From FM signal to DAB+: EI Towers supporting the radio revolution

The history of radio began in 1896, when Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in sending the first radio signal over a distance of 2 kilometres. The real triumph came in 1901, when he managed to send a signal across the Atlantic Ocean, from Cornwall to Newfoundland, Canada.
The vital importance of radio dramatically emerged in 1909, during the sinking of the Titanic: thanks to the onboard radio device, an SOS was sent out, leading to the rescue of 705 people.
Italy entered the era of radio broadcasting in 1924 with the birth of the UIR (Unione Radiofonica Italiana – Italian Radiophonic Union) in Rome, which began broadcasting cultural, informative and entertainment programmes. In 1927, the UIR became the EIAR (Italian Body for Radio Broadcasting), receiving the exclusive radio broadcasting concession from the Italian State. This monopoly lasted until 1974, when a landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court opened the doors to private local cable transmissions, giving rise to the phenomenon of free radios.
Since Marconi’s first experiment in 1896, radio has undergone over a century of evolution, transforming from a pioneering invention to a vital mass communication tool for modern society.

Today, radio continues to be widely listened to around the world. In Italy, RadioTER data reveal that 35,252,000 Italians tune into radio content daily, for an average of 221 minutes a day.
This communication medium, which has played a key role in spreading news, entertainment and cultural content, is undergoing a profound technological evolution. Traditional FM broadcasting is increasingly complemented by DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting), a digital system that offers numerous enhancements: crystal-clear sound quality, a wider range of channels and the possibility of enriching broadcasts with interactive multimedia content, combining audio, images and video. The transition to digital received a decisive boost in 2020, when the obligation to sell radios equipped with DAB+ receivers, including those installed in cars, came into force. With a growing and dynamic audience, ensuring wide and reliable digital signal coverage across the country has become crucial.

EI Towers, a leading company in the management of network infrastructures for TV, radio, telecommunications and Internet of Things (IoT), is responding to this challenge by leveraging its extensive network of sites to ensure effective signal distribution nationwide.
With a network of approximately 2,400 broadcasting sites, the company positions itself as a leading technology partner for radio broadcasters, offering widespread infrastructure and integrated services.
Aware of its strategic role in the digital transition of radio, EI Towers constantly invests in the improvement of its services and infrastructures, supporting radio broadcasters in their technological innovation journey.