Czechia - Current situation - History
01.09.2023
At midnight on 31 August 2023, the deadline for applications to the tender for DAB+ networks closed. The Czech Telecommunications Authority received applications from nine entities, six of which have deposited a cash guarantee in an amount allowing them to compete for nationwide networks (the first phase of the auction), the remaining three entities have deposited a guarantee in an amount allowing them to participate from the second phase of the auction. The auction itself is scheduled to take place during October and will be conducted in four auction phases, in which the auction blocks will be allocated successively among the auction participants.
"We are pleased with the interest shown in the auction of frequencies for the operation of commercial DAB+ networks, which is considerable, especially in terms of national networks. We hope that the process will continue successfully and lead to more competition on the radio broadcasting market, more diversity for listeners and overall development in this area," said Marek Ebert, the CTU chairman.
The first phase will include auction blocks suitable for nationwide networks, the second phase will include auction blocks for networks covering several regions, and the third phase will include auction blocks allowing coverage of individual regions only. In the fourth phase, auction blocks will be offered without any restrictive conditions to any of the participants in the previous phases. Participation in each phase is limited on the basis of a defined spectrum cap to allow smaller players to enter the market while maximising the use of all allocations across the Czech Republic.
The invitation to tender was issued on 1 August 2023 for two national and 27 regional broadcasting networks. The national 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.
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.
01.08.2023
On 1 August 2023, the Czech Telecommunications Office announced a tender for commercial DAB+ networks. "The frequency band for FM broadcasting is almost full, this new platform will allow new programming players to enter the market. After several years of intensive work, the frequency band for DAB has been coordinated during 2022 and can be used. In addition to the already successfully running digital broadcasting of Czech Radio, we will also enable the development of commercial DAB networks," said Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU.
The invitation to tender is for two national and 27 regional broadcasting networks. The national 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.
Applicants can submit applications for the allocations until 31 August 2023; a cash guarantee is required by the same deadline. The auction itself is scheduled to take place during October 2023.
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.
28.04.2023
In April 2023, the Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ) published for renewed public consultation a draft announcement of a tender procedure aimed at allocating frequencies for the provision of two national and 27 regional broadcast networks for DAB+ terrestrial digital radio.
Press release: Tender conditions for DAB+ broadcasting in public consultation
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.