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Czechia

Last update: 08.08.2024 - older versions

The ČTÚ announced on 5 January 2024 that the Authority successfully completed the auction procedure for the sale of individual auction blocks offered for the purpose of developing commercial nationwide (Blocks B, C) and regional networks (Blocks R1 - R27) for the distribution of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting (DAB). The auctioned frequency blocks were divided among all eight participants of the tender.

The total auction price for all Auction Blocks was CZK 79,325,000 (c. €3.2m).

"I am glad that we managed to complete the auction successfully, having satisfied all the participating bidders and managed to distribute all the blocks offered. Thus, nothing stands in the way of the further development of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting." said Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU Council.

The tender sets out development criteria that should ensure not only the successful development of DAB broadcasting but also the efficient use of the allocated radio frequencies. The nationwide networks are to cover 50% of the population and motorways within 18 months and 80% of the population and motorways within a further 12 months. Regional broadcasts are to cover 40% of the population of the region concerned within 24 months and 70% of the population of the region thereafter.

Radioprojekt data released in August 2024 shows that 18 per cent of listeners who said that their reception is provided by a conventional receiver or car radio use DAB+, an increase from 17% in 2023, and 11% in 2021.

An amendment to the Electronic Communications Act was passed by the Czech Parliament's Chamber of Deputies on 15 September 2021, granting Czech Radio the right to operate its own digital radio network in Band III and reservation of frequencies/spectrum by the Czech Telecommunication Bureau.

Czech Radio has one regular multiplex, available for 95% of the population of the Czech Republic, divided for Czechia and Moravia segment (12C and 12D). Four other multiplexes are on air in the Czech Republic and are operated by TELEKO, Ceske Radiokomunikace, RTI cz and JOE Media.

In 2021 Czech Radio launched two new DAB+ only stations – "Radiožurnál Sport” (CRo-RZ-SPORT) and "Pohoda” (CRo-POHODA), targeted to the 'sports lovers' audience and senior audiences.

In September 2020, Czech Radio launched 10 new DAB + transmitters, increasing population coverage from 85% to 95%.

A brochure highlighting the 15-year history of DAB+ digital radio in the Czech Republic is available in Czech here.

Last update: 13.09.2023 - older versions

Population coverage currently stands at 96%.

Detailed and up-to-date maps of DAB+ coverage can be found at www.DAB-plus.cz.

Czech Radio has one regular multiplex in the Czech Republic divided into CZECH and MORAVIA. Currently, 16 Czech Radio stations are broadcasting.

There are four other multiplexes in the Czech Republic operated by TELEKO Digital, České Radiokomunikace, RTI cz and JOE Media.

The network operator TELEKO DAB operates one regular local DAB+ multiplex using band III, which reaches 5.8 million inhabitants in the Czech Republic. The signal broadcasts in and around Prague, Příbram, Brno and surroundings, Moravian-Silesian Region, Ústí nad Labem Region and Hradec Kralove Region. The TELEKO DAB multiplex broadcasts 6 radio stations.

The operator of the RTI cz network operates 60 radio transmitters in the FM band, mostly in western Bohemia. In 2011, RTI CZ obtained a licence for digital radio DAB (L-band, later III band) in the Pilsen Region, Karlovy Vary Region, South Bohemia Region and Prague. RTI cz currently operates 10 DAB+ transmitters and broadcasts 6 radio stations in the RTI cz DAB multiplex.

České Radiokomunikace operates a CRA DAB+ multiplex (four transmitters) in Prague, Pilsen and Ostava where 14 radio stations are broadcast.

From the end of 2020, JOE Media operates the COLOR DAB+ multiplex (two transmitters in Prague), which broadcasts 8 radio stations.

Last update: 03.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

Regional multiplexes: 2 Regular
Local multiplexes: 4 Regular

on air.

Please note:

(a) These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b) The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

A comprehensive listing of DAB+ services on air in the Czech Republic is available at the website http://www.digitalradiodab.cz/ by choosing the DAB v ČR option.

Slideshow services are offered by all network operators in Czech Republic. TELEKO uses the latest Rapid software in their DAB CLOUD MULTIPLEXOR. TELEKO transforms the news from RSS feeds into JPEGs and also sends pictures from webcams in studios or weathercams.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	47	25	72

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

In the Czech Republic, 93% of new cars sold in 2021 have DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

Last update: 17.05.2021 - older versions

DAB radio is using L-band and Band III in the Czech Republic and it is important to check if the receiver is ready for use in both bands.

