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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.

Czech Innovation Day 2024 on DAB+

15.05.2024 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

This year, the traditional Innovation Day conference will be held by České Radiokomunikace (CRA) on Tuesday 21 May in Spojka Karlín. Terrestrial broadcasting, whether television or radio, will be the main topic of the annual event organised by CRA. The lunch and afternoon sessions of the conference will focus on digital radio. Marcel Procházka from CRA will introduce the conference participants to the construction of new DAB+ networks and prediction of further development of this platform. Martin Hroch from Radio United will present the idea of commercial radios broadcasting in the analogue FM band about their entry into DAB+ digital broadcasting. Karel Zýka, Technical Director of Czech Radio, will talk about the further development of the public DAB+ digital network.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Karel Zýka and Marcel Procházka will speak at the Innovation Day conference on the development of DAB+

09.05.2024 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Two key speakers will be at this year's Innovation Day conference on 21 May to talk about the development of DAB+ digital radio broadcasting in the Czech Republic. Traditionally, Czech Radio will be represented by its technical director Karel Zýka, while Marcel Procházka, Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, will represent Czech Radio. Zýka's lecture, which is scheduled for around noon, is expected to bring plans for further development of Czech Radio's DAB+ multiplex. The public broadcaster currently covers around 96% of the population on so-called outdoor reception, i.e. outside buildings, and has been the natural leader of the process for a number of years, with commercial radios gradually starting to join in this year.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Digimedia 2024 welcomes the President of WorldDAB: Jacqueline Bierhorst joins the DAB+ debate

07.05.2024 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

The head of WorldDAB, the world's largest digital radio broadcasting organisation, will take part in a panel discussion with the winners of the Czech DAB+ auction at the DIGIMEDIA 2024 conference. This year's part of the 19th edition of the DIGIMEDIA 2024 professional conference on media and advertising will have an international overlap, focusing on DAB+ digital radio broadcasting. Jacqueline Bierhorst, President of WolrdDAB, will be on the panel along with the winners of last year's auction of frequencies for the final DAB+ networks for commercial radio, representatives of the Czech Telecommunications Authority and Czech Radio. The conference will take place on Thursday 13 June 2024 in the Congress Hall of Czech Television in Prague's Kavčí Hory district.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

Operator Fiera Touch completes DAB+ transmitter for Prague

05.05.2024 - Czechia

The digital radio network of the operator Fiera Touch, which will broadcast on channel 5C in the capital, has been completed. Pavel Hájek, its managing director, told the Czech Radio digital portal. The multiplex will be launched in the coming months. The Prague transmitter located on the water tower in Devín is still distributing the TV signal. "We have a fully equipped transmitter, including DAB+, so after coordination with the Czech Telecommunications Authority we can start spreading the signal. We will switch on DAB+ as soon as we have some radio stations on this network," said Hájek. In addition to Prague, the network will also reach southern Bohemia, Vysočina and the Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, Liberec and Hradec Kralove regions.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Proglas will broadcast nationwide on RTI cz's DAB+ mux

02.05.2024 - Czechia

The Christian radio station has revealed its plans to boost DAB+ coverage and in turn cut back on FM broadcasting in the coming years in the current edition of Christian Weekly, published on Tuesday 30 April. It reassures listeners that the toning down of analogue broadcasting will be gradual, and seniors need not worry about it. According to Martin Holík, director of the station, Proglas is not being capricious, but rather needs to save money, reduce electromagnetic pollution and benefit both nature and humans by significantly increasing coverage. "While reflections from ground obstacles and tin roofs spoil FM broadcasts, the same reflections from DAB+ signals help," says the director of the Christian radio station, which has been one of the promoters of DAB+ digital broadcasting among non-commercial programmes for many years.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Energic is the pioneer of digital radio and number 1 for progressive advertisers

26.04.2024 - Czechia

The Czech airwaves are enriched with a new radio station, which broadcasts on the DAB+ digital platform. One of the goals of Radio Energic is to attract younger listeners who do not listen to radio because they are unable to choose from the current offer. The pioneer of the use of DAB+ technology within mainstream music hit stations is Radio Energic. Radio Energic is a progressive radio station with a mainstream format appealing to women and men in the 20-40 year old target group. Mainly from cities with an emphasis on Prague and Central Bohemia, North East Bohemia, Brno and Ostrava. The signal is along the entire length of the motorways, and it is in digital quality without the need for re-tuning. "You don't have to be connected to the internet in the car and thanks to the DAB+ tuner, which is already a standard part of car radios, and dynamic music programmed for travelling, you have companions in the car," says Tomas Vesely, Managing Director and Programme Director of Radio Energic, in an interview.

(Metro.cz) Read more

Responses to CTU frequency plan published

26.04.2024 - Czechia

Not only telecom operators, who will launch their DAB+ multiplexes on the final frequencies in the coming months, but also individuals have decided to send their comments on the Frequency Spectrum Plan, specifically in the range of 174 to 380 MHz, part of which will be used for digital radio. Among them is Karel Mikuláštík, a proponent of the possibility of radio multiplexes for community and non-profit radio for many years. He therefore recommended that the Authority insert several passages in the PVRS that address this possibility. One of these is the possibility of operating a local network with 10 watts of power for a 12-month period. Local radios should then have the option of operating a network of up to 200 watts. Mikuláštík also proposes the possibility of operating a network outside the allocated area with a power of up to 1 kW.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

CRA restarts "DAB+ verified" project

18.04.2024 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

A major restart of the DAB+ Verified project, which certifies digital radio receivers suitable for the Czech market, is planned by České Radiokomunikace (CRA). "We want to involve both wholesale and retail," Marcel Procházka, director of the CRA's regulatory and legal department, told Televizníweb.cz. Specifically, for digital radios, CRAs check how DAB+ receivers handle the language localisation of Czech characters in the DLS (Dynamic Label Service), the language localisation of the receiver's menu, frequency range control (tuning), support for the display of the station name in the DLS, Slide Show, and test audio decoding and additional data services.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

International operators also want to enter DAB+ in the Czech Republic

18.04.2024 - Czechia

International broadcasters are among those looking to enter the upcoming commercial DAB+ multiplexes. Marcel Procházka, director of the legal and regulatory department of Czech Radiocommunications, confirmed this to Czech Radio's Digital Radio portal. The CRA board member also said that some radios are already in the process of signing contracts with the operator. "There is a lot of interest in joining our DAB+ multiplexes, whether it is the whole network or regions, and there are also important companies from abroad that are not in analogue FM broadcasting," Procházka told Digital Radio. The operator does not want to specify at the moment which entities are involved. The company is likely to be more specific during the summer.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Fiera Touch is building a new Děvin transmitter in Prague

11.04.2024 - Czechia

The Děvín water tower will be used in the future by Fiera Touch to distribute its radio multiplex, which will operate on channel 5C. From the same location, the company of entrepreneur Pavel Hajek plans to launch the television multiplex Regional Network 11 within a few weeks. "We are just about to complete the TV transmitter. We are waiting for the technology to be installed, the connectivity and the connection to electricity," Pavel Hájek, who is behind pHmedia, the operator of i-Vysočina.cz and KladNO.1, and Fiera Touch, one of the successful bidders for the future private DAB+ network, told the Digital Radio portal. For the territory of the capital city, the operator acquired channel 5C, on which the DR Deutschland network has been broadcasting in Germany for 13 years.

(Český rozhlas) Read more