Hong Kong - Jun 19, 2012 - Hong Kong's new DAB system has come into operation. Digital Broadcasting Corporation Hong Kong Limited (DBC), Metro Broadcast Corporation Limited (Metro), Phoenix U Radio Limited (Phoenix U), and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will provide a total of 18 DAB channels (three each for Metro and Phoenix U, seven for DBC and five for RTHK), offering a wide variety of program choices covering music, lifestyle, current affairs, finance, community, art and culture. So far, 13 channels have been formally or soft launched, according to an article by 7thspace.com.

Hong Kong's DAB transmission network comprises seven transmission stations, located at Beacon Hill, Golden Hill, Cloudy Hill, Kowloon Peak, Castle Peak, Mount Gough and Lamma Island. The geographical coverage of the DAB service now stands at around 70 percent, covering most of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula. Reception in the New Territories is not as complete. "Apart from the completion of the seven transmission stations, the four operators are planning to build gap-filler stations. Four gap-filler stations will be completed in phases from the end of this year to early next year, further expanding the signal coverage," said Gregory So, the secretary for commerce and economic development.

More details are available on the Hong Kong digital radio website.