The end of 80 year old FM Radio standard (Starting in Norway)

Norway, which is a large nation in Scandinavian Peninsula, which has 5 million inhabitants spread in a vast area mostly mountainous slopes, is set to become the first nation in the world to switch off the FM radio network as we know it. But without opposition. Critics says the government is rushing the move that will leave many people unable to hear the emergency warning signs unless they upgraded and buy the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) receiver - which intends to replace the traditional FM radio signal. DAB system can carry 8 channel in single frequency, thus more choices and less costly than broadcasting in traditional FM frequency. The running of concurrent system which cost each  about 250 million krone ( 29 million USD) each drains investment in programs.
The system that was introduced in 1950s.

The plan of shutting it down starts January 11 and starts in the northern city of Bodo. It is anticipated that by end of the year all the FM broadcast will shutdown in favor of DAB.

Switzerland plans a similar shift in 2020. U.K. and Denmark are considering the switch as well. 

Source: cbc.ca

courtesy of Flickr