Poland

Last update: 05.03.2024 - older versions

Regular multiplexes were launched by Polskie Radio in Warsaw and Katowice in October 2013 and four more cities in 2014. A further 12 cities launched in Spring 2015 – bringing population coverage to 53.8%. In December 2015 Polskie Radio switched on a digital transmitter in Solec Kujawski, thereby increasing the total national DAB+ signal to 55.6% of the Polish population.

Representatives of Polish radio stations discussed the potential transition to broadcasting in DAB+ during a conference held in May 2018 to discuss the country's radio future, with 37 frequencies to be distributed to 34 cities. KRRiT chairman Witold Kołodziejski said that the organisation was considering DAB+ as the sole successor to FM in Poland, as analogue frequencies were now exhausted.

In May 2019, KRRiT, the National Broadcasting Council of Poland announced the start of a competition for regional and local broadcasters to carry out the creation of new DAB+ multiplexes in 34 cities across Poland. 

By January 2020, KRRiT granted fifty DAB+ licenses for the local multiplexes in Warsaw, Toruń, Poznań,  Katowice, Tarnów, Rzeszów and Częstochowa.  The winners of the competitions for local mux technical operators are PSN Infrastruktura (2 local mux’s) and DABCOM (5 local mux’s). The start (planned by the end of 2021) of the regular transmissions is under preparation.   

In October 2021 a new call for tenders for the next DAB+ local licenses as well as for Mux 1, which is dedicated to national non-public broadcasters, was put out. Up until this point, coverage was focused more on cities and with this expansion it will cover more of the main roads.

By March 2024, total DAB+ coverage in Poland had reached 87.7% of the population and 75% of the territory. 

Last update: 05.03.2024 - older versions

A detailed list and information on the parameters of DAB+ transmitters in Poland are available on the network provider EmiTel website where data is updated on regular basis. 

English version:  https://emitel.pl/en/strefa-klienta-2/odbior-rtv/sprawdz-parametry-emisji/

There is an internet forum (Polish only) where people can share experiences on reception, receiver availability and features, get information about future plans and discuss digital radio implementation strategies: http://forum.emitel.pl

By March 2024, total DAB+ coverage in Poland had reached 87.7% of the population and 75% of the territory. 

Map showing DAB+ coverage in Poland at March 2024

DAB+ coverage in Poland, March 2024

Map showing DAB+ coverage in the Lower Silesia region of Poland at March 2024

DAB+ coverage in Lower Silesia region, Poland, March 2024

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.

After the switch off of analogue TV in 2013, Polskie Radio started  two regular DAB+ transmissions with four national simulcast services  (Jedynka, Dwojka, Trojka, Czworka, Polish Radio External Service), three exclusive DAB+ services (Polskie Radio 24, Radio Poland and Radio Rytm) and two  regional simulcast services (supplied by public regional radio stations, depending on region).

Ultimately 5 unique national and 1 unique regional DAB+ services will be broadcast. The multiplex will contain solely public radio services.

Jedynka
News & current affairs, sports, culture and mainstream music
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Dwójka
A program for connoisseurs of highbrow music and literature.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Trójka
Cult music and current affairs station.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Czwórka
About the young, for the young.
The latest trends in music and culture.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Radio Poland
Radio Poland's international network for expatriate communities in Poland.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Polskie Radio 24
Polish Radio’s news & current affairs network.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Radio Rytm
Easy-listening music and news.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Radio Katowice
Regional broadcaster with the widest coverage in Poland.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Polskie Radio RDC (Polish Radio RDC)
Traditions of Polish Radio in the Mazovia region coupled with 21st century dynamics.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Dzieciom
A station for kids and their parents.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions

fourth quarter of 2014

Polskie Radio dla Seniorow
For the young at heart.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
2015

Polskie Radio Edukacyjne
Popular science for the young.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
2015

Slideshow is one of two must have functionalities of DAB in Poland. All services broadcast in DAB use DLS and SLS services. Additionally Journaline and EPG are also broadcast together with Polskie Radio and Radio Lodz. 

