.
Coverage: Instead of getting weaker with distance (like FM), DAB+ signals tend to either come in clearly or not at all, known as the “cliff effect”.
Content Access: DAB+ allows for multiple stations to share the same frequency in a multiplex model, enabling listeners to access more stations and varied content. The same frequency that can accommodate one FM station/ audio broadcasts, can accommodate over 30 DAB+ audio broadcasts and associated programing information.
Data Services: DAB+ can provide additional information such as song titles, artist names, weather updates, emergency warning alerts, and road traffic information. These services are not supported on analog technologies like FM.
Efficiency: DAB+ is generally more spectrum-efficient than FM, allowing for more stations in less bandwidth.
Error Correction: DAB+ has robust error correction an attribute / advantage of digital transmission over analogue transmission, which can lead to better reception even in challenging conditions, such as hilly terrains or urban environments.
Energy Efficiency: DAB+ digital transmitters, particularly newer ones, tend to be more energy-efficient than older FM analog transmitters, especially when broadcasting multiple channels due to their multiplexing capability. While an individual FM service might be more efficient when evaluated singularly, DAB+ can offer superior energy efficiency when broadcasting multiple services on a single transmitter.
Cost Effectiveness: DAB+ infrastructure can have higher initial costs, especially in regions new to digital broadcasting. However, its ability to broadcast multiple stations on one frequency allows for cost-sharing. In contrast, FM requires individual transmitters and frequencies for each station, making it cost-effective for singular services but potentially expensive with additions. DAB+ can also achieve broader coverage with fewer transmitters, offering potential long-term savings, while FM might need more infrastructure for expansion.
Implementation Scope: The DAB+ Pilot Project only cover Greater Kampala, with a coverage radius of approximately 80km from Summit View Hill, Kololo, Kampala. This phase is a pilot to test the technology’s feasibility and effectiveness.
Stakeholders: UCC is collaborating with key stakeholders, including UBC/Signet, content providers, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), academia, equipment manufacturers, vendors, and consumer representatives to make this project a reality.
DAB+ Receivers: UCC is providing the free DAB+ receivers on a rotational basis for a specific duration to gather valuable feedback from users. We have a limited stock of 50 receivers, which will be distributed to a select group. Please note that there will be criteria detailing the temporary and rotational distribution of these devices. We are engaging the business community to import more receivers and have requested broadcasters to acquire additional ones. Furthermore, certain newer vehicle models come equipped with DAB+ receivers, and a detailed list of these vehicles will be provided. DAB+ receivers are graded in profile 1, 2 and 3, with Profile 1 receivers costing between 8$ to 15$ and Profile 3 receivers costing up to 200$ and more dependent on the additional specifications.
Next Steps: Upon consideration of the observations and outcomes of the pilot phase, Commission will engage stakeholders on the next steps regarding digital sound broadcasting standard. This will pave the way for a comprehensive strategic planning phase, aimed at establishing the requisite infrastructure and networks, considering essential operational aspects such as service needs, geographical coverage, and interference control. With a robust strategy at hand, the deployment of the broadcasting system can begin, encompassing the establishment of the full broadcasting framework, creation of platform-specific content, and kickstarting consumer awareness initiatives.
Will there be interference between FM and DAB?: Interference would occur if FM and DAB+ were operating in frequencies adjacent to each other, however this is not the case in Uganda since FM services are allocated frequencies in the range 87.5 – 108 MHz while DAB services will occupy frequencies in the range 174 – 240 MHz. However, interference may still arise from factors like unwanted transmitter emissions, atmospheric conditions, and receiver signal mixing. However, with careful planning, regular equipment maintenance, and collaboration among broadcasters, these interference challenges can be effectively managed and minimized. DAB+ can coexist with FM broadcasting.
Are there other countries in Africa and elsewhere in the world which have rolled out DAB?: Yes, several countries globally have explored or adopted DAB. In Africa, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Botswana have shown interest or trialed DAB+. Europe, especially countries like the UK, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, and Germany, have significant DAB operations. In Asia, Australia, Brunei, and Malaysia have adopted DAB+.
What has been their experience? Are there any challenges?: Experiences with DAB have been mixed, with noted benefits and challenges. On the positive side, DAB offers clearer audio quality, additional data services like traffic updates, more efficient spectrum usage, and can improve radio coverage in underserved areas. However, transitioning to DAB can be costly due to new infrastructure requirements.
Technically how does it work? Just like in Digital terrestrial television broadcasting, DAB+ works by separation of the broadcast value chain with the Content producers, Aggregators and Distributors each playing a different role.
Would we have similar challenges to DTT – if the aggregator fails ?: Yes, if a DAB system is dependent on a sole aggregator or multiplexer, it can encounter challenges akin to those seen with DTT should the aggregator fail. However, the pilot project aims to preemptively address these issues by offering insights that facilitate improved planning, network design, and the establishment of robust regulatory and policy frameworks.
Public Awareness: While there is currently no specific call to action for the public, we aim to keep the public and stakeholders informed about the benefits of DAB+ technology and the observations and learnings from this pilot project.
