On January 11 Norway will become the first nation to start switching off its FM radio network, in a risky and unpopular leap to digital technology that will be closely watched by other countries considering whether to follow suit, The Guardian reported.

The shutdown of the FM (frequency modulation) network, introduced in the 1950s, will begin in the northern city of Bodø. By the end of the year, all national FM broadcasts will cease.

Critics say the government is rushing the move and fear many people may miss emergency alerts that until now have been broadcast via FM radio. Of particular concern are the 2m cars on Norway’s roads that are not equipped with digital audio broadcasting (DAB) receivers, they say.

Head of Digital Radio Norway Ole Jørgen Torvmark said cars were the biggest challenge: a good digital adaptor for an FM car radio cost 1,500 Norwegian kroner ($170).

The governments of Switzerland, Denmark and Great Britain are considering about a similar step.