Ghana Becomes First Country In West Africa And Fourth In Africa To Deploy Digital Audio Broadcasting

In a move to solidify its position as one of the foremost countries adopting modern technologies, Ghana has launched Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) to transform the Frequency Modulation (FM) landscape.

The initiative, spearheaded by the National Communications Authority (NCA), places Ghana as the first country in West Africa and only the fourth in Africa to deploy the technology.

With the introduction of the latest DAB version, DAB+, a move away from traditional analogue FM radio, Ghana is now part of at least 60 countries with DAB worldwide.

The trial was launched on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at the head office of the NCA, with 11 radio stations in Accra and seven from Kumasi available on the platform.

 

This follows a successful migration from analogue to digital television transmission, which resulted in an explosion of TV channels with numerous benefits.

Regardless of the location, anyone can receive and listen to the radio stations on the digital platform with a DAB+ compatible receiver or radio, such as standalone DAB radios, DAB+ enabled car stereos, and DAB+ enabled smartphones and portable devices.

Why Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)?

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) has become necessary due to spectrum challenges with analogue transmission systems which limit the number of FM stations in operation.

Furthermore, analogue FM radio is prone to interference which causes poor sound quality and disrupted reception for listeners. This poses a challenge for advertisers and broadcasters, impacting their reach and potential revenue.

DAB works by converting audio signals from radio stations into digital format. This digital data is then compressed and combined with data from other stations (multiplexing) before being transmitted for general reception.

DAB receivers decode the transmitted data, converting it back into audio signals for a seamless listening experience.

DAB will operate in the frequency range 174 to 230 MHz, while FM radio uses the frequency band 87.5 to 108 MHz.

Ghana has adopted the DAB+ standard. DAB+ provides enhanced audio quality and higher spectrum efficiency than the first-generation DAB.

Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is the future

Director-General of the NCA, Joe Anokye, revealed that he was confronted by the scarcity of frequency for FM radio broadcasting services when he was appointed as the head of the NCA.

At the time, the NCA received many applications weekly, but there were no available frequencies due to the high-demand markets of Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and others.

“Frequency is a finite resource. For FM radio, we only have 87.5 to 108MHz to work with. Hence, despite all the efforts we have made to satisfy the incessant demand for FM authorisations, we currently do not have frequencies to assign in some of the major cities,” he lamented.

The solution was the adoption of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).

“DAB provides good quality audio, supports the provision of value-added services and spectrum efficiency. For example, in the trial, up to 18 existing FM stations in Accra and Kumasi will share one frequency channel out of VHF Band III (i.e. 174 -230Hz) and a transmitter in Kumasi and Accra,” he revealed.

With the new world-class technology used in other European countries, he called on the public to embrace the DAB+ service to benefit from the countless advantages.

DAB is a key milestone in Ghana’s digitisation drive

Delivering the keynote address at the programme, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs Ursula Owusu- Ekuful, indicated that the rollout of the DAB+ aligns with the government’s broad policy on digitisation.

 

She said the government’s ‘Digital Ghana Agenda’ launched in 2017 is keen on digital innovations to ensure digital inclusion for all sectors of the economy.

At the end of 2022, there were 707 FM authorisations with 513 radio stations in operation in Ghana.

This proves that radio remains a pivotal source of information, entertainment and education in rural and urban communities.

Citing the Digital Journal, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said the global digital radio broadcasting market was valued at over US$ 3.7 billion in 2021 and expected to grow at 11%, reaching US$ 6.9 billion by 2027.

For her, “Ghana must tap into this revenue stream to maximise revenues for both government and the private sector”.

She said DAB+ marks a significant advancement in radio broadcasting which all should embrace.

The MP for Ablekuma West implored the NCA to be agile in response to the industry’s changing needs and consumer tastes.

She was confident that the regulatory framework and all other issues would be addressed to make DAB+ successful in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah was optimistic that DAB+ would provide the option for low-cost operations for many operators to venture into the industry.

“If you get the business module right, then you can extend your commercial punch to rake in more revenue and become a proper business to make money at the end of the day,” he stated.

 

He was hopeful that the platform would inspire variety and vast compelling content that builds society for national development.

Ghana takes a giant leap ahead of peers

On her part, the Project Coordinator of the World DAB Forum, Madam Bernie O’Neill, highlighted the evolving and dynamic market for radio broadcasts and consumer preferences.

“The competition for radio is being transformed. And crucially, the FM spectrum is full, making it impossible for broadcasters to innovate, so it is essential to have a strategy for broadcast radio,” she said.

She explained that DAB+ goes beyond audio with other added benefits to broadcast visuals like album artwork and station logos, making radio more compelling for listeners.

She pointed out that analogue transmission was becoming obsolete as some European countries have eliminated it for digital alternatives.

“Countries in Europe are switching off FM. Norway switched off in 2017, and Switzerland is going to switch off next year,” she disclosed.

Most importantly, she said DAB+ will help broadcasters to grow their audience and increase revenue despite online advertisements.

Ms Oneill cited the UK, for example, where commercial radio revenue has increased by 30 per cent in the last 10 years.

She said the cost for DAB operations is 18% lower and requires less energy, providing a green solution and invaluable in emergency services.

Ms Oneill further congratulated Ghana for being the pioneer of the technology in West Africa.

“Ghana is very much leading the way [in West Africa], and hopefully, others will follow”.