A wide range of receivers are available to buy online:

www.pureradio.cz

www.radiodab.cz

www.omko.cz/digitalni-radia/

www.gogen.cz/dab-radia/

Stores:

Electroworld (www.electroworld.cz)

LIDL (www.lidl.cz) (Sale)

TESCO (www.itesco.cz)

DATART (www.datart.cz/dab-radia.html)

Last update: 30.09.2013 - older versions

In August 2007 a trial was launched by TELEKO in cooperation with the public broadcaster Český Rozhlas with three DAB programmes and two DAB+ programmes. This trial used both Band III and L-Band and covered almost 130,000 people. A further trial began in June 2008, again as a joint project between the TELEKO company in cooperation with the public broadcaster Czech Radio. A 2.5Kw transmitter provided coverage of the capital city, Prague, to a population of around 1.3 million. The goal of this noncommercial trial was the promotion of digital radio to the Czech public and Government administrators. In early 2009 a further trial was launched in the second largest city Brno covering approximately 0.5 million people.

Trials have been completed in the Czech Republic and all network operators have been awarded with licenses. Technical trials e.g. for checking signal parameters are operated using the licensed frequencies as a part of the regular transmission implementation. For example, the company Ceske Radiokomunikace is using its L-band licensed frequency for such a test with two programs using the Prague-Zizkov transmitter since early 2013.

Last update: 03.12.2021 - older versions

Key features of regulation for digital radio in Czech Republic

Band III only used
Five network operators operate one nationwide multiplex (public service Czech Radio) and four regional multiplexes with public and commercial programmes all on DAB+
Licences are granted for different periods, up to a maximum of 10 years, some to be granted or renewed in 2022, all in III Band only
No analogue radio switch-off date
Analogue radio licences will be prolonged without a clear time limit

Spectrum and content regulation is divided between the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting (content) and the Czech Telecommunication Office (spectrum).

Analogue radio licenses will be prolonged for all analogue licence holders, at this point in time, for an unspecified time. Czech Radio as the public radio broadcaster operates its own DAB+ network with national coverage. Some private broadcasters use DAB+ networks by private operators to broadcast their stations via DAB+. Therefore, the transition to digital radio in the Czech Republic has successfully started and digital radio is being rolled out by both the public and private radio sectors. There are no obstacles to the deployment of digital radio from the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting and from the Czech Telecommunication Office.

The Radio Spectrum Utilisation Plan (RSUP, or PVRS in Czech language) for particular bands sets out detailed regulation for the use of frequencies. The current RSUP dedicates all III Band (frequencies from 174 to 230 MHz) to DAB (the Czech Telecommunication Office refers to DAB+ as T-DAB). Further information about the RSUP is available at https://www.ctu.cz/plan-vyuziti-radioveho-spektra

For a detailed overview on 174 - 380 MHz spectrum see here: https://www.ctu.cz/sites/default/files/obsah/ctu/sdeleni-o-vydani-opatreni-obecne-povahy-casti-planu-vyuziti-radioveho-spektra-c.pv-p/21/01.2018-2-pro-kmitoctove-pasmo-174-380-mhz/obrazky/pv-p210120182.pdf

Allocation of additional DAB+ multiplexes for private network operators is planned by the Czech Telecommunication Office for 2022 and beyond.

The switchover to DVB-T2 digital TV was finished in 2020, and digital TV frequencies are allocated exclusively outside III Band, which is intended for DAB+ radio only. L Band is no longer used for DAB+ radio.

At the time of writing there are five DAB+ network operators:

Czech Radio, Ceske Radiokomunikace, TELEKO digital, RTIcz and JOE Media.

The principal document for electronic communication regulation is the Act. No. 127/2005 Coll. on Electronic Communications, was amended in 2021 by the Act. No. 374/2021 Coll. This document explains spectrum regulation in the Czech Republic represented by the National Table of Frequency Allocation (NTFA) which allocates the frequency bands to particular radio communication services and describes the general conditions for frequency use. Detailed information about NTFA is available here: https://www.ctu.cz/narodni-kmitoctova-tabulka

Last update: 29.04.2019 - older versions

A marketing campaign is due to be launched, in collaboration with the automotive industry - primarily Skoda - and the main retailers in the country

Broadcasters are investing inmultimedia, with each of the 14 channels in a mux equipped with full multimedia services - headlines, artists information and images

The company RTI cz also promotes DAB+ open days in the Czech Radio, as per the images below taken in Prague, Pilsen and Ceske Budejovice.

