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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.

RTI cz and TELEKO DAB muxes for Prague from new mast

13.08.2024 - Czechia

Telecomms companies RTI cz and Teleko digital are distributing their multiplexes for the Czech capital from a new transmitting antenna. This is according to information available to the Digital Radio portal. The new mast is located on the roof of the Spartakiada stadium in Strahov. The switchover of the original to the new DAB+ transmitter took place on Monday afternoon, the short outage lasted only a few minutes. The connection to the large antenna at the Strahov stadium is mainly a preparation of the first-named company for the launch of the Strahov transmitter on channel 8D - the existing licence for channel 5A expires at the end of the year.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

DAB+ set for strong autumn push, now 18% of listeners in Czechia

08.08.2024 - Czechia

The share of digital radio listeners is slowly approaching twenty percent. Eighteen percent of listeners used the DAB+ platform in the first half of this year. This was shown by the results of Radioprojekt, an official measurement of the popularity of Czech radio stations, presented on 7 August. The development of new radio multiplexes with commercial radio, the expansion of coverage and especially activities related to the development of DAB+ will be key to strengthening this digital platform on the Czech market. Currently, 18 per cent of listeners who said that their reception is provided by a conventional receiver or car radio use digital terrestrial radio. (Up from 17% last year, and 11% in 2021.)

(Český rozhlas) Read more

In North Moravia and Silesia, tune in to TELEKO DAB multiplex on the new channel 10D

08.08.2024 - Czechia

TELEKO DAB has announced: "from 7 August 2024, you will tune our digital radio multiplex on the new definitive channel 10D. A powerful transmitter with a radiated power of 2 kW has been put into operation from Lysá hora in the Beskydy Mountains. This will significantly improve the signal in the northeastern Czech Republic. We ask all listeners within range of the Beskydy transmitter to retune their desktop DAB+ radio receivers via AUTOTUNE or FACTORY RESET. For most car radios the retune will occur automatically."

(TELEKO DAB) Read more

Teleko launches second final DAB+ transmitter, improves coverage of Ostrava

06.08.2024 - Czechia

On 6-7 August, Teleko digital has planned a lockout of the digital radio transmitter at Lysá hora, which will be switched from the temporary channel 7B to the final channel 10D and its power will be increased to 2 kW. After Liberec, Teleko digital from Příbram will cover the Ostrava region with its DAB+ digital radio network from the final channel. Unlike in Liberec, Teleko will launch the full power of the transmitter on Lysá hora, which will enable significantly better coverage of the Moravian-Silesian region. The company won the 10D channel in last year's Czech Telecommunications Office frequency auction for the whole of Moravia, Vysočina and Pardubice regions.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Operators RTI cz and Teleko digital have approval for DAB+ at Lysá hora

02.08.2024 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) has started to publish in its online database the first allocations of specific slots from which operators will be able to launch commercial stations in the coming months. Companies will be able to proceed on the basis of the frequency auction announced by the CTU at the beginning of this year. This will significantly expand the availability of stations on the DAB+ platform. The key dimension for the Moravian-Silesian region (and not only this one) will be used not only by the operator Teleko digital, but also by the company RTI cz, which is the future operator of one of the two nationwide DAB+ networks, the other one being České Radiokomunikace.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Prague to get COLOR DAB+ multiplex with up to 5 kW power

02.08.2024 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office has granted JOE Media permission to broadcast the COLOR DAB+ radio multiplex with a power of up to 5 kW on the territory of the capital in the future. It results from the database of the Czech Telecommunications Office. With the proper parameters made possible by the regulator's auction completed at the beginning of the year, the operator will operate on channel 6A. The current CTU allocation confirms several assumptions. The COLOR DAB+ multiplex will operate, as before, from the Prague - Strahov mast. Until now, the operator could transmit a maximum of 1 kW on channel 7C. This will change after the launch of channel 6A. The COLOR DAB+ multiplex will be able to use up to 5 kW.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

TELEKO DAB mux to significantly improve Moravia and Silesia coverage

26.07.2024 - Czechia

Příbram's Teleko digital is preparing for the launch of its multiplex on the Frýdek-Místek - Lysá hora transmitter with final parameters. "The next steps are to retune the Frýdek-Místek transmitter, replace the directional antenna with an omnidirectional one and increase the power, which will significantly improve the coverage of northern Moravia and Silesia. We are looking forward to finally delivering the TELEKO DAB multiplex signal in the required quality to this region," said the company's managing director Tomáš Řapek. The operator is also working to significantly improve coverage of South Moravia and the Zlín Region. Teleko has a kilowatt transmitter operating on channel 11C directly in Zlín.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Color DAB+ covers D3 motorway, increases České Budějovice power

19.07.2024 - Czechia

Drivers can now spend the entire journey from Prague to České Budějovice on the D3 motorway listening to the digital radio broadcast of the COLOR DAB+ network operated by Joe Media. The operator has increased the power of the transmitter in České Budějovice. The Budějovice transmitter of the COLOR DAB+ multiplex was the first ever transmitter launched under the frequencies allocated in the auction of the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) at the beginning of this year. Joe Media launched it on technology it dismantled from the original old Prague transmitter at Strahov. In mid-May, it started test broadcasts with 200 W instead of the planned 2 kW. This changed at the end of last week. "We have made the wiring modifications necessary to increase the power at the DAB+ transmitter in České Budějovice and at the same time increased the power to about 500 W. We will make another increase soon," the operator announced via social media.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

ČTÚ does not rule out community DAB+ transmitters

02.07.2024 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office's (ČTÚ) rejection of the allocation of additional frequencies for terrestrial digital radio broadcasting DAB+ beyond the recent auction will not be so clear. The authority admits that additional local and community transmitters could be created in the future. "The Authority expects the construction and development of the national and regional broadcast networks in line with the development criteria set out in the allocations and a consequent increase in the number of DAB+ receivers among listeners. In the future, following an assessment of development, the Authority will look at the possibility of local and community transmitters as suggested in the public consultation," the CTU said in its May monitoring report.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Play.cz negotiates DAB+ with CRA, network operation is key

19.06.2024 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Play.cz has signed a three-month memorandum of exclusivity for negotiations on the construction and operation of regional networks for terrestrial digital radio broadcasting DAB+ with Czech Radiocommunications (CRA). Play.cz, as one of the eight winners of the auction of frequencies for digital radio broadcasting, has committed not to negotiate with any other potential supplier of broadcasting services until September. Jan John, a member of Play.cz's supervisory board, made the announcement at the DIGIMEDIA 2024 conference last week. The possibility that CRA would operate DAB+ for Play.cz as a service is in play, thus de facto becoming a technical operator, similar to the case of the CRo DAB+ public network operated by Czech Radio.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more