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Netherlands

Last update: 16.11.2025 - older versions

The Dutch launch of DAB+ has been called the most successful yet in Europe, thanks to high sales figures for digital receivers. The commercial radio stations (VCR) and the public radio stations (NPO) both have 95% coverage. NPO extended coverage of its existing DAB multiplex from 70% to 95% in early 2014, and migrated services to DAB+ in 2013. Commercial stations were launched from 1 September 2013 and the total number of stations increased from 9 to 21.

Digital Radio Netherlands is leading the promotion of DAB+, using the international DAB+ logo. 

In the Netherlands, the annual survey conducted by Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS) and released in November 2025 shows that 34.1 per cent of Dutch people currently have DAB+ at home and/or in their car. A year ago, this figure was 32 per cent. In terms of households, this represents 31.8 per cent (30.0 per cent in 2024). Ownership of DAB+ remains highest among men (from 38.1 to 40.0 per cent), in the 45-65 age group (from 42.5 to 45.0 percent) and among people with higher education (from 37.1 to 42.1 percent among those with secondary education and from 35.8 to 39.5 percent among those with higher education). Since 2012, Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS) has been researching awareness and ownership of DAB+ via an annual sample survey of 5,000 Dutch people.

Increase in national services with DAB+ vs FM

By using DAB+ the national public broadcaster NPO went from 4 channels on FM to 15 currently on DAB+.

For the national commercial broadcasters: at present, they have gone from 9 on FM to 18 currently on DAB+.

For regional stations, by using DAB+ their coverage area becomes much greater.

Regional stations

In the first quarter of 2020, ten local DAB+ ensembles with over 40 stations went into operation in the Netherlands. DAB+ licences were issued for a total of 22 regions, with broadcasts on air in large cities such as Amsterdam and The Hague as well as rural parts of the country.

National DAB+

In December 2020, details on the the launch of a third national multiplex - the second national commercial multiplex in the country - were published by the Official Journal. With this auction, all radio stations in The Netherlands (national, regional and local) would be broadcast on DAB+.

The licences in question will be granted for a period of 12 years (2021-2033), with a starting price of 50.000 euros per licence. The auction will be held in the first quarter of 2021, with the application period starting on 19 January 2021.

Local DAB+

In March 2024, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate started consultations on local DAB+ capacity for commercial radio. In parts of the Netherlands, local radio on DAB+ is already available through temporary licences, but from September, local DAB+ will become available for the whole country. The 57 allotments will be used for both local and commercial radio. Local public broadcasters therefore had until February to apply for a licence. Over 200 broadcasters did so. They have now already received their licences. The remaining capacity on the 57 allotments will now be distributed to commercial radio. A total of 815 licences are involved. The number of available licences varies per allotment and depends on the number of local public broadcasters that have already received a licence. On most allotments, however, more than 10 licences are available for commercial radio.

Last update: 26.09.2014 - older versions

The public broadcaster’s population coverage is currently 95%. The commercial broadcasters’ reached 95% outdoor coverage on 1st September 2013. NPO extended the network with a further 14 transmitter sites in early 2014. By 2015, the network will be further extended with an additional 24 transmitter sites, enabling good indoor reception across virtually all of the Netherlands.

NPO Coverage 2014 - 95% outdoor                               NPO coverage September 2017

                                              

VCR coverage 2014 - 95% outdoor

Last update: 03.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

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.

The Netherlands has two national multiplexes (NPO and VCR) and one (national) layer consisting of five regional multiplexes (frequency block 9D is used twice).

Furthermore the layer of MTV-NL is also national consisting of 9 regional muxes.

In total, there are 94 DAB+ simulcast, 18 DAB+ exclusive, 1 DMB simulcast, 1 Data exclusive (TPEG) programmes. 

Dynamic slideshow is used on NPO Radio 1 (public broadcaster), which airs weather, traffic, headlines and news.

National

There are two regular national DAB+ multiplexes, 5 regular regional multiplexes and one trial national DMB multiplex on air. The NPO national DAB+ multiplex carries eleven programmes from public service broadcaster NPO; four are simulcasts of regular FM/AM radio broadcasts and seven are exclusive to DAB+ and are broadcast also online. In May 2014 Dutch public broadcaster NPO started transmitting slideshow images (SLS) via DAB+ on the majority of its programming channels. Broadcast Partners operates the national commercial multiplex and carries 18 DAB+ services (9 exclusive to DAB+ and 9 simulcasts of FM stations) as well as TPEG traffic information data service.

