French communications regulator Autorité de Régulation de la Communication Audiovisuelle et Numérique (ARCOM) has authorized the first DAB+ multiplex in Martinique. A ten-station multiplex launched on Channel 5B from three sites on the Caribbean island and is authorized to operate as a trial service through the end of September 2023.

As part of the agency’s 2022–2024 roadmap for digital radio, ARCOM called for interest in launching trial DAB+ services in the “Outre-Mer,” those portions France outside of the Europe. Several islands in the Caribbean, North Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, as well as French Guiana in South America, are regions, collectivities, or territories of France, and broadcasting in these areas is overseen by ARCOM.

An event at Casino Bateliere Plazza in Sch?lcher on Jan. 23 highlighted the new service, which launched with nine channels, including five stations from i-Médias Group’s Radio Fusion, including four new specialty channels. Also on the multiplex are Maknet Jazz, Mixx FM, Radio ?vangile, and Radio Identité.

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