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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.

Karel Zýka outlined the future scenario for regional broadcasting of Czech Radio in DAB+

15.10.2024 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

The regional programmes of Czech Radio for Hradec Králové, North Bohemia and the Karlovy Vary Region will be distributed for at least another year via DAB+ multiplexes of the operators RTI cz and Teleko digital. Karel Zýka, technical director of the public broadcaster, said this at the Media and Technology 2024 industry conference in Pardubice on Tuesday. Further development depends on the construction of commercial networks that will enable regionalisation. Czech Radio Karlovy Vary is currently a part of the DAB+ multiplex network of the West Bohemian company RTI cz, while the Hradec Králové and Sever circuits are part of the Teleko digital programming offer. Future solutions will affect the development of regionalisable radio multiplexes.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech multiplex C is planning an expansion to seven more transmitters

14.10.2024 - Czechia

The Pilsen-based company RTI cz is able to retune five more transmitters of its temporary network for digital radios to the final frequencies and has received authorization for two new transmitters. After Karlovy Vary, Klínovec and Třebouňský vrch, RTI cz can also switch its network for digital broadcasting of commercial radios to final frequencies at Domažlice Čerchov, Klatovy Doubrava, Českobudějovice Kluk, Plzeň Sylvan and Javorník u Kašperských horů. The Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) has issued the operator with a licence for these four transmitters to use the frequencies of the nationwide multiplex C, which RTI cz acquired in an auction at the turn of the year.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Teleko digital operator changes DAB+ parameters on transmitters Černá hora and Stěžery

10.10.2024 - Czechia

The 41st week of 2024 is marked by big news on the eastern Bohemian peak Černá hora. After the operator Fiera Touch launched its DAB+ multiplex from here and started to distribute its partner programmes Color Music Radio and Radio Hey, the company Teleko digital from Příbram has also arrived. The long-awaited change of broadcasting parameters on Černá hora and Stěžere will take place on Thursday, 10 October. On Thursday, 10 October, between 10:00 and 13:00, there will be a maintenance break on the Trutnov - Černá hora transmitter in the case of the Teleko digital operator. The Příbram company will retune the existing multiplex from channel 5D to the new frequency block 7C. At the same time, the radiated power will be increased from the current 1 kW to 7 kW, the vertical polarization will be maintained.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech Radio Hradec Králové strengthens DAB+ signal in the whole Hradec Králové region

10.10.2024 - Czechia

From Thursday, 10 October, Czech Radio Hradec Králové will offer its listeners a significant improvement in digital signal coverage. Owners of DAB+ radios can look forward to an increase in the power of the Trutnov - Černá hora and Hradec Králové - Stěžery transmitters. The changes will be preceded by a several-hour maintenance break on both towers, after which it will be necessary to retune the receivers. The power of the DAB+ transmitter Černá hora will be increased from the current 1 kW to 7 kW during Thursday 10 October. In practice, this means that the important peak of the Hradec Králové Region will reach a larger area with its signal. In places where the signal of Czech Radio Hradec Králové could already be tuned in DAB+, it should be strengthened. The quality of reception will be better inside buildings and in places where reception has been marginal.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Černá hora transmitter now also broadcasts Energic radio, Fiera multiplex has launched here

08.10.2024 - Czechia

Fiera Touch's radio network has expanded to another area after the capital. The DAB+ multiplex is now also available from the eastern Bohemian region of Montenegro. The owner of the company, Pavel Hajek, confirmed this directly to the Digital Radio portal, adding that the antennas are located on the building of the upper station of the cable car. Channel 7D is currently broadcasting with a reduced power of 2 kW, the final plan is 10 kW. According to Hájek, the transmitter is currently in test operation. "We are waiting for the delivery of technology from abroad, we are currently working on a temporary solution. I expect that we will increase the power to 10 kW by the end of this year or early next year," Hájek explained.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Tune in to digital radios in West Bohemia, Multiplex C launches

03.10.2024 - Czechia

The Plzeň-based company RTI cz has scheduled the re-tuning of three DAB+ transmitters in the Karlovy Vary region for 2-3 October. They will form a single-frequency network on channel 9B. One of the two nationwide commercial radio networks, RTI cz's Multiplex C, is starting to launch its final transmitters in the very west of the Czech Republic. Today it has scheduled a seven-hour lockout of the Klínovec transmitter near Jáchymov, from where it is now transmitting on channel 9C at 1 kW power, to realign it to the final channel 9B acquired in the frequency auction. The transmitter's power will be significantly increased to 10 kW, which will significantly improve the coverage not only of the Karlovy Vary Region. A seven-hour lockout of the transmitters Karlovy Vary - sídliště and Toužim - Třebouňský vrch, which are now also transmitting on channel 9C, is also planned for 3 October and the operator will switch them to channel 9B.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

RTI cz continues to make changes to DAB+ in the west of Bohemia

03.10.2024 - Czechia

The operator RTI cz re-tuned its digital radio transmitter Toužim - Třebouňský vrch on 3 October. Listeners in the affected areas will have to retune their receivers to the new channel 9B after the lockout. Czech Radio Karlovy Vary, among others, will be better off with the change. After the West Bohemian transmitters Jáchymov - Klínovec and Karlovy Vary - sídliště, which have already been switched to the new frequency block 9B on 2 October, Toužim - Třebouňský vrch is also switching to the same frequency. At the same time, the power in this location is being increased from the current 1 kW to 10 kW. The range of RTI cz's DAB+ multiplex from Třebouňský vrch will increase significantly.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech digital radios will also broadcast from Slovakia's Velka Javorina

30.09.2024 - Czechia - Slovakia

Not only from transmitters in Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia will digital networks dedicated to domestic commercial radios be broadcast. Two of the eight successful bidders in the auction of frequencies for radio multiplexes will use the Slovak transmitter Velká Javorina to cover eastern Moravia. They have even already obtained permission from the Slovak Telecommunications Office to use the 9D and 10D transmission channels with a maximum power of 5 kW and limiting the radiation pattern exclusively to the west towards the Czech Republic. Channel 9D from Velka Javorina will be used by RTI cz for its nationwide C network and channel 10D by Teleko Digital for its Regional Network 7 covering the whole of Moravia, Vysočina and Pardubice regions.

(Médiář) Read more

Radio Proglas: The future is in DAB+

26.09.2024 - Czechia

Radio Proglas is facing a major change in the distribution of its signal. The technologies used so far, such as satellite DTH reception and FM transmitters, are slowly fading into the background, while the future is looking towards DAB+. "DTH reception is on the decline because it ties the listener to the TV set, which does not suit radio. DAB+, on the other hand, offers mobility and a more modern way of listening," says Martin Holík, director of Radio Proglas. DAB+ network operators already cover a large part of the territory, allowing Proglas to reduce its dependence on older analogue FM transmitters in the future.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

CRA will declassify the construction of DAB+ networks, publish schedule for multiplex B

25.09.2024 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Czech Radio wants to accelerate the launch of the transmitters of the nationwide digital radio network B, which will replicate the transmission sites of the public multiplex ČRo DAB+. At the end of October or during November, České Radiokomunikace plans to publish a timetable for the construction of a nationwide network for digital broadcasting of commercial radios, known as Broadcasting Network B. Marcel Procházka, director of the CRA's regulatory and legal department, told Televizníweb.cz. The company is also negotiating with Play.cz, another successful bidder in the auction of frequencies for DAB+ networks, to prepare its regional network for digital broadcasting of commercial radios and will technically operate it on a turnkey basis, just as it does for Czech Radio.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more