The French government has validated multistandard broadcasting technologies, meeting one of the wishes expressed by DR France, the French digital radio organization.
The decree, issued on 13 March by Industry Minister François Loos, indicates that Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) will be the sole standard for digital AM broadcasting in France.
For VHF band III and the L band, terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (T-DMB) would be considered. Loos also directed the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA) to evaluate the possibilities for Eureka-147 DAB+ in both frequency bands.
Finally, Loos approved of the use of the L band for ETSI satellite digital radio (SES-SDR) services.
Radio France President Jean-Paul Cluzel had previously called upon the government to indicate the path broadcasters should follow in a multistandard environment.
According to its DR France President Jamil Shalak, the association is “highly satisfied” with the ministerial announcements as they show a willingness on the part of the public institutions to ease access to all stations “whatever their size or category.”
