Switzerland - Regulation and Spectrum - History
13.11.2013
Key features of regulation for digital radio regulation in
Switzerland are;
- Band III
- National multiplexes
- Change from DAB to DAB+ underway, coverage of highway tunnels will be finished in 2013
- In 2013 stand-alone Band III ensembles authorised by the regulator in the main conurbations, intended as a DAB+ platform for the smaller, non-commercial broadcasters
- No analogue switch-off date
- Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) holds the spectrum licence
In mid-February 2012, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM) awarded a broadcast licence to Romandie Médias SA to operate a further DAB+ network in French-speaking Switzerland. The new platform, which has a capacity of up to 18 DAB+ stations, should be on air by the end of 2013. Romandie Médias SA must broadcast three private stations which have already been given licences, as well as two RTS stations. It is free to choose the other services it offers.
The SRG licence includes the operation of a DAB multiplex and transmission network in Band III. The transmitter sites are operated by Swisscom Broadcast, but SRG is responsible for the planning of the network, signal generating and multiplexing.
Commercial radio and media companies in the German part of Switzerland were granted 8 licences in summer 2007. SwissMediaCast AG was granted a licence to broadcast on Channel 7D and 9A by Swiss Ofcom (the regulator). SMC AG running the first tow commercial DAB+ multiplex in German-speaking Switzerland.
13.05.2013
In mid-February, the Federal Office of Communications (OFCOM), awarded a broadcast licence to Romandie Médias SA to operate a further DAB+ network in French-speaking Switzerland. The new platform, which has a capacity of up to 18 DAB+ stations, should be on air by late summer 2013. Romandie Médias SA must broadcast three private stations which have already been given licences, as well as two RTS stations. It is free to choose the other services it offers.