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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.

TELEKO DAB+ multiplex from the Hradec Králové - Stěžery transmitter expected early 2023

04.10.2022 - Czechia

Teleko, a company from Příbram, is planning to launch its radio multiplex from a new transmitter in East Bohemia within a few months, says the company's managing director Tomáš Řapek. The operator is currently waiting for a building permit to be issued so that it can start preparations for its new channel 5D.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Auction of digital commercial radio networks to raise tens of millions of crowns

03.10.2022 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office plans to announce a tender for the operator of commercial digital radio networks before the end of this year. It expects the auction of frequency rights to raise tens of millions of crowns. The winning company will receive frequency allocations valid until the end of 2040. The Authority made the announcement in the tender principles document. The seven-page document was posted on its website as part of a public consultation.

(Lupa.cz) Read more

České Radiokomunikace wants commercial networks to match the coverage of the CRo DAB+ multiplex

19.08.2022 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

České Radiokomunikace wants to actively participate in the development of DAB+ digital radio next year and offer commercial stations adequate coverage and enable the development of their business. Miloš Mastník, the operator's new general manager, stated this in an interview with Televizníweb. The development of private multiplexes is expected in the next year, thanks to the steps implemented by the ČTÚ. "It would be very unfortunate if the coverage of DAB ČRo and private radios were different. In order for DAB to make sense to listeners, it must be able to receive not only the public broadcasts of CRo, but also private radio stations. As soon as we go full DAB+, we will want to cover the entire territory of the Czech Republic as quickly as possible," stated Mastník.

(Český rozhlas / Televizníweb) Read more

Radiožurnál Sport most listened-to of all digital stations

10.08.2022 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Listeners found their way to the digital Radiožurnál and the station has been increasing its listenership for a long time. The fact that the only sports radio on the Czech airwaves is distributed via the DAB+ platform, which is also growing in our market, also plays a significant role in this. Currently, the station receives 14% of listeners through this technology.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech Telecommunications Authority authorises new transmitters for CRo DAB+ network

03.08.2022 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Český Rozhlas continues its role as a leader in DAB+ digital broadcasting and this year plans to launch nine new transmitters of its network, which currently covers 95% of the population. The new sites will mainly serve to improve the quality of the existing coverage and to strengthen it. In particular, in already covered areas, the signal inside buildings will therefore improve.

(Czech Radio) Read more

RTI cz DAB multiplex boosts coverage in Domažlice - Čerchov

24.06.2022 - Czechia

RTI cz s.r.o. has launched a new DAB+ transmitter in Domažlice - Čerchov. The transmitter complements the single-frequency network of transmitters on channel 5B Plzeň - Sylván, Klatovy - Doubrava and Třebouňský vrch. The transmitter significantly increases the coverage in the area of Domažlice, Kdyně, Horšovský Týn and Poběžovice. Here you can tune in to the RTI cz DAB multiplex offering: Czech Radio Karlovy Vary, DAB Plus Top 40, Radio Proglas, Radio 7, Radio BEAT, Radio 1, Signal Radio and Radio Ukraine.

(RTI cz s.r.o.) Read more

DAB+ potential is huge in the Czech Republic, already over one million listeners

20.06.2022 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Fourteen percent of the Czech population currently listens to radio via DAB+. This follows from the latest results of Radioprojekt, which were presented at the meeting of the Czech Radio Council by representatives of the Public Media Research Department. Compared to the first half of the year, there was an increase of three percentage points. The presentation shows that 1.242 million people listened to DAB+ in the first quarter, which is an increase of 242,000 compared to the first half of last year. The popularity of the technology is thus growing and it has already surpassed the popularity of receiving radio broadcasts via television, which is currently at twelve percent, while DAB+ boasts fourteen.

(Czech Radio) Read more

Czech Radio: DAB+ will continue to develop

01.06.2022 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

By the end of this year, Czech Radio will launch nine new locations that will spread the signal of its digital multiplex ČRo DAB+, and it expects further development in the coming years. This was announced today at the Digimedia 2022 conference by Karel Zýka, Director of the Department of Technology and Public Media Management. In his case, around 85% of the population should have sufficient DAB+ indoor coverage in 2025.

(Czech Radio) Read more

Digital radio to feature at Digimedia 2022 event in Czech Republic

18.05.2022 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

On 1 June, representatives of the public broadcaster Czech Radio, commercial radio stations, the Association of Private Broadcasting Operators (APSV), DAB+ digital radio network operators and analogue FM transmitters and the market regulator, the Czech Telecommunication Office will meet in the Czech Television Congress Hall in Prague's Kavčíhory Mountains. They will discuss the introduction of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting in the DAB + standard, and other radio issues such as measuring listening.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Frequencies for commercial DAB+ networks in Czech Republic next year

18.05.2022 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunication Office is ready to allocate frequencies for the operation of regular DAB+ commercial networks in 2023, after consultations with interested parties. The inspection body stated this in the current Monthly Monitoring Report. The date is associated with the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in what was then Czechoslovakia, which falls on May 18, 2023.

(Czech Radio) Read more