The EBU aims to promote digital radio with the generalization of the Euro-chip

The Euro-Chip integrates the most important radio standards, both digital (DAB/DAB+/DMB) and analogue (FM), into a universal radio receiver, thus overcoming incompatibilities and offering important benefits to broadcasters, manufacturers and consumers.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has launched a campaign so that all new radio and mobile devices integrate the so-called Euro-Chip. With this measure, the EBU aims to give new impetus to digital radio.

The Euro-Chip integrates the most important radio standards, both digital (DAB/DAB+/DMB) and analogue (FM), into a universal radio receiver, thus overcoming incompatibilities and offering important benefits to broadcasters, manufacturers and consumers.

Owners of any device that integrates the Euro-Chip, including smartphones and tablets, will be able to enjoy receiving broadcasts completely free of charge, even when crossing international borders or switching between digital and analogue signals.

Mainly in smartphones, the Euro-Chip will attract young people to the radio since, according to an EBU study, it is the device, and not the delivery system, that matters most to them.

The technology will also enhance the role of radio as a means of optimal communication in the event of network failure, for example, during natural disasters.

The EBU wants to emphasize that, although many devices have been equipped with a radio chip, the latent chips must be activated.

On the other hand, radio chip tools must be open and accessible so that creatives can develop new applications.

The EBU insists that any radio or mobile device marketed in the future should incorporate the Euro-chip already active when it reaches the shelves of the distribution channel.

To this end, the EBU will engage in dialogue with key stakeholders, such as car manufacturers, legislators and electronics manufacturers, to spread the word about the great opportunity that the Euro-Chip represents.

The president of the EBU, Jean-Paul Philippot, has assured that "radio is very popular in Europe, but it has not had the same impetus as television, especially in terms of consumer electronics. We want to send a clear signal that the EBU is determined to make radio a key part of Europe's digital future."

The Euro-Chip relieves pressure on mobile broadband networks, while enabling full utilization of spectrum allocations for digital and analogue radio.

On mobile phones, the Euro-Chip will allow audiences to receive broadcast services anywhere at no additional cost. Consumers will not have to pay for the reception of free-to-air broadband radio services.

Without a doubt, access to radio chips and hybrid radio services will generate new business models, creative opportunities and interaction with the public.

Finally, since the radio is the most flexible means of communication in the face of natural disasters and national emergencies, the extensive use of the Euro-Chip would increase the range of the radio. Euro-Chip would also increase road safety in Europe by simplifying the real-time delivery of traffic information independent of language, local and cross-border conditions.