The company RTI cz operates its own e-shop with a DAB+ receiver (www.radiodab.cz)

The company RTI cz operates a Web portal about digital radio in the Czech Republic on www.digitalradiodab.cz. You will find here:

Current information
What is digital radio
History of digital radio
DAB in the Czech Republic (operators / list of radio stations / channel list / map coverage)
DAB in the world
Links to websites about digital radio

1) Day with digital radio (Exhibition of DAB radio receivers and lectures on digital radio in cooperation with Czech Radio)

www.densdigitalnimradiem.cz (only in Czech) Promo video here: https://youtu.be/WvDdK3xqEMI

2) Digital radio in schools (lectures on digital radio at vocational schools)

3) DAB radio for the blind (RTI have prepared a Czech version of the audio files for the NOXON dRadio1 radio with voice output)

Last update: 09.01.2014

DAB radio is used for emergency warning distribution by distributing programs of the public broadcaster.
For example, during the floods in June 2013 the actual emergency information was included in the DAB radiotext transmission of two public broadcaster programs.

Play.cz DAB+ network launches first six transmitters

03.03.2025 - Czechia

On Monday 3 March at 10:00, Play.cz launched a new DAB+ multiplex from the first six transmitters covering key areas of the Czech Republic. The network includes transmitters in Prague, Ústí nad Labem, Brno, Ostrava, České Budějovice and Trutnov, each with a power of 10 or 20 kW. Currently, the only programme position in the multiplex is occupied by Radio Relax, which broadcasts at a bitrate of 64 kbps. The launch of this new DAB+ network represents a significant step in the development of digital radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic. The strategic location of the transmitters ensures coverage of major urban areas and important regions, allowing listeners in these locations to access a high-quality digital radio signal.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

ZUN radio broadcasts in Prague also thanks to Fiera DAB+ multiplex

03.03.2025 - Czechia

ZUN radio is expanding its coverage in Prague through the Fiera touch DAB+ multiplex. This decision comes as part of an effort to support the development of digital radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic. The station operator is responding to its good relationship with the multiplex operator while expanding the availability of its programme to listeners in the capital. ZUN radio broadcasts on the Fiera touch multiplex using the same technical parameters as the COLOR DAB+ network. ZUN radio now offers its programming on two DAB+ networks in Prague, significantly expanding the listening options for its fans.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Five new DAB+ transmitters are planned for this year by RTI cz, three will be added by Teleko

03.03.2025 - Czechia

The year 2025 will bring another significant expansion of DAB+ digital radio coverage. RTI cz and Teleko plan to launch new transmitters in five strategic locations. This network expansion will give listeners in other regions access to a wider range of radio stations with higher sound quality. RTI cz plans to launch a total of five new DAB+ transmitters. Three of them will be shared with Teleko - at Suchý vrch near Králíky with a power of 3.2 kW, in Třebíč na Vartemberku with a power of 5 kW and in Znojmo-Kuchařovice with a power of 1 kW for Teleko and 4 kW for RTI cz. The remaining two transmitters are planned by the West Bohemian company separately - in Mariánské Lázně on Dyléni and in Kutná Hora on Vysoká, both with a power of 5 kW.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Historic moment: Radio Proglas will switch off the FM transmitter Liberec - Jested at the end of May

27.02.2025 - Czechia

Radio Proglas is about to take a significant step in its history. At the end of May this year it will switch off its FM transmitter on Jested, which covered the Liberec area. The decision is part of a wider strategy to switch to DAB+ digital broadcasting and other modern technologies. Radio Proglas' strategy also includes expansion into new locations. This year, the station plans to launch broadcasts in five new areas, the closest of which is the launch of a transmitter on Suchý vrch near Králíky. The radio will continue to use DAB+ distribution in the RTI cz and Teleko digital multiplexes, which, according to director Holík, pays off economically. This strategy is made possible thanks to the gradual switching off of FM transmitters.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

