Spain current situation
Status regular
Last update: 03.11.2026 - older versions
On 3 November 2026, the Council of Ministers approved the Royal Decree setting in motion the roll-out of digital terrestrial radio in Spain using DAB+ technology. The Royal Decree extends RTVE’s public service broadcasting coverage obligations beyond its current obligations regarding DAB technology. RTVE must progressively achieve coverage of 80 per cent of the population within 30 months, including 70 per cent of towns with more than 25,000 inhabitants. In addition, within this 30-month period, it must also provide coverage for 70 per cent of motorways and dual carriageways.
In the initial phase, the adoption of DAB+ will be compulsory only for national broadcasters, whilst regional and local broadcasters will be able to adopt it on a voluntary basis. Subsequently, each autonomous community will set the date from which all broadcasts within its territory must be transmitted exclusively via DAB+, on a compulsory and synchronised basis. Read the press release
RTVE to end medium wave, reinforces commitment to DAB+
In November 2025, RTVE announced the end of medium wave broadcasting. The public broadcaster said "Radio Nacional de España will play a leading role in the rollout of DAB+ digital radio in Spain. This step forward in the evolution of radio broadcasting in our country marks the end of RNE's medium wave broadcasts, after having been part of the radio service provided to citizens since its inception in 1937. The roll-out of DAB+ represents a milestone in the modernisation of Spanish public radio service provision and also responds to the need to adapt to the reality of European technological progress, where most countries are moving towards the digitisation of their radio broadcasting networks."
Radio Nacional de España begins DAB+ broadcasts
Coinciding with the celebration of World Radio Day and the centenary year of radio in Spain, Radio Nacional de España has started digital radio broadcasts in DAB+ together with Cellnex Telecom on 13 February 2024, with the firm intention of deploying this digital radio standard in our country, which is set to replace FM in the long term.
One year later, by 13 February 2025, the coverage had increased to 15 cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Murcia, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Pamplona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Oviedo, Gijón, Valladolid and Guadalajara.
Regional DAB+
In January 2020, the regional government in Navarra advertised capacity for six DAB services on a future ensemble for the region, designated FU-Nav. Simultaneously, the regional government advertised a total of 72 DAB licences across 12 ensembles, each of which will have local coverage.
In Mallorca, a multiplex licensed by the Autonomous Government of the Balearic Islands began broadcasting in February 2024, broadcasting four stations from the Serra de Alfabia.
In May 2026, The Govern de les Illes Balears launched the first regional DAB+ digital radio network in Spain, with 12 sites and a DAB+ population coverage even slightly higher than FM in the Balearic Islands.
Spain coverage
Population 46.4 million
Population coverage 30%
Last update: 05.06.2026 - older versions
RNE is providing DAB+ services 15 cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Murcia, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Pamplona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Oviedo, Gijón, Valladolid and Guadalajara.
These broadcasts join the existing ones on DAB in Madrid and Barcelona.
Baleares has become the first Comunidad Autónoma in Spain to deploy a regional DAB+ network with population coverage equivalent to FM (May 2026)
RNE coverage: > 30% population
Rest of national stations: 20% population
Spain services on air
19 DAB, 3 DAB+
Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions
In this country there are
- National multiplexes: 3 Regular
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.
A total of 18 DAB and 4 DAB+ legal audio services are on air, but enhanced features as text, images or programme guides are not available.
| Simulcast on AM / FM | Exclusive on digital | Total of services | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAB programmes | 17 | 2 | 19 |
| DAB+ programmes | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 20 | 2 | 22 |
Spain automotive
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard 98%
Last update: 04.06.2026 - older versions
In Spain, 98% of new cars sold in 2025 have DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2025).
Spain receiver market
Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions
Almost a 5% of digital radio receivers sold in retailers includes DAB/DAB+ receiver, although no DAB/DAB+ national promotion has been carried out.
It is estimated that nearly 3 million cars already have a DAB/DAB+ receiver in Spain.
Spain details of trials
Last update: 21.10.2019 - older versions
Spanish Broadcaster Radio Maria (http://www.radiomaria.es/) started DAB+ test transmissions in Madrid and Barcelona on 2014 December 30th.
This is the first time DAB+ has been used for radio broadcasting in Spain. This DAB/DAB+ network is operated by the Broadcast Network Operator Cellnex Telecom.
Spain regulation and spectrum
Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions
National station licenses are issued by the central government, while local and regional licenses are the responsibility of the regional government. Licenses are valid for 15 years with an automatic renewal for a further 15 years. Advertising and sponsorship are permitted under the same rules which exist for analogue radio, and data is permitted on up to 20% of multiplex capacity.
Digital Audio Broadcasting is allowed by law in Band III.
There are three layers of services set out by law:
- National, with 1 SFN multiplex and 2 MFN multiplexes
- Regional (Comunidad Autónoma basis), with 1/3 SFN multiplex (nowadays without transmissions) and 2/3 MFN multiplex (not implemented)
- Local, with 237 areas covered by different frequency blocks in Band III
Nowadays, due to the entry into force of the Digitalization Plan for Terrestrial Broadcasting, DAB services are on air only to cover a 20% of the Spanish population (Madrid and Barcelona including their metropolitan areas). It is the minimum population coverage required by the current National Technical Plan for Digital Audio Broadcasting.
RNE is providing DAB+ services covering a percentage of the population above that minimum.
Spain overview
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Latest Spain news
04.11.2026
Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved a decree making DAB+ the required digital radio standard for national broadcasters and expanding coverage obligations...
04.11.2026
The Spanish government has approved the implementation of digital terrestrial radio using DAB+ technology. According to an announcement by the Council...
03.11.2026
On Tuesday, the Government approved a Royal Decree aimed at putting an end to more than two decades of delays in the roll-out of digital radio in Spain...