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A new radio technology called Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has been launched in Ghana, making it the first country in West Africa and the fourth on the continent to adopt this innovative technology. DAB uses digital signals instead of analog, resulting in improved reception quality and reduced signal interference compared to traditional Frequency Modulation (FM) radio.

The deployment of the latest version of DAB, known as DAB+, will help address the increasing demand for sound broadcasting services and the limited availability of FM frequencies in major cities. This will allow radio stations to reach more cities while broadcasting the same content. The National Communications Authority (NCA), the regulator of the communication and telecommunication space, has selected 18 radio stations to participate in the trial phase of DAB+, aiming to test its features, coverage characteristics, and technical metrics.

Listening to DAB+ radio stations in Ghana will not require a subscription fee but will require a compatible receiver or radio, such as standalone DAB radios, DAB+ enabled car stereos, select smartphones, and portable devices.

The Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, emphasized the importance of ensuring the quality of broadcasting services amidst the rapid development and convergence of the radio, television, and telecommunications industry. She also highlighted the potential revenue opportunities for both the government and the private sector, as the global digital radio broadcast market is expected to expand at a growth rate of 11% by 2027.

The Director-General of NCA, Joe Anokye, encouraged stakeholders, including broadcasting stations and electronics dealers, to promote the DAB+ service to ensure its successful assimilation into the Ghanaian market. He also mentioned the economic benefits of DAB, such as the ability for stations to reach a larger audience and the cost-saving advantages of shared distribution on a single multiplex.

Overall, the introduction of DAB in Ghana will not only improve the quality of radio broadcasting but also open up new opportunities for revenue generation and connectivity in underserved communities.

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