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Last update: 19.07.2024 - older versions

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.

You can listen to the following broadcasts on DAB+:

- Radio Nacional and Radio 5 in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Murcia and Bilbao.

- Radio 3 in Valencia, Seville, Murcia and Bilbao.

These broadcasts are in addition to the existing DAB broadcasts of Radio Nacional, Radio Clásica, Radio 3, Radio 5 and Radio Exterior in Madrid and Barcelona.

On a monthly basis, RNE's offer on DAB+ and the coverage of the service will be progressively increased, starting broadcasts in other Spanish cities.

On 19 March 2024, Radio Nacional, Radio 3 and Radio 5 launched on DAB+ in the metropolitan area of Santiago de Compostela. On 18 April 2024, DAB+ broadcasts launched in Pamplona; on 17 May 2024, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife; on 18 June 2024, in Mijas, covering Málaga, Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola; and on 18 July 2024, broadcasts started in Mallorca, from Cellnex Telecom's broadcasting centre in Alfàbia.

Once deployed throughout Spain, DAB+ will allow Radio Televisión Española to provide the public radio broadcasting service in the terms currently entrusted to it by law, providing maximum geographical and social coverage, with the best quality and additional services specific to DAB+ and with free-to-air broadcasts and free reception.

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 July 2024, The Govern de les Illes Balears will implement, through DAB+ technology, IB3's digital radio in the first quarter of 2025. The Balearic Islands becomes the first Autonomous Community in which all three radio coverage (local, regional and national) will be offered in DAB+.

Last update: 18.04.2024 - older versions

RNE DAB+ services are on air in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Murcia, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela and Pamplona.

These broadcasts join the existing ones on DAB in Madrid and Barcelona.

RNE will increase monthly its content offer and coverage on DAB+ until the end of 2024.

RNE coverage: > 30% population

Rest of national stations: 20% population

Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions

In this country there are

National multiplexes: 3 Regular

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.

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

Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions

In Spain, 98% of new cars sold in 2023 have DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2023).

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.

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.

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.

Digital radio: an opportunity for diversity

14.02.2017 - Spain

2017 started with the news that Norway is turning off FM and switching to DAB+. Digital radio via DAB+ offers the opportunity for a more diverse range of stations for listeners as well as improved listening quality.

(Eldiario.es) Read more

Sangean WF-30 review

16.11.2016 - Spain

The Sangean WF-30 is housed in a black wooden box with stylized lines, it contains a range of advanced technology such as DAB+ which allows listeners to enjoy their favourite radio stations with great sound quality.

(Premium Life) Read more

The future of DAB passes through Vienna

02.11.2016 -

- Spain

The 2016 WorldDAB General Assembly will bring together an audience of more than 200 radio experts including policy makers, broadcasters and industry representatives to discuss the future of digital radio.The dominant theme of this year's event will be the growing momentum towards the deployment of DAB across Europe and beyond.

(El Radioescucha ) Read more

Siesta S2 review

30.10.2016 - Pure - Spain

The Pure Siesta S2 has an automatic time setting from the radio signal, which is very a practical option. This model is available in white or black does not adopt an unorthodox shape, but has loads of features that makes it a well thought out device.

(The Digital ) Read more

Sangean WF-30

21.10.2016 - Spain

The WF-30 is compatible with digital radio via DAB+ and the radio via the Internet. Thanks to the mobile application UNDOK , freely available operating system for phones with Android or iOS , the user can access a wide range of radio stations worldwide through the Internet.

(Tuexperto.com) Read more

Sanchez outlines potential of DAB+ in Spain

17.10.2016 - Spain

DAB+ has yet to be officially approved for use in Spain, but Javier Sanchez, President of the Strategic Program Platforms EBU Digital Radio, reports that the standard would bring advantages to the largest country on the Iberian Peninsula.

(Radio World) Read more

The translation stage DAB to DAB + in Spain

12.10.2016 - Spain

Javier Sanchez, President of the Strategic Programme Platforms EBU Digital Radio explores the future of digital radio in Spain. He notes how the spectrum efficiency of DAB+ is about three times greater than that of DAB. He notes how switching to DAB+ in Spain could allow up to 48 new radio stations on air.

(Gorkazumeta) Read more

Vienna will host the WorldDAB General Assembly 2016 9-10 November 2016

06.10.2016 -

- Spain

The meeting will serve to reinforce the growing political commitment of European countries. The theme of the Assembly is "New content, new markets".

(Gorka Zumeta) Read more

Sangean WFR-27C review

20.09.2016 - Spain

The WFR-27C is a radio that combines classic design elements with the all the latest technology including DAB+ radio, Spotify connect and Wi-Fi.

(Tuexperto.com) Read more

If Germany pushes with DAB+, Europe will end up on the bandwagon

14.09.2016 - Spain

In ten points, ARD draws a very tight common framework to ensure the progress of DAB+. Digital radio has always been universal and free and 50 million DAB/DAB+ receivers have already been sold worldwide.

(Gorka Zumeta ) Read more