Some of the SLS services on air are very simple (station logo or some DAB promotional pictures) and some are more dynamic. Radio Wroclaw uses SLS for news and slides are being refreshed according to new items appearing on their website. 

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 85 90 175
Data services 1 0 1
Total8690176

Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions

In March 2024, it was reported that "additional obligations may soon be imposed on the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE)."

"The government's draft Electronic Communications Act stipulates that cars must be equipped with DAB+ receivers. The Ministry of Digitalisation tells Wirtualnemedia.pl that the UKE President is to monitor compliance with these regulations."

"According to the 2020 regulations of the Minister of Digitalisation, from 1 January 2021 all new cars should be equipped with DAB+ tuners. Until 31 March last year, the obligation could be treated as optional by manufacturers or dealers. It happened that the tuner supported digital radio, but this functionality was only unlocked at a surcharge. In vehicles manufactured from 1 April 2023, DAB+ tuners must already be available. Once the new regulations come into force, it will be possible to verify compliance."

Last update: 10.08.2017 - older versions

DAB+ receivers are available through retailers and internet shops. Offers are extended almost every day as digital radio extends coverage and is being noticed by importers, retailers and listeners.

ZIPSEE Digital Poland asks for clear rules for DAB+ receivers

In August 2017, the Polish association of importers and manufacturers of electrical appliances and electronics, ZIPSEE Digital Poland, sent a letter to Minister of Digitisation Anna Strezynska, requesting a regulation stating the minimum technical requirements for digital radio receivers. The companies belonging to the association complain of unfair competition from sellers of digital receivers using the old DAB standard, while Poland has adopted DAB+.

According to research from GFK Poland, 10% of all digital radio receivers sold since the end of September 2016 were of the old, DAB standard. These are not compatible with the DAB+ signal and consumers have been misled by retailers selling the non-compliant receivers, who have exploited shoppers' lack of knowledge.

 

Last update: 08.05.2019 - older versions

Polish broadcast operator BCAST has launched DAB+ test services in Warsaw, Wroclaw and Gdansk using the DABCAST system SFN model. 

 

Last update: 15.08.2023 - older versions

There are two regulators for broadcasting media in Poland. The National Broadcasting Council manages and issues licences, while the Office of Electronic Communications governs the frequency spectrum. The two bodies work closely together. 

Polish frequency plans for T-DAB contain three multiplexes located in the VHF Band III and will be started after the switch off of analogue TV in 2013.

 

Regulation published by the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs on 9 November 2020 states that DAB+ became mandatory in category M new vehicles on 1 January 2021, according to the Ordinance of the Minister of Digitisation. (The mentioned Ordinance is an executive act of the Telecommunications Law and is effective from the date indicated therein)

Background:

On 4 November 2020, the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs published an amendment to regulation that had been published on 14 February 2020, clarifying the technical and performance requirements for radio equipment intended for the reception of digital radio in category M vehicles. The November amendment came into force on 1 January 2021. In particular, the ordinance clarifies the details of some functions (DL, Slide Show, Service following) and specifies the date of April 1, 2023 as the point from which these requirements became mandatory. 

Last update: 08.03.2019 - older versions

KRRiT (the National Broadcasting Council of Poland) has launched a website dedicated to digital radio broadcasting (http://www.krrit.gov.pl/radio-cyfrowe).

The website contains reports, information on conferences, seminars and workshops about DAB+ technology as well as links to other pages related to this topic. KRRiT encourages experts  interested in the subject to visit their website and add their articles, presentations or case studies.

 As part of a media campaign in 2015, a promotional video was created by Polskie Radio to highlight the benefits of listening to radio on DAB+.  Entitled, "Digital radio gives you more.", the video communicates the additional benefits of listening to radio on a DAB+ device; better sound, more choice, more content. 

