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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.

Radiodays Europe is coming to Prague: main co-organizer is Czech Radio

23.03.2023 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

From 26 to 28 March 2023, the Prague Congress Centre will host Radiodays Europe 2023, the largest pan-European conference for radio, podcasting and audio content production professionals. The main co-organiser of this prestigious gathering of professionals from public and commercial radio and independent audio content creators from across Europe is Czech Radio. Speakers will focus on the position of the public service media in the international context, Czech Radio as a source of quality and credible news and the leader of podcasting in the Czech Republic, digital broadcasting DAB+, support for new audio formats for young people and innovations in the online space or cybersecurity of media houses.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Energic wants to target young listeners on DAB+, takes inspiration from abroad

20.03.2023 - Czechia

The Czech radio airwaves will be expanded by a new station Radio Energic within a few months, most likely in the first half of this year. It will be based in Mladá Boleslav, but it will not focus only on the Central Bohemian region. According to its managing director Tomáš Veselý, the monthly operation of the radio will cost several hundred thousand Czech crowns. The Energy radio group reaches almost 2.5 million listeners in the German market, with DAB+ also helping significantly. "In terms of listenership, we want to reach at least tens of thousands of listeners in the future. Of course, we know that this is a target that can be met within a few years. It will also depend on the availability of our coverage," the head of Radio Energic explained.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech Radio connects to RadioDNS

14.03.2023 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - RadioDNS WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Czech Radio, the Czech Republic’s public service broadcaster, is now connected to the global RadioDNS system. The broadcaster, the oldest in continental Europe, operates 12 nationwide stations and another 14 regional stations. All the stations on FM and DAB+ are now connected with web services such as audio streams and station logos. “The RadioDNS system enables Czech Radio to optimally connect all three of our key distribution platforms, i.e., FM, DAB and the internet. This is a modern solution for so-called hybrid radio, and although it is not yet standard equipment, the number of cars equipped in this way is growing,” says Karel Zýka, director of technology and administration at Czech Radio.

(RedTech) Read more

Czech Radio deploys RadioDNS, enables connection of traditional radio with the internet

10.03.2023 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - RadioDNS WorldDAB Member - Czechia

From 8 March, the RadioDNS system has been part of the Czech Radio broadcasts, which, among other things, will enable the connection of a given station with its presentation on the internet. Technically, all stations of the public service broadcaster on FM and DAB+ are now connected with web services such as audio streams, station logos, etc. "The RadioDNS system enables Czech Radio to optimally connect all three of our key distribution platforms, i.e. FM, DAB and the internet. This is a modern solution for hybrid radio," says Karel Zýka, Director of Technology and Administration at Czech Radio.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

ZUN digital radio uses RadioDNS technology

27.02.2023 - RadioDNS WorldDAB Member - Czechia

The private music station ZUN has added the RadioDNS service to its signal on the DAB+ digital radio network. Players that support the technology can switch from DAB+ to an internet stream if required. The RadioDNS hybrid radio technology enriches the player with web links, traffic information, camera footage or even sports scores. Information about programmes, station names, logos and format descriptions are also displayed. Additional data is transmitted via LTE or 5G mobile network. In Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche or BMW cars, the car radio switches to the internet stream as soon as the car leaves the DAB+ coverage area.

(Lupa.cz) Read more

Tender for commercial DAB+ networks could start in June

16.02.2023 - Czechia

Despite the fact that in the Czech Republic the imaginary ice is slowly starting to move in the preparation of the final DAB+ multiplexes for commercial networks, it is not expected that they will be launched before the second half of next year. The Czech Telecommunications Authority made the announcement at a roundtable held on Wednesday 15 February, especially for prospective operators. By 22 February, i.e. by next week, the participants of the roundtable have the opportunity to send their comments on the event that has just taken place. The public consultation is expected to start next month, in March, and the comments are expected to be settled by May. The tender itself, the telecoms regulator said in point four, will not take place until June this year.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

ČTÚ holds workshop on the preparation of DAB+ tender

16.02.2023 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ) held a workshop to discuss with stakeholders the terms of the tender to allocate radio frequencies for the provision of two national and 27 regional DAB+ networks. The draft tender conditions will subsequently be published for re-consultation. The workshop was well attended and discussed, for example, financial aspects, overlapping of broadcasting networks from abroad and other practical issues. A number of smaller players also declared their interest in DAB+ again. There was general agreement on the need to complete the process as soon as possible so that the current time-limited broadcasts could be transformed into permanent and stable broadcasts.

(Český telekomunikační úřad (ČTÚ)) Read more

The new chairman of the CTU Council Ebert started tweeting, his first post was dedicated to DAB+

10.02.2023 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office does not want to hesitate with the digitalisation of radio broadcasting under the new chairman of the ČTÚ Council, Mark Ebert, and is open to the technology. Ebert indicated this on his Twitter account, which he set up last July. He plans to discuss the digitisation of commercial entities with stakeholders as early as next week. "Right again. On Wednesday 15 February this year, the ČTÚ will present and explain the draft terms and conditions for the future DAB networks at a workshop. I look forward to a constructive debate," Marek Ebert, chairman of the Czech Telecommunications Office's Council, wrote in his first and so far only tweet on Wednesday 8 February.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Call for comments on the draft text of the Call for Tenders for provision of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting

31.01.2023 - Czechia

In order to implement Section 21 of Act No.127/2005 Coll., on Electronic Communications and on Amendments to Certain Related Acts (Act on Electronic Communications), as amended, the Czech Telecommunications Office (hereinafter referred to as "the Office") has prepared a draft Notice of Tender and has initiated a tender process for frequencies in the 174-230 MHz band intended for the distribution of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting and multimedia applications. In accordance with Section 130 of the Electronic Communications Act, the Authority is submitting the draft Announcement of the tender procedure for the purpose of granting rights to use radio frequencies for the provision of electronic communications networks in the 174-230 MHz frequency band for public consultation. In the interests of maximum transparency of the whole process, the draft terms and conditions of the Call for Tender are presented.

(Český telekomunikační úřad) Read more

Two nationwide and 27 regional DAB+ networks to be established in the Czech Republic, CTU proposes

31.01.2023 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunication Office has published the draft conditions of the tender for the commercial digital radio network DAB+. Experts and businesses in the field have until 1 March to submit any comments. The aim of the tender is to allocate radio frequencies in Band III to bidders to provide two nationwide and 27 regional DAB+ broadcasting networks. "The conditions for the use of the radio frequencies concerned have been set to ensure maximum availability of these new services, while ensuring that they are viable by future holders of the allocations," the authority said.

(Lupa.cz) Read more