Only 1% of car radios can receive digital signals

The digital switchover could make 20 million car radios redundant, claims What Car?

The plans to switch from analogue to digital radio in 2015 are still going ahead, but the government has conceded that the date "might slip" if consumer uptake doesn't increase, according to What Car?

As quotedby The Daily Mail, communications minister Ed Vaizey said last week: "We will not switch over until the vast majority of listeners have adopted digital radio... We will not switch over to digital until digital coverage matches FM." 

In fact, only 1% of cars on UK roads have the capacity to receive digital signals. According to The Daily Mail, motorists would have to cough up £300 to replace their radio, or buy a conversion kit that must be attached to the windscreen, for more than £100.

It's something car buyers should keep in mind when deciding which models to buy. Car buyers can consult the Get Digital Radio website for a list of models that come with digital radio as standard, or an optional extra.

The Communications Committee of the House of Lords has publicly criticised the switchover strategy. It has warned of a major negative public reaction to the switchover because car manufacturers continue to fit analogue radios. It claims they won't make digital units standard until just two years before the deadline.

A spokesperson for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, was quoted by What Car? as saying: "SMMT believes a collaborative approach is needed between broadcasters, government and the industry to raise consumer awareness. We also believe specific attention is needed to develop digital radio's range and coverage to ensure it is a viable solution for motorists."

"Our vehicle manufacturers are confident of the 2013 target for inclusion of digital radio within all new cars sold. We are also discussing ways that we can ensure upgrades to older cars are carried out by appropriately trained and qualified technicians."

 

David Simpson, Wetherby, Mini Cooper

Diane Hughes, Tamworth, MG TF