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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.

RTI cz broadcasts DAB+ in Mariánské Lázně, plans two transmitters in Třebíč

04.04.2025 - Czechia

The Dyleň transmitter in western Bohemia, which was originally announced at the beginning of the year, has launched the nationwide radio multiplex C. The network operator, RTI cz, has requested frequency coordination for five new transmitters. The West Bohemian transmitter Mariánské Lázně - Dyleň has joined the regional group of multiplex C transmitters referred to as ‘North-West’, which are identified by the abbreviation RTI cz SZC. These include the transmitters Ústí nad Labem - Kukla, Jáchymov - Klínovec, Karlovy Vary - Bohatice and Toužim - Třebouňský vrch. All of them broadcast on channel 9B and, in addition to the national radios, they can also distribute regional content.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

SeeJay Radio's lightning comeback: four DAB+ transmitters are already broadcasting it

02.04.2025 - Czechia

The operator of SeeJay Radio, which has returned to the airwaves after six years, has significantly expanded its reach. The initial distribution from the Prague-Děvín transmitter was supplemented by three more locations of the Fiera touch operator. The most significant coverage is now provided by the East Bohemian town of Černá hora on channel 7D. In the coming weeks, the final antenna will be installed here to strengthen the signal. This will improve availability not only for regular listeners, but also for the operator's other clients. The Černá hora transmitter currently carries six programmes in the Fiera touch multiplex. In addition to SeeJay Radio, there are also Color Music Radio, Energic, Hey Radio, Rádio Sázava and ZUN radio.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

CRA to increase coverage of its full DAB+ network for commercial radio

31.03.2025 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

České Radiokomunikace (CRA) is expanding the coverage of its DAB B network for broadcasting commercial radio stations. They are launching broadcasts from 14 additional transmitters and increasing the network's reach to 83.4% of the Czech population. To date, 17 transmitters have been operating on Czech Radio's DAB B network, bringing the total number of transmitters to 31. "The digitisation of radio broadcasting is a project that we have been working on intensively and for a long time," says CRA CEO Miloš Mastník. "We are still working to increase coverage, and now more than 80% of the Czech population tunes into the multiplex with commercial radio stations. We believe that this will contribute to its faster penetration to listeners," adds Mastník.

(České Radiokomunikace (CRA)) Read more

Czech Telecoms Office: "DAB+ growth is fast"

26.03.2025 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office has carried out checks on the development criteria set out in the framework of the allocation of radio frequencies for national, supra-regional and regional broadcasting networks intended for the distribution of private DAB+ radio broadcasting. Development criteria and deadlines for each category of frequency allocation were set in the selection procedure. The criteria audited were met, some well in advance. "We are pleased to note that the auction has resulted in a relatively rapid increase in the availability of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting, not only in terms of the number of people who have access to the signal, but also in terms of the growing range of radio programmes being distributed by private broadcasters," said Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU Council.

(Český telekomunikační úřad (ČTÚ)) Read more

Czech digital radio networks meet expansion targets ahead of schedule

25.03.2025 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office has confirmed that private DAB+ radio network operators are meeting their coverage obligations—some even ahead of deadlines. With 93 transmitters now in operation, digital radio availability is expanding rapidly. Other deadlines by which operators must increase population or highway coverage will expire in the second half of 2026 or later, and therefore the CTU has not yet checked these criteria.

(LUPA.cz) Read more

FM radios are starting to leave the traditional distribution channel

22.03.2025 - Czechia

The Czech Republic is currently in the imaginary halfway point of the DAB+ digital broadcasting rollout. This year should be an important milestone for DAB+. Now we are waiting for České Radiokomunikace to expand its nationwide network to 80 percent of the population at the end of March and for Play.cz to put its cards on the table, which, in addition to the Pardubice Region and Vysočina, won the auction of the CTU to cover virtually the entire Czech territory. But what we did not know at the very beginning of 2025, we know now. Several radio stations on the market have decided to fundamentally change their signal distribution, which has so far been based exclusively on analogue broadcasting. The imaginary "holy trinity" consists of Radio Proglas, Radio Prostor and Country Radio.

(MediaGuru.cz) Read more

Country Radio switch-off at Liblice transmitter is irreversible, replacement will be DAB+

22.03.2025 - Czechia

Country Radio will stop broadcasting on medium wave from Liblice in Central Bohemia at the end of March. This decision is irreversible and the replacement will be an extension of DAB+ coverage. The medium wave transmission will continue on average commercial terms for South Bohemia only. The aim is to ensure a smooth transition of listeners from one platform to another, with DAB+ network coverage reaching 80 per cent of the population. According to the Digital Radio portal, the remaining 14 DAB+ transmitters of Czech Radio will be launched at the end of March. This expansion will significantly increase the coverage of digital radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic. Martin Hroch, director of Radio United, the company that operates the station, confirmed the plan to the editors, stressing the importance of a smooth transition for listeners.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Prostor leaves several FM transmitters, plans to enter DAB+

14.03.2025 - Czechia

Radio Prostor is changing its strategy to adapt to new trends in radio broadcasting. Radio Prostor will stop broadcasting on eight FM frequencies as part of its network optimization. The termination of broadcasting on these frequencies was approved by the Radio and Television Broadcasting Council (RRTV) following a request from the operator, Radio Prostor. It informed about it in its Thursday press release. Radio Prostor director Petr Lutonsky says the move is aimed at expanding broadcasting on the DAB+ digital platform, which is considered the future of radio broadcasting. "This year we are expanding our broadcasts on DAB+, which we see as the future, and in connection with this we are optimising the FM network," Lutonsky told MediaGuru.cz.

(MediaGuru.cz) Read more

TRITON Digital orders DAB systems from Paneda

12.03.2025 - Paneda WorldDAB Member - Sweden - Czechia - Slovakia

The system integrator Triton Digital has ordered a complete DAB platform from Paneda. The system has been installed in the Czech Republic for the national broadcaster Broadcast Services (part of the same group as Multiplex24), which is building a DAB network with a total of 31 transmitters. Once completed, the network will cover up to 95% of the population in the target regions. Additionally, a DAB system has been provided for the regional broadcaster GG Omikron, which is developing a DAB network aimed at covering the three largest cities in the Czech Republic. The order includes a software platform based on Docker, hosted on on-premises hardware.

(Paneda) Read more

CRA can expand DAB+ coverage with green light for 14 more transmitters

05.03.2025 - Czechia

Nothing prevents the announced expansion of the coverage of the nationwide radio multiplex B, operated by Czech Radiokomunikace. The Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) has issued 14 more individual frequency licences to the company. If today, multiplex B covers about half of the Czech population from 17 transmitters, after the launch of the additional 14 sites, more than 80 percent of the population will be able to tune into the network. CRA declares the launch of the new 14 transmitters in March, but has not yet published a specific date. Priority was given to the launch of the regional networks of Play.cz, which has concluded a contract with CRA for the technical operation of the networks and the use of the transmitters.

(Televizníweb.cz) 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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