Third DAB Transmitter Activated in Italian-Speaking

Switzerland

9th February, 2006 -Mobile reception of Radio Swiss Classic, Radio Swiss Jazz, Radio Swiss Pop, DRS Musigwälle and Option Musique is now also possible in the southern parts of the Canton of Ticino – thanks to DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting). The range of DAB stations in Italian-speaking Switzerland that was activated in northern Ticino (Sopraceneri) on 20 December 2005 is now also transmitted in parts of southern Ticino. This more than doubles the number of SRG SSR idée suisse stations that can be received on mobile tuners.

Ticino's first two DAB transmitting stations went live from Ceneri Passo on 20 December 2005 and from Pizzo Matro on 22 December, providing new broadcasts for the most populous parts of the Sopraceneri, in particular the Airolo to Locarno and Bellinzona regions.

Yesterday, 8th February 2006, the first transmitter in southern Ticino was installed at its location on Castel San Pietro, covering the southernmost tip of the Sottoceneri (southern Ticino), the Chiasso area, for DAB reception. The second transmitter in the Sottoceneri will go operative (weather permitting) on 14 February. Its installation was originally planned for 8 February but had to be deferred because of extensive snowfalls in the Ticino.

A week from now, over 90% of the population in the Ticino will be covered for DAB reception, and motorists will be able to listen to DAB programmes along the entire north to south route in Southern Switzerland. And by spring, the extension of the DAB network to Eastern Switzerland will also allow DAB reception along the entire Geneva to Romanshorn route.