[digitalsankhara]

Maybe, when most regions follow suit. Hate the idea of FM broadcasting turning off. Still, would love some ham radio wideband spectrum. Then people driving to work can listen to the likes of me droning on about <insert favourite ham radio topic here>.

Personally I think they should expand community radio wholesale if national broadcasters cannot be arsed.

[lenerdenator]

What's the demand like for that part of the spectrum in Switzerland?

In the US it'd just be gobbled up by another corporate interest; no way that'd go to the amateur service.

[digitalsankhara]

In the US more than likely. In the UK I'm not so sure (can't speak to Switzerland) as there is a healthy community radio scene who may have some democratic influence. There are mutterings of trying to close UK FM broadcasting as well in order to force DAB. I'd like to think there would still be some spectrum allocated for that. If not, the pirates would take over - and good luck to them.

This wholesale move away from simple, analogue radio infrastructure (AM/FM/SW radio) is a disaster waiting to happen in the event of a major regional/global catastrophe.

Most amateur organisations would not even think about trying to experiment with WBFM anyway - too obsessed with ultra-narrow digital modes.