Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Why UK FM Needn't Be Killed For Broadband

Posted by timothy on from the next-we'll-cure-all-known-diseases dept.

superglaze writes "Alarmed by rumours of the UK telecoms regulator Ofcom considering a shut-down of FM radio in order to give more spectrum over to broadband, ZDNet UK's Rupert Goodwins has proposed another idea: the reuse of the mostly disused 'Band I' and the creation of a new, national open mesh network — a plan that could bring internet connectivity to everyone at very low cost."

3 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. Would Government approve and open mesh? by Thnurg · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Please correct me of I'm wrong, but an open mesh network would completely decentralise internet connectivity leaving the Government with no way to implement website blocking and three-strikes laws etc.
    While a truly democratic government would support open mesh in the public interest I doubt our lot would approve it.

    --
    The months are just too short. I can count the number of days on one hand.
  2. Re:They can't kill FM any time soon by mattsday · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Exactly this. I have a DAB (Digital) Radio in my car. However, I find myself using FM (or even AM) about 20-30% of the time just to get a good signal.

    Problems I've had:

    • No graceful degradation of quality. There are three modes - good, awful and "no signal". By 'awful' think a poorly encoded MP3 from a scratched CD downloaded in ASCII mode.
    • Semi-frequent drop-outs. I read that most people listen to the radio in their cars these days. However, even sticking to the UK Motorway system, I end up with "No Signal" quite frequently, even along major routes.
    • Time lag - DAB lags more than a couple of seconds behind FM, so when I'm using the 'pips' to set my watch it's off by a long way (minor grudge I guess)

    In short, I'm someone who went and bought in to the DAB idea and I like some features (e.g. having 5 live and Absolute Radio available in most places not counting the above). However, I think DAB needs some serious re-thinks before it can fully replace FM. Unless you can drive the length of the country and experience the same reception and quality as FM then it shouldn't be replaced.

    --
    Now there's one hoopy frood who really knows where his towel is!
  3. Re:They can't kill FM any time soon by Teknikal69 · · Score: 3, Interesting
    I don't rate digital radio at all it's worse quality than FM not to mention the radios themselves suck up way more power and seem to break incredibly quickly. Of all things digital I can think of digital radio is the only one that's really a step backwards in my opinion.

    Wouldn't suprise me if they forced this through anyway though for a short term profit.