Bavaria, Germany – Apr 27, 2014 – Bayerischer Rundfunk (Bavaria Radio) continues to invest in its DAB+ infrastructure. Its current plan is to build another 21 DAB+ multiplex transmitter sites by the end of 2015, which will provide coverage for 97.3 percent of the population of Bavaria. Next year the coverage of DAB+ along highways will reach 99 percent, slightly better than the current FM coverage (96.9 percent).

Still, the company believes that in order for DAB+ to be successful, the number of receivers must increase. According to them, entry-level DAB+ receivers are available for about 30€ ($41.61); car adaptors for about 19€ ($26.35); and higher-end models start around 70€ ($97.09). BR is also a party to the Euro-chip initiative of the EBU, the ultimate goal of which is the availability, and widespread use, of chipsets that can be used in multiple receivers, smartphones and tablets. The commonality of the chipsets will lead to the reduction in manufacturing costs, which will lower retail prices, and hopefully, lead to greater acceptance by the public as well.