CANBERRA, Australia - Commercial radio will officially switch on DAB+ digital radio broadcasts in Canberra on Friday.

All four commercial radio stations, 2CA, 2CC, Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7 will broadcast in digital, alongside several commercial digital-only stations, with more new stations to launch in coming months.

The DAB+ stations on air include:

- Snow Digital – featuring shows including Kate, Tim & Marty and updates on ski conditions

- Coles Radio – a contemporary music mix

- KIX Country – country music

- My Canberra Digital – a smooth selection from the 70s to today

- Buddha Hits – chill out music

Joan Warner, the chief executive officer of industry body Commercial Radio Australia, said the move from trial to permanent services means listeners will have access to the full benefits of digital radio and improved coverage, particularly in the south of Canberra and along the Federal and Barton Highways.

"Commercial radio has been broadcasting on the AM band in Canberra since 1931 and on FM since 1988. Now with the official move to digital broadcasting, radio can keep innovating and offering better services to listeners," she said Thursday.

Craig Wagstaff, the general manager of Canberra FM, said: "We're excited to introduce new stations to Canberra and be part of the growing digital radio landscape."

Michael Jones, general manager of Radio Canberra, said: "Listeners will notice a significant upgrade in sound quality on DAB+ radios compared to AM, along with other benefits such as easy tuning and on- screen information such as song titles, news and weather."

DAB+ is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and has been available in Canberra on a low-powered trial since 2010. It officially launched in Hobart and Darwin earlier this year.

Nearly 70% of all new cars sold in Australia now come with digital radio, factory-fitted.

The move to permanent DAB+ services in Canberra, says CRA, will result in improved reception, including the areas of Conder, Chisholm, Kamba and Jerrabomberra, as well as along the Federal and Barton Highways, including the township of Murrumbateman.

Commercial radio stations will mark the start of permanent DAB+ services with on-air giveaways of digital radios.

Consumers can also stream DAB+ stations online and listen on their mobile phones via RadioApp.