Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg (ATBB) is the youngest member of the Digital Radio Mitteldeutschland association. The ATBB is particularly involved in the implementation of DAB+ antennas in vehicles.
Dr. Weber, which country is currently the DAB+ model country for you and why?
I admire the consistency in Norway. Even though it is a small country in terms of population, it is being done just right. Clear conditions for listeners and the entire equipment industry, investment security and a clear plan. We are still curious to see how France and the Netherlands will develop, we are watching these two countries closely.
Your company is very active in the field of antenna technology and implementation in vehicles. How do you currently assess the automotive industry and its relationship with DAB+?
DAB+ is no longer in doubt and is available as an optional extra in every vehicle, even in special vehicles from the caravan and agricultural sector. However, in order to integrate DAB+ in every vehicle, and thus increase production and reduce costs, the aforementioned switch-off scenario is required, even if it takes 10 years (which is not a long time in the automotive sector). As long as there are discussions and the usual events in the media environment between analog and digital trailers, the planning security for car manufacturers is not so far advanced to take this next step of integrating DAB+ into every vehicle ex factory. We then remain stuck in the famous chicken-and-egg problem that has been going on for over 15 years.
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