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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.

New DAB+ multiplexes launched in Warsaw and Poznan

01.02.2022 - Poland

Network operator DABCOM has started broadcasting 10 radio stations on a local DAB+ multiplex launched in Częstochowa. This is the fourth Polish city to have launched DAB+ multiplexes with regular services, following earlier launches in the cities of Tarnów, Toruń and Rzeszów.

New local DAB+ networks go live in Poland

13.01.2022 - Poland

Two new regular digital radio multiplexes launched by PSN Infrastruktura have started in Toruń and Rzeszów, both offering five local DAB+ radio stations. A third multiplex was launched by Dabcom in Tarnów, with initially five local radio stations, and a sixth one to join soon. Further local multiplexes will also be launched soon in Poznań, Warsaw, Katowice and Częstochowa.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

Member of National Broadcasting Council optimistic about DAB+

11.01.2022 - Poland

Hopes are high that the National Broadcasting Council may announce in January the competition for broadcasting licences on the nationwide DAB+ MUX . Leading commercial broadcasters are sceptical, and remain silent. Prof. Janusz Kawecki from the National Broadcasting Council in an interview with Wirtualnemedia.pl, however, does not hide his optimism.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

12 stations planned for Poland's nationwide DAB+ multiplex

30.12.2021 - Poland

The National Broadcasting Council will grant 3 nationwide DAB+ licences for general or specialised radio programmes. These places would probably go to commercial radio players RMF FM, Radio Zet and Radio Maryja. The Council also wishes to grant 6 licences for regional broadcasters - to either existing or completely new players. Three places will be allocated to Polish Radio.

(wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

Poland opens tender for national DAB+

29.12.2021 - Poland

Poland's National Broadcasting Council announcedon 29 December its plans to issue licences for a nationwide DAB+ multiplex, R1. Three licences on the multiplex will be for for nationwide radio programmes, a further six licences will be issued, and three of the places on the multiplex will be allocated to Polish Radio's national radio programmes.

(KRRiT) Read more

Further DAB+ text multiplex launches in Poland

08.12.2021 - Poland

Polish small scale DAB network operator DABCOM has launched another test multiplex in the city of Szczecin, north west Poland, putting seven DAB+ radio stations on air. DABCOM also runs DAB+ trial transmissions in Gliwice, Szczawnica and Andrychów. DABCOM aims to soon launch the first regular service DAB+ multiplexes. The Office of Electronic Communications indicated the company as the network operator in the cities of Warsaw, Katowice, Poznań, Częstochowa and Tarnów.

(Wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more

Polish regulator sets out road to national DAB+ multiplex

01.12.2021 - Poland

The Chairman of Poland's National Broadcasting Council (Krrit), Witold Kołodziejski, has this week presented information on the radio digitisation process. He announced that Krrit is preparing a competition for a national DAB+ multiplex and confirmed that he will publish an announcement by the end of this year on the matter. Next spring Polish Radio will increase its coverage from 67% to 80% of the population.

(polskieradio24.pl) Read more

Polish Radio champions DAB+ in Poland

10.11.2021 - Poland

Thanks to the intense work of Polish Radio on reaching the highest possible number of inhabitants of the country with the highest signal quality, 41 DAB + broadcasting stations have been launched in Poland so far, making it possible to receive the Polish Radio programme package for about 67% of the Polish population within the range, including in places where the reception of programs on FM band has been impossible so far. Currently, activities are underway to increase the coverage of Polish Radio's DAB+ digital broadcasting with new stations, the launch of which will take place in 2022.

(Poranny.pl ) Read more

Polish Radio to extend DAB+ coverage in spring 2022

26.10.2021 - Poland

On Monday, Polish Radio, together with 13 regional public radio stations, announced a tender for DAB+ broadcast services in more locations. Up until now coverage was focused on cities, and with this extension applies more to the main roads. DAB+ today reaches 67 percent of inhabitants of Poland, increasing to approximately 80 percent after the spring 2022 expansion.

(Press.pl) Read more

Poland: more DAB+ transmitters and a competition for a nationwide DAB+ multiplex

06.10.2021 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

From October, Polish Radio's DAB+ broadcasts will reach 80.1 percent of the Polish population, thanks to the activation of additional transmitters. The National Broadcasting Council aims to launch a competition for a nationwide DAB+ multiplex in the coming months, and is preparing for the final decision regarding the distribution of the remaining digital frequencies, i.e. the second and third multiplexes. Commercial broadcasters such as the RMF Group and Radio Zet are skeptical and believe that radio should be internet-based.

(wirtualnemedia.pl) Read more