Digital Audio Broadcasting
On the case of unlicensed broadcasting by Citizens’ Radio, the court ruled that the Telecommunication Ordinance was in breach of the Basic Law and the Bills of Rights. It said that as the administration possessed unchecked power in the current licensing regime, such a mechanism might infringe citizens’ freedom of expression.
The prosecution pointed out that Citizens’ Radio’s broadcasting might interfere with other telecommunication channels used by emergency and aviation services. The problem of limited radio broadcasting frequency in fact may be solved by the introduction of Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB).
DAB is more bandwidth efficient. By employing compression technology, a single frequency can broadcast multiple audio streams. That means, the current radio broadcasting spectrum will allow much more channels. More end-users features such as radiotext transmitting news or traffic information can be developed. Besides, DAB also provides better reception quality.
For years I have been urging the Government to introduce DAB. Not only does DAB provide us more value-added services, but also it will contribute to developing an inclusive society. With more channels, public access channels can be introduced. Parallel to commercial radio broadcasting, these channels can serve groups of citizens with different needs, say the elderly, ethnic minority groups, disadvantaged groups etc. A more pluralistic society, where different opinions can be voiced, can be achieved.
If you have any comments on DAB, please do share your view by dropping me a few lines at cksin@sinchungkai.org.hk.
CK Sin |
