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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.

Two more DAB+ operators - Broadcast Services and GG Omikron - launch first transmitters

14.02.2025 - Czechia

Broadcast Services and GG Omikron's regional digital radio network will begin broadcasting by Sunday evening at the latest. The two operators will use the same transmitters in regions where their DAB+ broadcasts overlap, in locations where the 24 TV multiplex broadcasts from. Broadcast Services auctioned a total of five regional networks in last year's frequency auction, GG Omikron three. This week their one-year deadline under the Electronic Communications Act, by which they must launch at least one transmitter for each network, expires. They will follow all the other auction winners, who - with the exception of Play.cz - have already done so.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

CRA launches the first part of its nationwide DAB+ network for commercial radio

05.02.2025 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

CRA has launched the operation of its DAB+ digital radio network and the broadcasting of commercial radio stations on frequencies acquired in the frequency auction organised by the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU). At the moment, 48% of the population coverage of the planned multiplex has been completed, and 6 commercial radio stations have started broadcasting there today. A total of 17 transmitters are now covered by the new digital radio multiplex, which is being launched by the CRA on 4 February. The second phase and the launch of 15 more transmitters will follow by the end of March, with coverage reaching 80% of the Czech population. The new multiplex already has a customer, the Radio United Broadcasting media group.

(České Radiokomunikace) Read more

In Tábor, DAB+ starts from Fiery, offering five stations

04.02.2025 - Czechia

The first transmitter of the Regional Radio Network 20, which is to cover the South Bohemia region, was launched by the company Fiera touch in Tábor on Friday. So far, it has been transmitting at a reduced power of 400 W on channel 9A from the Cihelna locality, from where the same company also broadcasts the TV Regional Network 11. "The transmitter in Tábor has been in operation since 1 pm on Friday," Pavel Hájek, owner of Fiera touch, confirmed to Televizníweb.cz. The network includes five radios: Energic, ZUN radio, Hey radio, Color Music Radio and Rádio Sázava. The last three belong to the media group of Miroslav Pýcha, who is also a DAB+ network operator and also has frequency allocations for the South Bohemia region, but his company Joe Media has so far launched a transmitter in České Budějovice.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

CRA have launched a nationwide DAB+ network, half of the Czech Republic already covered

04.02.2025 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

České Radiokomunikace (CRA) has started broadcasting its nationwide digital network for commercial radios. It includes six programmes from the Radio United Broadcasting group. Other commercial radios have joined CRA's regional networks in Prague, Pilsen and now also Liberec. Almost half of the Czech Republic's population can tune into another nationwide network for digital radio from today. The CRA-owned Czech Digital Group has put into operation the first 17 transmitters and decoders of multiplex B (referred to as CRA CZ or CRA DAB+ CZ), which includes six programmes from the Radio United Broadcasting group. Three of them were previously broadcast in the competing multiplex C of RTI cz. CRA also launched the first transmitter of Regional Network 4, which is to cover the Liberec, Ústí nad Karlovy Vary regions.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Pilsen got a COLOR DAB+ multiplex, including ZUN radio and Musiconly stations

30.01.2025 - Czechia

Listeners in Pilsen and its surroundings will have the opportunity to tune into the fourth network with digital radios from Saturday 25 January 2025. Joe Media, owned by Miroslav Pýcha, has launched its COLOR DAB+ multiplex on channel 12B with a current power of 300 watts. The transmitter is located in the Černice district of Pilsen. The new network currently broadcasts into a temporary, two-story antenna system with a lower power output of 300 watts. With the arrival of more favourable weather, as Pýcha himself told Digital Radio, Joe Media plans to switch to a four-tier system, with a simultaneous increase to a final 1 kW. In addition to the COLOR DAB+ multiplex, the programme offerings of CRo, CDG regio and RTI cz are now also available in Pilsen.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

COLOR DAB+ network identification changed, Americana Radio switched to live operation

30.01.2025 - Czechia

COLOR DAB+ multiplex has prepared more news for its listeners. Not only has it welcomed a new Americana Radio station focused on American country, but it has also changed its identification for the capital to COLOR DAB+ PHA for easier listener orientation. This change signals the possibility of a different programme offering for each region of the country where the network has received allocations. Americana Radio, the newest addition to the COLOR DAB+ family, has officially launched its broadcast. The station, which specializes in American country music and rock, is now broadcasting with 64 kbps bitrate and EEP 2-B security.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

RTI cz expands DAB+ to Benesov and plans five more transmitters

30.01.2025 - Czechia

The nationwide radio multiplex C has taken over the Benesov transmitter from Teleko digital and is applying for permission to broadcast in six other localities. In the meantime, Czech Radiokomunikace is preparing the launch of a competing nationwide B network. The coverage of Central Bohemia by the signal of the C-network radio multiplex was improved by RTI cz, which put the transmitter Benešov - Kochánov into operation. On channel 8D, it distributes the Radio Beat, Signal radio, Radio 1, Proglas, Radio 7 and DAB Plus TOP40 programmes with an output of 5 kW. This is the twenty-third transmitter of multiplex C and the operator is planning five more in the near future.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Americana Radio is heading to DAB+

23.01.2025 - Czechia

The Czech Republic has the thirteenth private radio licensed for terrestrial digital broadcasting in the DAB+ standard. The authorisation from the Radio and Television Broadcasting Council was granted to American Radio of Simpli Media, the company behind the owner of Hey, Color and Sázava radios Miroslav Pýcha. The station, focused on American country and rock, has been testing since December on the HQ test programme position in the COLOR DAB+ multiplex in Prague, which is operated by Pýcha's other company Joe Media. It is in Prague that the new radio should officially launch. Later on, Americano Radio will appear on the COLOR DAB+ digital network in České Budějovice and in February at the latest also in Pilsen and Karlovy Vary.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Czech Digital Group's nationwide DAB+ multiplex with commercial radios to launch in early February

23.01.2025 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Czech Radiokomunikace has announced that it will launch the Czech Digital Group's DAB+ multiplex at the beginning of next month. The network will include commercial radio stations and represents a significant step in the digitalisation of radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic. Radio United Broadcasting, a key player in the Czech radio market, will join the new multiplex with its own stations.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech Radio plans to continue investing in DAB+ coverage

17.01.2025 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Czech Radio intends to continue the development of DAB+ digital broadcasting and invest in improving coverage and upgrading its technical equipment. CEO René Zavoral reminded the 18 December 2024 meeting that radio has reached 96% coverage of the Czech population, but is still working on eliminating the so-called "white spaces" in the network. Investments in DAB+ and technical facilities are key to maintaining competitiveness and service availability. "In addition to VHF, where we have already reached a peak, our priority is DAB+ and internet media. We want to ensure that Czech Radio's programmes are available to everyone and in the highest possible quality," Zavoral added.

(Český rozhlas) Read more