-       NPO (public broadcaster) mux : 4 simulcast and 7 DAB+ only (NPO will add 4 extra DAB+ 

-       VCR (commercial broadcasters) mux : 9 simulcast and 9 DAB+ only (and 1 TPEG)

-       MTV-NL: 3 simulcast and 2 DAB+ only, and 1 DMB simulcast channel

In July 2020, The Netherlands launched new consultation regarding the launch of a second national commercial multiplex. With this auction, all radio stations in The Netherlands (national, regional and local) would be broadcast on DAB+.

The licences in question will be granted for a period of 12 years (2021-2033), with a starting price of 50.000 euros per licence. The auction will be held in the first quarter of 2021.

Regional

There are 13 simulcast (no dab+ only) regional public services on air.

There are 31 simulcast (no dab+ only) regional commercial services on air.

-       9D-north: 15 simulcast

-       6B: 16 simulcast

-       8A: 17 simulcast

-       9D-south: 13 simulcast

-       7A: 17 simulcast

More information on the regional multiplexes is available at http://radio-tv-nederland.nl/dab/dab-overzicht-roos-nlco.html.

Feature of exclusive services on DAB+ digital radio in the Netherlands

Sky Radio Christmas is on air every year from 1st of October till end of December (3 months in a row). The rest of the year it is Sky radio Hits (non-stop station).

   

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 94 18 112
DMB programmes 1 0 1
Data services 0 1 1
Total9519114

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

In the Netherlands, 95% of new cars sold are equipped with DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics H2 2021).

60% of weekly radio listening in the Netherlands is done in cars or on the move and 20% of all listening time is in cars.

Co-operation with the car industry is crucial to the success of DAB+ and the automotive industry is supported through information sessions where car audio retailers and installers are kept up to date with developments in digital radio and supporting marketing campaigns promoting DAB+ digital radio listening. 

The website http://digitalradio.nl/apparatuur provides solutions for after-market in collaboration with several companies and is constantly updated.

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

Over 3,212,000 receivers have been sold in The Netherlands from 2013 onwards (including consumer and automotive receivers).

 

 

 

Last update: 20.05.2014 - older versions

MTVNL is currently testing DMB transmissions in The Hague area.

Last update: 07.01.2021 - older versions

National DAB+

There are currently two national multiplexes in The Netherlands, one commercial and one public one.

In December 2020, details on the the launch of a third national multiplex - the second national commercial multiplex in the country - were published by the Official Journal. With this auction, all radio stations in The Netherlands (national, regional and local) would be broadcast on DAB+.

The licences in question will be granted for a period of 12 years (2021-2033), with a starting price of 50.000 euros per licence. The auction will be held in the first quarter of 2021, with the application period starting on 19 January 2021.

 

Key features of regulation for digital radio in the Netherlands are:

  • Two national MUX, one public and one commercial, using DAB+
  • All of the current national FM commercial broadcasters are now transmitting in DAB+
  • All new FM and MW licenses (granted in 2011) contain a condition to broadcast digitally (simulcasting)
  • The Dutch government issues DAB licences and determines the terms and conditions that apply to the use of DAB in the Netherlands. It was announced that Band III and L-Band should be used for DAB based services. Broadcasters may choose to use DAB, DAB+ or DMB. The majority of interested parties have chosen DAB+.
  • National commercial stations have obtained a multiplex licence for a minimum of 16 DAB stations. Regional stations (both public and commercial) had until 10 June 2011 to inform the minister if they would use a commercial regional mux, or piggy back on an already issued mux (operated by MTVNL). Local radio is interested in Band III as well.
  • Mobile TV Netherlands (MTVNL) owns a licence for nationwide mobile TV, radio and data broadcast in Band III and currently has an extensive test network operating in the Haaglanden, Hilversum and the Eindhoven regions.
  • By September 1st 2015, 21 services (from 13 regional public stations) were on air and the regional commercial services will start in all allotments.
  • 34 regional radio stations will be able to receive DAB+ licenses. Only commercial radio stations that already have a legal permit for DAB+ may enrol for consideration. Licences were awarded Aug. 10 2015
  • 2016: review on the development of digital radio.
  • Depending on success of digital radio, DSO is possible – with potential date of 2023.
  • Important indicators: >50% of households own a digital radio and developments in other European countries.
  • Public broadcaster NPO switched off AM on the 1st September 2015 and from then on will use DAB+ instead of AM for broadcasting NPO Radio 5. 

Last update: 06.05.2021 - older versions

2021 advertising spend

In Q1 2021, the total net radio advertising spend increased by 2.3% to €36 million, while the digital radio advertising spend for that same period reached €1.5 million.

