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Norway has confirmed that they will switch off FM radio in 2017, the first country in the world to shut off analogue for all major radio stations.

It has was confirmed yesterday that Norway will switch off FM radio in 2017, the first country in the world to shut off analogue for all major radio stations. The switchover will begin in January 2017 and will be implemented region by region, ending in December 2017. This decision to switchover to DAB provides clarity and momentum for the supply chain and automotive manufacturers across Europe.

In Norway DAB coverage is 99.5%, and 56% of radio listeners use digital radio every day. In the UK BBC national coverage will reach 97% by the end of this year and 44% of listeners listen via a digital platform each day. In Norway, 20% of private cars have DAB digital radio and in the UK this is currently estimated to be around 15%.

Ford Ennals, CEO of Digital Radio UK says: "Norway was the first country to switchover to digital TV and we expect their announcement of a 2017 radio switchover to signal the start of a transition to digital radio across a number of European markets. In the UK the Government believes the future of radio is digital, and we are making good progress on achieving the agreed switchover coverage and listening criteria."

techUK have argued for a commitment to switch over for the UK. The criteria, as laid out by the previous government, for switch over is expected to be met by 2017. techUK will look to engage with the new government to press for the earliest possible decision to start the migration process in the UK.

To get involved in techUK's work on digital radio contact Paul Hide on 020 7331 2193.