Tuning-in to Digital Radio Broadcasting

OTTAWA, June 26, 1996 -- Another first for Canada and the Information Highway was announced today by Industry Minister John Manley. The Digital Radio Broadcasting (DRB) Allotment Plan is a key step in the conversion of the Canadian radio broadcasting system from analog to digital technology.

"This is the first nation-wide DRB allotment plan in the world," said Mr. Manley. "It breaks new ground in planning and technology. With the implementation of this plan, radio as we have known it will be transformed; CD quality sound and digital data services will soon be here. Canadian broadcasters will soon be able to really start driving on the Information Highway."

Every radio station in the country, large or small, can be accommodated in the plan and they will have the opportunity to enter the digital world. It also provides an opportunity for Canadian manufacturers to start gearing up to build transmitters, receivers and related components - the potential market is vast.

Broadcasters are now actively preparing for the transition to digital radio. The introduction of DRB will take time and will pick up when reasonably-priced receivers become available, probably next year or early 1998. During the transition to digital, programming will be broadcast in both the new digital and existing AM/FM analog formats.

The DRB Allotment Plan, recently published in the Canada Gazette, is an excellent example of government/industry cooperation in facilitating the introduction of new technology to better serve Canadian needs while encouraging jobs and growth.

Copies of the Allotment Plan for Digital Radio Broadcasting may be obtained from the Publishing Services Centre, DOSP-P, 300 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8, or from the Department's regional offices in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton. The plan is also available on Industry Canada's Internet site at http://spectrum.ic.gc.ca/infoback/dgse/english/bprs.html

For further information, please contact:

Ralph Zeitoun

Broadcast Planning and Technical Policy

(613) 998-2916

Release 7442.e