2019 Campaign

This DAB+ advertisement published by The Netherlands digital radio marketing body digitalradio.nl uses radio's well known personalities and DJs to tell listeners that they are now broadcasting their shows on DAB+, where they can listen to DAB+ (in their home, on the bicycle and in the car) and about the new programme content they'll find on DAB+. The advert reinforces the improved quality of sound with DAB+ using the slogan "DAB+ the new sound of radio!"

2017 Campaign

The Netherlands is on track when it comes to the roll out of DAB+ according to research by Digital Radio NL. Data shows that since the start of the campaign "Let's get digital 'in May 2014, the awareness of digital radio increased to 72%. The number of DAB+ radios sold in 2016 increased by 33% compared to 2015.

The joint marketing campaign “let’s get digital” was launched Q2 2014 and supported by public and commercial broadcasters and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. 

The website http://www.digitalradio.nl/ was set up to raise awareness of DAB+ in The Netherlands.

 

2016 Campaign

Digital Radio NL campaign

Flight 1 -> February 15 until March 6

Flight 2 -> April 11 until May 1

Flight 3 -> May 30 until June 12

Flight 4 -> August 15 until September 4

Flight 5 -> September 26 until October 7

Flight 6 -> November 28 until December 18

2015 Campaigns
Summer 2015  

A TV campaign ran on NPO, NPO2 and NPO3 using radio personalities to promote digital radio.  

DAB+ Let’s get digital 1 from DAB+ Digitale Radio on Vimeo.

DAB+ Let’s get digital 2 from DAB+ Digitale Radio on Vimeo.

 

Spring 2015 

A spring campaign for Digital Radio+ (DAB+) was launched on the national radio stations. Here listeners are reminded of the benefits of digital radio. Former radio deejay Leo van der Goot is featured in the ad spot.The Spring spot on the radio is one of the campaigns to be launched this year for DAB+. This year again various activities are organised to increase awareness of DAB+. At the AutoRAI event a presentation will be given to inform the automotive industry about digital radio. Minister Kamp will hold talks with the automotive industry to deliver more new cars as standard with a DAB+ digital radio.

Netherlands Minister examines DAB+ model
23.03.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
Minister Heleen Herbert (Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) has launched a consultation on the future of the oldest commercial national DAB+ multiplex. This digital package is the only one that has never been split into licences per radio station. Instead, a single technical operator, Mobiele TV Nederland (MTVNL), holds the licence itself. The key question is: should this remain the case? In 2028, DAB+ layer 3 (channel 7D, 9A in Zeeland) will be reallocated. If a single operator is again permitted to operate this, this will, in theory, result in lower costs, more efficient use of bandwidth and flexibility for new entrants and those leaving the market. The alternative to this piecemeal approach is to distribute this digital audio layer in the same way as all the others.

(Broadcast Magazine) Read more

Tukker FM and Sunrise FM are expanding their coverage via DAB+
19.03.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
The commercial radio stations Tukker FM and Sunrise FM have expanded their DAB+ coverage. As of 18 March, Tukker FM can once again be heard in the provinces of South Holland and Zeeland via digital radio. The station can be listened to on channel 5B. Sunrise FM can also be heard in North Holland and Flevoland via DAB+ on channel 8B. The radio station uses the digital capacity of radio station VIBE. VIBE has ceased broadcasting via channel 8B but can still be listened to via the MTVNL DAB+ network, which is available in parts of the Netherlands via channel 7D.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

Radio Suc6 is now also available via DAB+ in South-West Brabant
19.03.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
The commercial radio station Radio Suc6 can now also be listened to via DAB+ in the South-West Brabant region. The company behind Radio Suc6 has obtained licences from the National Inspectorate for Digital Infrastructure (RDI) to broadcast via three local DAB+ networks in the South-West Brabant region. As a result, the radio station can now be heard in the areas around Tilburg, Breda, Roosendaal, Bergen op Zoom, Etten-Leur and Waalwijk via DAB+ channels 8A, 8B and 8C. Radio Suc6 is giving away DAB+ radios to (new) enthusiastic listeners to celebrate the fact that the station can now be received digitally.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

KISS FM further expands DAB+ coverage
06.03.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
Radio station KISS FM has further expanded its reach via digital terrestrial broadcasting (DAB+). The radio station can now also be heard outside the Randstad via digital terrestrial broadcasting. KISS FM had already expanded its DAB+ reach on 1 September last year and has since been available in North Holland, Flevoland, South Holland and Zeeland via DAB+. In parts of North Holland and Flevoland, the radio station can also be heard via FM. As of 6 March, the radio station can also be heard in the provinces of Utrecht (channel 12B), Gelderland (channel 12B), Overijssel (channel 6A), Friesland (channel 5A), Drenthe (channel 7C) and Groningen (channel 7C) via DAB+.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

