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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.

Small and Catholic radio stations want DAB+ funding support

27.09.2022 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

The National Broadcasting Council (Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji / KRRiT) has announced that it has received 46 positions from broadcasters, organisations and institutions and 12 opinions from private individuals as part of the consultation on the switch-off of analogue FM radio broadcasting. Small and Catholic broadcasters are counting on state financial support for the transition to DAB+.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

KRRiT wants to introduce discounts for DAB+ licences

23.09.2022 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

Following consultations, the KRRiT has adopted a position on the end of analogue radio broadcasting. The regulator has also adopted a draft regulation on DAB+ licence fees. On Thursday afternoon, the KRRiT announced in a communiqué the adoption of a draft regulation amending the regulation on the amount of fees for granting licences for broadcasting in the DAB+ standard. For two years - an additional fourfold discount in the fee for granting the concession (for concessions expiring by the end of 2034). For a further two years - double discount for broadcasting.

(WirtualneMedia.pl) Read more

Equipment manufacturers want FM to be switched off in favour of DAB+

19.09.2022 - Poland

"It is with great approval that we accept the KRRiT's position that analogue FM transmissions should be switched off no earlier than 31 December 2026 and no later than 31 December 2030" - wrote in a letter to the chairman of the National Broadcasting Council Michał Kanownik, president of the Cyfrowa Polska Association, an association of audio equipment manufacturers.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

Four radio stations will be available in the local DAB + multiplex in Łódź

06.09.2022 - Poland

PSN Infrastruktura obtained permission from the Office of Electronic Communications to broadcast the local DAB+ radio multiplex in Łódź. The permit is valid until August 1, 2023. The multiplex will include stations from Radio Jasna Góra, Radio Profeto, Radio Parada and Radio Bezpieczna Droga - says Dorota Ostrowska, sales manager for broadcasting services at PSN Infrastruktura. As he adds, it is possible to expand the composition of the multiplex - it depends on arrangements with interested broadcasters.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

DAB+ experimental multiplex has expanded its offer

02.09.2022 - Poland

Radio Parada from Łódź has joined the offer of the experimental multiplex of PSN Infrastruktura in Opole. The experimental multiplex in Opole is broadcast on channel 10C with a power of 1kW. It consists of: Radio Doxa, Radio Jasna Góra, Radio Profeto (stations with a Catholic profile), as well as Radio Safe Travel, Music Radio from Jelenia Góra and Radio Imperium in Gliwice.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

KRRiT is working on ending the FM broadcast. Lichocka: digital broadcasting offers a lot of possibilities

29.08.2022 - Poland

The National Broadcasting Council announced its intention to switch off the FM band in favour of DAB+. It was indicated that it would take place between 2026 and 2030. Joanna Lichocka, a member of the National Media Council and a PiS MP, who was hosted on Channel 3 of Polish Radio, commented on this announcement. "I believe that this is a good idea and the expectations of the National Broadcasting Council to finally undertake the digitisation of the Polish radio market are absolutely justified," she assessed. "This has been happening for years, for a long time in Western Europe, and there is no reason why we should stop the development of the radio market only on analogue broadcasting via FM, possibly on the Internet," she added. "Cheaper and ecological" As Lichocka pointed out, "DAB is the future" as a digital, cheaper and ecological form of broadcasting. " Giving a lot more space to the various radio stations in this digital network, " she pointed out.

(Polskie Radio) Read more

KRRiT announces consultation on setting a date for analogue switch-off

26.08.2022 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

KRRiT announces a consultation on the draft position of the National Broadcasting Council on ceasing broadcasting radio stations in analogue technology in the FM band and setting a date for switching off analogue broadcasting of radio stations. "The National Broadcasting Council believes that the exclusion of analogue FM broadcasting should take place no earlier than December 31, 2026 and no later than December 31, 2030."

(KRRiT) Read more

Licensing delays questioned as applicants including RMF Group await outcome

22.08.2022 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

In mid-April, the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) published a list of people wanting to broadcast in DAB+ as part of a nationwide multiplex. There are two contests. In the first one, three Polish broadcasters known for their analogue services could participate. Grupa RMF, which had previously been critical of DAB+, and Redemptoryści, which includes Radio Maryja, chose to apply. Wirtualnemedia asks why the results of the competition are still unknown.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

DAB+ test mux back in Opole

16.08.2022 - Poland

After more than two months, the experimental multiplex of the PSN Infrastruktura company returned to the ether in Opole. The DAB+ test broadcast covers six radio stations. Before its suspension, 12 stations were broadcast, and the multiplex's coverage was also greater. The new permit issued by UKE allows for testing on DAB+ until June 27, 2023. However, the offer of the reactivated multiplex was reduced. It consists of: Music Radio from Jelenia Góra, Radio Doxa, Radio Profeto, Radio Jasna Góra, Radio Imperium from Gliwice and Radio Safe Travel.

(WirtualneMedia.pl) Read more

Polsat's DAB+ trial extended to 2023

28.07.2022 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland

The Office of Electronic Communications extended the permits for the broadcasting of DAB+ experimental multiplexes related to Polsat by the BCAST company. Trial broadcasts in Warsaw, Wrocław and Gdańsk may continue until July 1, 2023, but muxs will have to broadcast on new channels. Recently, UKE has also agreed to extend the test emissions of DABCOM muxs in Andrychów, Bielsko-Biała and Gliwice by one year. At the beginning of July, the company launched a test broadcast in Krakow.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl ) Read more