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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

Regional multiplexes: 17 Regular
Local multiplexes: 9 Trial

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
Total	86	90	176

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.

Polish Radio develops channel for senior citizens

07.04.2015 - Poland

Polish Radio is working on the development of a digital radio, but also on the extension of its programme line-up, reports Media2.pl. A new radio channel dedicated to senior citizens will start up in January 2016.

(Telecompaper (subscription)) Read more

Children's Radio station on air on DAB+

01.04.2015 - Poland

On April 1, 2015, the new children's radio of the Polish Radio went on the air.You can hear Polskie Radio Dzieciom via DAB+ in Poland. Polskie Radio Dzieciom is mainly aimed at preschoolers and children under 8 years

(Radio Woche) Read more

Polish Radio increases DAB+ coverage nationwide

01.04.2015 - Poland

Poland’s public broadcaster Polish Radio increased its digital terrestrial DAB+ coverage on 1 April. As a result, DAB+ reception is now available to 52% of Poland’s population with around 37% of Poland’s territory covered by DAB+ signals.

(Polish Radio) Read more

International Conference: Approaches to the digitisation of audio broadcasting in V4 countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia)

26.02.2015 - Slovakia - Czechia - Hungary - Poland

After a successful transition from analogue to digital terrestrial TV broadcasting in the whole of Central Europe, a similar process in audio broadcasting is expected in near future, with the aim to co-ordinate this process within the Visgrad Four (V4) countries.

(The Research Institute of Posts and Telecommunications (VUS)) Read more

Digital radio website launches in Poland

17.02.2015 - Poland

Polish authorities have launched a website to promote digital radio in Poland. The website will include comprehensive studies, articles and analysis of new technology solutions as well as market updates and industry event announcements.

Polish Radio increases DAB+ coverage

07.10.2014 - Poland

Polish Radio is increasing its digital radio coverage, adding Lodz and Opole, reports Rpkom.pl. Digital radio coverage has thus reached 9.7 million inhabitants (25.4%).

(Telecompaper (subscription)) Read more

Polish media market deregulation expected in two years

30.09.2014 - Poland

In an interview with Newseria Biznes, the head of the Polish broadcasting council KRRiT Jan Dworak outlined the perspectives for the transition to digital radio broadcasting.

(Telecompaper (subscription)) Read more

EmiTel selects DAB+ Multiplexers VDL for Polish Radio Digital Radio Roll-Out

12.09.2014 - Poland

Following recent long-term, trials EmiTel (Warszawa, Poland) has chosen VDL (Lyon, France) Multiplexing equipment for Polskie Radio (Warszawa, Poland) DAB+ digital radio network roll out across the major cities in Poland. Digital radio in Poland will increase coverage in another six cities. As a result, Polskie Radio programmes should be available in digital form to 30% of Poles by the end of the year.

(VDL) Read more

Polish Radio announces further digitisation plans

25.08.2014 - Poland

Digital radio in Poland will increase coverage and launch new radio stations. The Polish Radio's switch to digital broadcasting is planned in another six cities in October. As a result, digital radio should be available to 30 percent of Poles by the end of the year.

(Telecompaper) Read more

Poland Convenes Digital Radio Conference

22.04.2014 - Poland

After the digitization of television, Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji plans to tackle the radio market. Public-service broadcaster Polskie Radio began this transition in October 2013, broadcasting digitally in Warsaw and Silesia. The broadcaster plans to do so throughout the whole country by the end of 2020.

(Radio World) Read more