Radio Hollandia launched via DAB+ in The Hague region
25.02.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
Radio Hollandia can now be listened to in the The Hague region via DAB+ on channel 5C. Until now, Radio Hollandia could only be listened to via the Internet. In the 1980s, the radio station was active as a pirate broadcaster focusing on Dutch-language music. ‘Today, Radio Hollandia is a proud part of Radio Excellent, continuing its rich history and passion for radio,’ the radio station says on its website. Radio Excellent recently obtained an additional licence from the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) to broadcast via the local DAB+ network in the The Hague region. As of today, Radio Hollandia can be heard via this network on channel 5C. Radio Excellent itself has been broadcasting via DAB+ in the The Hague region for some time.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

Sleutelstad begins broadcasting via DAB+
24.02.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
Radio station Sleutelstad from Leiden can now also be listened to via digital radio (DAB+). The radio station can be listened to in the Leiden region via channel 9D. Since January of this year, it has been possible for commercial broadcasters to apply for a licence for local digital radio. Stichting Haagse Media has obtained a licence from the Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI) and, as of today, is broadcasting the radio station Sleutelstad via DAB+ on channel 9D.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

Radio SBS expands DAB+ coverage
19.02.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
Radio SBS has expanded its coverage via digital terrestrial broadcasting (DAB+). As of today, the radio station can also be listened to via DAB+ in a large part of South Holland. Radio SBS in Utrecht has been broadcasting to the Hindustani community for more than 40 years. The radio station broadcasts a lot of Bollywood music, supplemented with news and information. Since July last year, the radio station has been available in the Utrecht region via DAB+. Last week, the radio station obtained a licence from the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) to broadcast on DAB+ via the local network in the Zoetermeer / Lansingerland / Capelle aan den IJssel region. As of today, Radio SBS has started broadcasting via this network.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

Radio Fomix begins broadcasting via DAB+
19.02.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
As of today, a new radio station can be received via digital terrestrial transmission (DAB+) in parts of the Randstad: Radio Fomix. Radio Fomix recently obtained a licence from the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) to broadcast via the local DAB+ network in the Zoetermeer/Capelle aan den IJssel/Lansingerland region. As of today, the radio station can be heard via this network on channel 12D. "The move to DAB+ gives Radio Fomix additional opportunities to grow and further refine our programming. So keep an eye on our website and social media, where we will be sharing all the news about our launch on 12D and upcoming promotions," the radio station said on its website.

(Mediamagazine) Read more

DAB+ continues to expand: Suc6 in Brabant and Zeeland now broadcasting digitally
11.02.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
The Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) has once again issued four new DAB+ licences. These are intended for local commercial use. Three of the four new broadcasting licences have been issued to Aarkal B.V., the company behind the radio station Suc6. This means that the radio station will be available via DAB+ in part of Zeeland and most of North Brabant. Broadcasting will take place via allotments 49, 50 and 51. These are three contiguous allotments, which means that Aarkal B.V. meets the strict conditions imposed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the RDI on licences for local commercial DAB+ use. Allotment 50 in particular has a wide coverage. The transmitter is located in Breda and covers a large area.

(Totaal TV) Read more

Netherlands: Distribution of local DAB+ licences will commence on 15 January
08.01.2026 - Netherlands Netherlands
On 15 January 2026, the Dutch Digital Infrastructure Inspectorate (RDI) will start allocating local DAB+ licences. A total of 784 licences will be available, spread across various areas (allotments) in the Netherlands. The allocation is of interest to existing local commercial broadcasters who want to increase their reach, but also to new entrants who want to broadcast via DAB+ for the first time. The scheme therefore offers opportunities for local media companies with commercial plans, niche stations and media investors. Or for start-ups that want to launch a new radio concept without the higher costs of FM frequencies. DAB+ remains an important and future-oriented platform for the further digitisation and diversity of the Dutch radio landscape.

(Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI) ) Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 17.1 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 95%
Services: 112 DAB+, 1 DMB, 1 Data
Line-fit automotive sales (cumulative): 1,972,175 devices
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 99%
Total Sales (cumulative): 4,659,000 devices
Last update: 20.12.2024

Useful Links

www.digitalradio.nl
DAB+ retail - Radiowinkel