 

 

 

More DAB+ stations in Warsaw
19.11.2024 - Poland Poland
Radio Parada from Lodz can again be listened to via BCAST's experimental multiplex in Warsaw. Currently, in addition to Radio Parada, the multiplex includes: Muzyczne Radio from Jelenia Góra, Radio 7 from Mława, Radio Konin FM, Radio Niepokalanów, Pop Radio from Pruszków, Radio Jasna Góra from Częstochowa, Radio Bezpieczna Podróż and Radio Maryja. The list of radiopolska.pl shows that the broadcast is carried on channel 11B. Residents of Warsaw can also receive stations from the DABCOM local multiplex and the Polish Radio multiplex. That's a total of 27 stations.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Polish Radio continues to invest in DAB+
17.09.2024 - Poland Poland
On Monday, the Programme Council of Polish Radio adopted the programme and financial plans for 2025. The coverage of the DAB+ multiplex will be even wider. A few weeks ago, the process of expanding the coverage of the Polish Radio's DAB+ multiplex (Polish Radio Jedynka, Dwójka, Trójka, Czwórka, Polskie Radio 24, Polskie Radio Chopin, Polskie Radio Dzieciom, Polskie Radio Kierowców, Polskie Radio for Ukraine, Radio Poland, regional radio stations and in some provinces their thematic channels) was completed. The plans for 2025 include the item Development of DAB+. After achieving signal coverage of 90 per cent of the country's area in 2024, work on increasing coverage will continue in 2025, announces Polskie Radio.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Polish Radio continues to invest in DAB+
24.07.2024 - Poland Poland
In 2025, Polskie Radio will spend more than PLN 11.4 million on modernising its production and broadcasting stations, expanding its systems and rebuilding its digital sound network. The financial and programming plans accessed by Wirtualnemedia.pl also show that the public broadcaster will further seek to expand the reach of its DAB+ multiplex. The plans for 2025 include the item Development of DAB+. After achieving signal coverage of 90 per cent of the country's area in 2024, work on increasing coverage will continue in 2025, announces Polskie Radio. The financial and programme plan shows that the costs of DAB+ broadcasting in 2025 will amount to PLN 24.7 million (analogue FM broadcasting is PLN 65.3 million).

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


New licences for test multiplexes in Poland
22.07.2024 - Poland Poland
The Office of Electronic Communications has published a new list of DAB+ broadcasting permits. Over the past month, it has extended the permissions for the experimental multiplexes DABCOM, PSN Infrastruktura and Radio Express FM by one year. Information from Wirtualnemedia.pl shows that similar permits for BCAST should soon be added to the list.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Poland's DAB+ trial multiplex in Szczecin is back
02.07.2024 - Poland Poland
Residents of Szczecin and the surrounding area can once again listen to stations included in DABCOM's DAB+ trial multiplex. They returned to the airwaves after a one-and-a-half-month break, which occurred as a result of the expiry of a licence decision by the Office of Electronic Communications. As Radiopolska.pl reports, the multiplex currently includes: Radio Super FM (Szczecin), Muzyczne Radio (Jelenia Góra), Radio Jasna Góra (Częstochowa), Radio Profeto, Disco Radio, Radio Nuta, Mega Radio. The broadcast is carried out from the Pazim Center skyscraper on channel 12B with a power of 1 kW. DAB+ trial multiplexes are an opportunity for many regional broadcasters to test their popularity in other regions.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Changes to digital radio offer in Poland
20.05.2024 - Poland Poland
Emitel has launched a transmitter of the Polish Radio DAB+ multiplex in Żelaźnie near Choczew. This is the last of the announced broadcasts as part of the coverage expansion. The broadcast in the Choczew area is carried on channel 5B. The multiplex includes: Jedynka, Dwójka, Trójka, Czwórka, Polskie Radio 24, Polskie Radio Chopin, Polskie Radio Dzieciom, Polskie Radio Kierowców, Radio Radio for Ukraine, Radio Poland, Radio Gdańsk and Radio Gdańsk Regions. Thanks to the new facility, trouble-free reception of the multiplex should be possible in such places as Władysławowo, Jastrzębia Góra, Dębki, Lubiatowo, Sasino and Łeba in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. Polskie Radio now estimates that the population coverage of the multiplex will be around 93 per cent, while the area coverage will be around 90 per cent.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Polish Radio DAB+ multiplex from Głobikowa
22.04.2024 - Poland Poland
Dębica, Ropczyce and Sędziszów Małopolski, all located in the Podkarpackie Voivodship, are the latest cities in Poland where reception of the Polish Radio's DAB+ multiplex has improved in the last six months. This is a result of the launch of the penultimate of the transmitters announced in last year's tender - in Głobikowa on channel 11A. According to Emitel, the transmitter was launched on 16 April at 17:35. The ERP power is 5 kW. As part of the Subcarpathian multiplex, it is possible to receive Jedynka, Dwójka, Trójka, Czwórka, Polskie Radio 24, Polskie Radio Kierowców, Polskie Radio Dzieciom, Polskie Radio Chopin, Radio Poland, Polskie Radio dla Ukrainy and Radio Rzeszów. The last of the planned locations is Żelazno near Choczew in Pomerania. This transmitter is not expected to be launched until next month at the earliest.