SeeJay Radio is heading to DAB+ in Prague on Fiera touch multiplex

20.02.2025 - Czechia

Taneční rádio has already broadcast digitally in the past, between 2012 and 2019. Now, through a new company, it is applying for a new licence for terrestrial digital broadcasting. The new operator of SeeJay Radio is to be MS Radio Group, which is half-owned by Martin Černý and Hotinvest, the company of Hana Janíková, the wife of the station's original founder Svatopluk Janík. Although the station has not yet obtained a licence, it has already agreed to be included in the Prague multiplex of Fiera touch. "We have a preliminary agreement, but I will announce the cooperation when we actually start broadcasting," said Pavel Hájek, owner of Fiera touch, when asked by Televizníweb.cz.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Where will DAB+ go in March from Česke Radiokomunikací?

19.02.2025 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

A year and a half earlier than the development criteria required by the Czech Telecommunications Authority, the Czech Radiocommunications (CRA) nationwide network for digital broadcasting of commercial radios will reach coverage of over 80 percent of the population and the motorway network in the Czech Republic next month. While 48 per cent of the Czech population can tune in to the network from 17 transmitters and repeaters since 4 February, when the nationwide multiplex B started, CRA plans to launch 14 more transmitters in March. These will provide a radical increase in coverage, as 11 of these transmitters will transmit at 10 kW, one even at 20 kW.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Broadcast Services' DAB+ multiplex launches from six transmitters

17.02.2025 - Czechia

Broadcast Services is launching a new DAB+ multiplex, which will operate from six transmitters in the first phase. The move expands the group's Juke Box portfolio, which already operates FM radio, DVB-T and DVB-T2 broadcast networks. The new multiplex will distribute Radia Čas and Radia Čas Rock programmes at a bitrate of 96 kbps, with other stations under negotiation. Broadcast Services plans to progressively finalise the network to make efficient use of the frequency allocations. The aim is to provide complete DAB+ content for the Prague, Central Bohemia, Pardubice, Vysočina, South Moravia, Zlín, Olomouc and Moravia-Silesia regions.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Liberec already has 39 digital radios, multiplex C has been launched

14.02.2025 - Czechia

With more than a month delay compared to other locations launched on New Year's Eve, RTI cz's nationwide radio multiplex C started broadcasting in Liberec on Tuesday. This happened a week after the regional DAB+ network of Czech Radio Communications started broadcasting in Liberec. Four multiplexes for digital radio broadcasting with 39 radios can be tuned in from this week by listeners in Liberec and the surrounding area. At the beginning of last week, only two such networks (with 22 channels) were broadcasting in the North Bohemian capital, the public multiplex of Czech Radio and the regional network of Teleko digital. In the middle of last week, the regional network of Czech Radio Communications was added, and this Tuesday the national multiplex of RTI cz was added.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Two more DAB+ operators - Broadcast Services and GG Omikron - launch first transmitters

14.02.2025 - Czechia

Broadcast Services and GG Omikron's regional digital radio network will begin broadcasting by Sunday evening at the latest. The two operators will use the same transmitters in regions where their DAB+ broadcasts overlap, in locations where the 24 TV multiplex broadcasts from. Broadcast Services auctioned a total of five regional networks in last year's frequency auction, GG Omikron three. This week their one-year deadline under the Electronic Communications Act, by which they must launch at least one transmitter for each network, expires. They will follow all the other auction winners, who - with the exception of Play.cz - have already done so.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

CRA launches the first part of its nationwide DAB+ network for commercial radio

05.02.2025 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

CRA has launched the operation of its DAB+ digital radio network and the broadcasting of commercial radio stations on frequencies acquired in the frequency auction organised by the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU). At the moment, 48% of the population coverage of the planned multiplex has been completed, and 6 commercial radio stations have started broadcasting there today. A total of 17 transmitters are now covered by the new digital radio multiplex, which is being launched by the CRA on 4 February. The second phase and the launch of 15 more transmitters will follow by the end of March, with coverage reaching 80% of the Czech population. The new multiplex already has a customer, the Radio United Broadcasting media group.

(České Radiokomunikace) Read more

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WorldDAB at Radiodays Europe 2023

04.04.2023

The radio industry gathered for the 2023 edition of Radiodays Europe, held in Prague to mark the centenary of Czech Radio. WorldDAB was there as delegates discussed the impact of AI, and the importance of securing radio's prominence in the connected car and on smart speakers. (Photo: Radiodays Europe)

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