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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

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.conrad.cz

www.alza.cz

www.czc.cz

www.mall.cz

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.

Radio Proglas plans to switch to DAB+ within two to three years
18.11.2024 - Czechia Czechia
The Christian station Rádio Proglas plans to end analogue FM broadcasting and switch to digital technology DAB+ within two to three years. According to director Martin Holík, the management is considering how to make the transition smoothly and without major disruptions. Proglas wants to distribute the signal from the new transmitters of the Teleko operator, which are planned - Králíky or Třebíč, and it is also considering covering Znojmo. According to Martin Holík, the head of the digitalization project at Radio Proglas, who is also its director, it would be ideal for the station to reduce the power of FM transmitters during this period and at the same time encourage listeners to buy receivers that, in addition to the existing analogue broadcasts, allow them to tune in to radio programmes digitally.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

RTI cz heads to Vysočina region with DAB+
11.11.2024 - Czechia Czechia
The operator has obtained the fifteenth individual authorisation for the use of the frequencies of the C-wide digital radio network. The transmitter of Teleko digital will be used from the Jihlava Strážnik. The digital radio multiplex C, which is backed by the Pilsen-based company RTI cz, is preparing to expand into the Vysočina region. The operator has obtained individual authorisation from the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) for the use of channel 9D on the Jihlava - Strážník transmitter. Teleko digital also distributes its digital radio network from the same location. Both Teleko and RTI cz can broadcast from Strážník with a maximum permitted power of 5 kW.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Fiera multiplex broadcasts fourth station from Montenegro, Radio Sázava is also broadcasting in DAB+
10.11.2024 - Czechia Czechia
Since Friday, November 8th, Radio Sázava is part of the DAB+ multiplex Fiera from the eastern Bohemian Black Mountain. It has been added to the programme offer in the form of Color Music Radio, Radio Hey and, of course, Radio Energic. The inclusion of Sázava is the result of cooperation between the network operator and the operator of this programme, JOE Media, the company behind the COLOR DAB+ multiplex. Pavel Hájek, managing director of pHmedia, told Digital Radio that the inclusion of Radio Sázava follows the positive reception of Color Music Radio and Radio Hey in the Fiera multiplex.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

RTI cz launches DAB+ in eastern Bohemia, receives authorisation for Montenegro and Stěžery
06.11.2024 - Czechia Czechia
RTI cz was granted individual authorisation for the use of frequencies for digital radio broadcasting from Trutnov - Černá hora and Hradec Králové - Stěžery. From both locations, it can launch its national multiplex C, which it won in the frequency auction at the beginning of this year. As in the case of the Moravian sites, RTI cz will also use the transmitters of Teleko digital in eastern Bohemia, which already distributes the signal of its radio Regional Network 6 from Černá Hora and Stěžery. Thus, four digital radio networks will already be broadcasting from Černá Hora.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Moravia launches new DAB+ transmitters
01.11.2024 - Czechia Czechia
Two digital network operators for commercial radio, Teleko digital and RTI cz, are expanding DAB+ signal coverage in Moravia. Teleko has started broadcasting from the Velká Javorina transmitter in Slovakia, while RTI cz has launched its first Moravian site on Lysá hora in the Beskydy Mountains. On Thursday, RTI cz began testing transmissions from Lysá hora, where its full-range multiplex C signal is being distributed from its own transmitter by Teleko digital. The tests are running on channel 9D and the network should ultimately transmit at 3 kW. From Lysá hora, RTI cz will cover the entire Ostrava-Karviná region. This operator broadcasts from Lysá hora with an output of 2 kW. From Thursday to Friday, Teleko digital also launched the Velká Javorina transmitter, located on the Slovak side of the Czech-Slovak border near Uherský Brod.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

ZUN radio returns to Zlín, Teleko digital operator switches to DAB+ channel
25.10.2024 - Czechia Czechia
The next location where listeners will be able to tune into the TELEKO DAB multiplex from the new parameters will be Zlín - Mladcová. Instead of frequency block 11C, it will be channel 10D. As part of its efforts to improve coverage and strengthen its position in the digital radio market, Teleko digital is switching to a single channel 10D in the eastern part of the country. Thanks to the launch of the Zlín transmitter on the final parameters, ZUN radio, which reminds listeners of the motto "The most house in the ether", is returning to Zlín after a year.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

CRA launches Bnej DAB+ multiplex for one third of Czechs
21.10.2024 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia Czechia
In the next few weeks, České Radiokomunikace will launch a nationwide commercial digital broadcast network in the four largest cities of the Czech Republic. The so-called multiplex B will be available from the beginning in Prague, Brno, Ostrava and Plzeň, Marcel Procházka, director of the CRA's regulatory and legal department, announced at the Media and Technology conference in Pardubice on Tuesday, adding that by the end of the year multiplex B should be available to half of the Czech population. In three of the first four cities mentioned, CRA already operates the digital radio network on the basis of temporary frequencies with reduced power.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Play.cz plans 12 DAB+ transmitters for early 2025
21.10.2024 - Czechia Czechia
Play.cz wants to comply with the Electronic Communications Act and start broadcasting in all the regions for which it has auctioned frequency allocations within a year of receiving the frequency allocations. However, it will not be about definitive coverage of all acquired regions, but about launching individual transmitters with minimum power so that their operation is as low-cost as possible and the operator at the same time meets the legal requirement, Jan John, a member of Play.cz's supervisory board, said at the Media and Technology conference on Tuesday. According to him, the company is still exclusively negotiating cooperation on the construction and operation of regional DAB+ networks with Czech Radio Communications.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

RTI cz DAB+ multiplex launched from the South Bohemian Klet' transmitter
21.10.2024 - Czechia Czechia
The DAB+ multiplex of the operator RTI cz has been broadcasting from the South Bohemian Kletě since Friday afternoon. The transmitter is located on the tower building, the dominant mast on this height is the building of Czech Radio Communications, which operates the Czech Radio network from here and in the future also its Czech Digital Group network with commercial radios. The tower complements the coverage of the Kluk and Javorník transmitters. "We are currently operating this transmitter with reduced power because some technical modifications are still necessary, but it is already in test mode," Digital Radio manager Andrea Jančová confirmed to the Digital Radio portal. The maximum radiated power of the transmitter will be 10 kW with vertical polarization.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

DAB+ multiplex Play.cz to launch at the beginning of next year, to begin extensive expansion
15.10.2024 - Czechia Czechia
Play.cz, which has so far been active mainly in the field of internet streaming, will launch its own radio network in the DAB+ standard in the first quarter of next year. Jan John, a member of the company's supervisory board, made the announcement at the Media and Technology 2024 conference in Pardubice on Tuesday. The network's programming is currently in the pipeline. The launch in the first quarter of next year means that the operator will launch one transmitter in each of the awarded regions. Play.cz wants to proceed in such a way that by the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, it will have completed the first phase of expansion, which the Czech Telecommunications Authority set for it as one of the winners of the auction.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

  • Radiodays_hall

    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)

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 10.7 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 96%
Services: 72 DAB+
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 97%
Last update: 26.02.2024

Useful Links

Services on Air
Czech Telecommunication Office
Regulator of spectrum, The Czech Telecommunication Office
Web portal about digital radio DAB+
Services on air in Czech Republic
Czech Radio
Czech Radiocommunications a.s.
The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
RTI cz s.r.o.
TELEKO s.r.o.
Czech Radio - Digital radio
Czech Radio - dab+
České Radiokomunikace a.s.