Minister for Communication and DigitizationUrsula Owusu-Ekuful, has announced the official launch of the trial phase of
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Ghana.

The minister announced on her Facebook post
that yesterday, 22nd August 2023, officially launched the trial phase of
Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) in Ghana.

The Ablekuma Central Lawyer maker post reads
that the DAB represents a cutting-edge radio broadcasting system that
revolutionizes how audio content is transmitted through digital signals,
offering improved reception quality and reduced signal interference compared to
traditional FM radio.

It operates on a separate frequency band from
FM radio, allowing up to 18 stations to share a single transmitter efficiently,
reducing energy consumption. Additionally, it enables the simultaneous
transmission of supplementary data services alongside audio content, enhancing
the overall user experience.

 “As we
stride into the future, the advent of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) marks a
significant milestone in radio broadcasting. With its ability to harness
digital signals, DAB ushers in a new era of enhanced sound quality, an expanded
array of station choices, and interactive features that redefine the listener
experience. This technology transcends the limitations of traditional analogue
FM Radio, promising a transformational and captivating auditory journey for all
listeners.

What is more interesting about the DAB is the
fact that it addresses frequency constraints by expanding coverage as well as
promoting efficient spectrum utilisation,” she said.

The trial will include 18 audio channels from
Accra and Kumasi, including Unique FM, Asempa FM, Citi FM, Hot FM, Peace FM,
Starr FM, Asaase FM, Atlantis FM, Class FM, Oman FM, and Radio Univers, among
others.

Ghana will operate DAB in the frequency range
of 174 to 230 MHz, using the DAB+ standard, which provides enhanced audio
quality and higher spectrum efficiency compared to the first-generation DAB.

As of the end of 2022, the NCA had authorized
707 Frequency Modulation (FM) Stations, with 513 in operation, underscoring the
enduring significance of radio broadcasting as a vital source of information
and entertainment for both urban and rural communities.