(RadioPolska) Read more


New station on DAB+ in Katowice
09.04.2024 - Poland Poland
Radio Piekary has been added to DABCOM's local multiplex in Katowice. Thus, nine stations can be listened to via the mux in the Silesian capital. In addition to Radio Piekary, the Katowice DABCOM multiplex currently includes: Radio Profeto, WP Radio, Muzo.FM, Mega Radio, Disco Radio, Radio Nuta, Radio Imperium and Radio Express. The broadcast is carried on channel 12C. As radiopolska.pl reports, the broadcast of Radio Piekary is experimental. The other radio stations have received licences from the National Radio and Television Council. All stations broadcast at a bitrate of 128 kbps.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Polsat's test MUX may continue until March 2025
25.03.2024 - Poland Poland
BCAST, which belongs to the Polsat Plus Group, is allowed to broadcast an experimental DAB+ multiplex in Katowice for another year. The decision in this case was issued by the Office of Electronic Communications. The decision allowing BCAST sp. z o.o. to test DAB+ in Katowice was issued on 12 March 2024 and is valid for one year. The DABCAST multiplex of the Polsat Plus Group-linked BCAST in Katowice is broadcast on channel 10B. It includes: Muzyczne Radio from Jelenia Góra, Radio Niepokalanów, Radio Jasna Góra, Radio Bezpieczna Podróż, Radio Muzo.FM and Radio Maryja. The multiplex transmitter was placed on the Altus skyscraper in Katowice.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more


Polish government preparing to check radios in cars
21.03.2024 - Poland Poland
From 1 April 2023, all newly manufactured cars had to be equipped with DAB+ tuners. The Ministry of Digitalisation is working on a law that will enable checks to be carried out. If such a car is found not to have the correct radio, hefty fines will be rained down. The obligation to fit DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) tuners in cars has been in force for a year, but so far no checks have been carried out. The obligation to install receivers with DAB+ tuners stems from a decree of the Minister of Digitalisation of 14 February 2020. The requirements apply to consumer equipment for the reception of digital radio transmissions. In theory, this obligation already came into force on 1 January 2021, but it did not have to be fully implemented until 1 April 2023.

(Auto Świat) Read more


Select Country:

Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 37.7 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 87.7%
Services: 175 DAB+, 1 Data
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 97%
Last update: 05.03.2024

Useful Links

dab.polskieradio.pl
The National Broadcasting Council (Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji (KRRiT))
Radio cyfrowe
Office of Electronic Communications
Poland - EECC regulation