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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.

Prague has new DAB+ transmitter on City Tower

11.04.2024 - Czechia

A new, second digital radio transmitter in Prague was launched this week by Teleko digital. It is located at the City Tower building in Pankrác and uses the infrastructure of Digital Broadcasting. "We applied for this site at a time when it was not known whether there would be any auction of frequencies for DAB+ networks intended for commercial radio and we obtained it before the auction was announced," Tomáš Řapek, managing director of Teleko digital said. Teleko's DAB+ network broadcasts from the City Tower building on channel 11A with a power of 200 W, i.e. the same and on the same channel as Teleko's original transmitter in Strahov. With this, City Tower forms a single-frequency network and the Teleko DAB+ multiplex has thus significantly improved the coverage of the capital.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

What are the plans of the Czech DAB+ network operators?

28.03.2024 - Czechia

Next week marks the three-month anniversary of the publication of the results of the auction of frequencies for networks dedicated to commercial DAB+ radio. What are the plans of the eight tender winners and where and when do they want to start broadcasting? A total of nine bidders took part in the frequency auction organised by the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU). One of them, Infinity Telecom, withdrew from the tender before the auction started. The remaining eight companies succeeded and shared a total of 29 DAB+ digital radio networks, two of which are nationwide and 27 regional.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

DAB+ connected to the internet, plans Jan John from Play.cz

26.03.2024 - Czechia

One of the winners of the auction of DAB+ frequencies, Play.cz, is preparing a unique radio platform that will connect terrestrial digital radio broadcasting DAB+ with internet radio streams and the possibility of listening to them via smart car apps in Android and iOS operating systems. Play.cz will be a complete newcomer to terrestrial broadcasting, so its participation in the auction has already raised surprises and much speculation. One of the main creators of the concept of the new radio platform Play.cz, including DAB+, is a member of the company's supervisory board, Jan John, who previously worked as a salesman at Czech Radio Communications. In an interview with Televizníweb.cz, he explains why Play.cz wants to enter DAB+ and what it is planning for digital radio broadcasting.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

ZUN radio: looking forward to new DAB+ listeners

25.03.2024 - Czechia

The operator of the digital radio station ZUN radio plans to remain on the DAB+ multiplex of Teleko digital, and will expand the signal as the operator plans to proceed, the station's director Ladislav Antoš confirmed to the Digital Radio portal. "We consider Teleko digital to be a quality and reliable partner with whom we want to continue to cooperate. We are carefully monitoring our broadcasting costs, but we are noticing a growing interest in our advertising spots. This gives us optimism for the future and we look forward to expanding our broadcasts to new locations and reaching more listeners," Antoš said.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

June's Digimedia 2024 conference features DAB+ operators' push for customers

25.03.2024 - Czechia

On 13 June, the 19th Digimedia 2024 conference on media and digitalisation will be held, welcoming major representatives of private and public media, digital service providers and government. Of course, the conference will feature the most anticipated event of this year in terms of radio digitalisation - the building of DAB+ multiplexes for commercial radio. The third block of the conference, traditionally focused on digital radio broadcasting, will be very popular this year. This year we have just seen the allocation of frequencies for DAB+ digital networks for commercial radio, so this time there will be no academic debate. Participants of the conference will learn how the CTU is working on digital radio broadcasting.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

We will build a network for national and regional digital radios if there is interest, says Play.cz

21.03.2024 - Czechia

In case of successful ongoing negotiations with potential customers, Play.cz, the operator of the eponymous online radio offer and one of the winners of this year's auction of frequencies by the Czech Telecommunications Office, may create a third nationwide network combining regional and nationwide terrestrial digital radio broadcasting. As far as the construction of regional DAB+ networks is concerned, the company expects to have at least one transmitter operational in each region for which it has frequency allocations within a year. Clients will be sought among the current radio stations broadcasting in the analogue FM band, as well as on the internet, and even among foreign operators.

(Médiář) Read more

JOE Media plans to expand DAB+ multiplex to South and West Bohemia

15.03.2024 - Czechia

The operator of the current multiplex for digital radios Color DAB+, the company JOE Media of entrepreneur Miroslav Pýcha, is planning territorial expansion into other regions of the Czech Republic. Everything will depend on the interest of commercial radios. The already existing Color DAB+ multiplex, on which the Kiss, Classic Praha, Country Radio, Color Music, Hey, Expres FM, Beat or Spin radios broadcast digitally, covers mainly Prague and part of Central Bohemia. The result of the auction will thus have an impact on Color DAB+ in this region - as Pýcha told Borovan.cz, he would like to switch the digital radio multiplex from the current channel 7C to channel 6A within the auctioned frequencies (regional network R14) in the near future.

(Borovan.cz) Read more

Radio United boss: we want to get all our stations on DAB+

15.03.2024 - Czechia

Country Radio, Kiss, Radio 1, Radio Beat, Radio Spin and Signal Radio are the brands that their operator, Radio United Broadcasting, wants to distribute via DAB+ technology, its chief executive Martin Hroch told the Digital Radio portal. Negotiations are currently underway about the form of distribution. "We are in the early stages of negotiations so it would not be appropriate to comment on anything. But we want to distribute the signal of all our six stations in DAB+," Hroch said. As a result, Radio United Broadcasting plans to place Country Radio, Kiss, Radio 1, Radio Beat, Radio Spin and Signal Radio on the digital multiplexes. "Our goal is to cover the territory of the Czech Republic as efficiently as possible in terms of price-performance ratio," added Martin Hroch.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio 7: We are still counting on full DAB+ coverage, exploring operators' options

07.03.2024 - Czechia

Just like the Christian radio station Rádio Proglas, the religious Rádio 7 also expects to broadcast nationwide via DAB+ technology. However, it is distinguished from Proglas by the fact that operators other than RTI cz and Teleko digital may eventually enter the game. Daniel Zeman, chief engineer and managing director of TWR Live, told Digital Radio. "The intention of Radio 7 in the DAB+ area remains the same, i.e. the full coverage of the Czech Republic, as is ultimately determined by the licence. On the one hand, we welcome the expansion of the DAB+ signal within the new multiplexes to areas not yet covered, but on the other hand, this naturally also means an increase in financial requirements," Zeman told our editorial office, adding that the costs of distribution represent a significant part of the overall budget.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Proglas: Leaving the FM band depends on the speed of launch of new DAB+ transmitters

07.03.2024 - Czechia

For several months now, the Christian radio station has been preparing its listeners that in the future it is going to switch off FM broadcasting and gradually replace it with DAB+ technology. With this platform, it will rely on its two existing partners, RTI cz and Teleko digital. The reasons for switching from FM to DAB+ are mainly economic. "Radio Proglas has been licensed for nationwide digital broadcasting since 2000. We are now using the services of two operators; the technical plan they have tendered can meet our goal of full coverage, which does not preclude negotiations with other licensed broadcasters," said Jiří Vitouch, who takes care of Radio Proglas, among others, adding "DAB+ is far more energy and environmentally friendly than FM broadcasting. Proglas also has deep pockets and knows that digital broadcasting is many times cheaper than the FM equivalent."

(Český rozhlas) Read more