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First country to turn off FM Radio stands to save $25 millon per year
Norway has begun turning off its national FM radio broadcasts, becoming the first country to do so. The shutdown commenced at 11:11 on Wednesday, January 11 (reportedly chosen because of how easy it is to remember), with the intention that the whole nation will be digital-only from December 13.
Digital audio broadcasting (DAB) provides a more stable signal compared to FM, though it’s sound quality can be inferior. DAB is the cheaper service, however, and the move will reportedly save Norway £21 million per year (around $25 million) and allow them to sell its FM bandwidth to someone else.
Nordland, situated in the north of Norway, has already gone digital, while its capital Oslo will stop FM broadcasts in September. Sales of DAB radios are said to have increased significantly in Norway since the digital switch plans were finalized.
It now seems only a matter of time before other nations follow suit.
Via What Hi-Fi