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The entire procedure for the assignment of rights to use frequencies for the terrestrial digital radio broadcasting service under the NAPF-DAB is in full swing. Here, in brief, is where we stand for the various catchment areas. On 9 November, MIMIT published the lists of the expressions of interest received for the first three catchment areas (no. 08 - Emilia Romagna; no. 11 - Marche - no. 20 - Sardinia). On the other hand, we are still waiting for the publication of the list relating to catchment area no. 12 - Lazio, whose applications (as for Emilia Romagna, Marche and Sardinia) were submitted by 4 August 2023.

Broadcasting giant České Radiokomunikace (owner of the Cordiant fund) is preparing for a third major investment - the construction of broadcasting networks for DAB+ digital radio - after two recently announced large acquisitions in the field of cloud and TV multiplexes. In a recent auction organised by the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU), CRa bid CZK 26.35 million (€1m) for the nationwide broadcasting network B and CZK 3 million (€120k) for the regional networks R4, R15 and R23. The frequencies were allocated until 2040. The nationwide network will accommodate 15 to 17 digital radio services.

From 1 April 2024, transmission capacity will be available in the state of Baden-Württemberg for allocation to private radio broadcasters for the distribution of radio programmes using DAB+. The Baden-Württemberg Communications Authority (LFK) is currently inviting tenders for a broadcasting slot of 54 CU for this purpose. Broadcasting will take place via the state-wide multiplex (channel 11B). Programme makers can apply until 26 January.

Offene Kanal Westküste has announced that it will begin broadcasting on DAB+ from 1 February 2024. Programmes will be broadcast on channels Sylt 11D and Heide/Westküste 8C. Another programme is also to be added to channel Kiel 5A. Free Radio Neumünster is in the starting blocks here. The contract has been signed for 1 February, but it is not certain whether everything will be ready technically by then. It is not yet clear whether Free Radio Fratz will also start broadcasting on Sylt channel 11D.

The NRW State Chancellery has allocated transmission capacities for DAB+ digital radio to the NRW Media Authority for four of six regions. The allocation took place on 18 January and will become final after one month. Only then will two tenders be issued for the free DAB+ programme slots and the funding to be made available to local, regional and nationwide providers. Providers that can already be received via DAB+ in NRW are excluded. The aim of the tender is to strengthen local, regional and state-wide editorial diversity throughout the state, says Michaela Bialas, Legal & Supervision Officer at LfM NRW.

From now on, 4EVER49 Radio can be heard in North Brabant and Limburg via channel 7C. 4EVER49 Radio already broadcasts via MTVNL's network in the Netherlands on channel 7D, but this network has a limited reach in the southern Netherlands. With this, the radio station has significantly expanded its reach in the southern provinces. Jo de Graaf, Managing Director of the radio station in a press release: "our objective is good coverage via DAB+ and digital providers throughout the Netherlands. Therefore, this expansion of our DAB+ frequencies in the southern provinces is essential".

Public local broadcasters have priority in licence applications for digital broadcasting via DAB+. Frequency layer 6 has been reserved for local DAB+ broadcasting. At this frequency layer, the Netherlands is divided into 57 transmission grids. For each broadcast grid, 18 channel slots with a bandwidth of 64 kb/s are available. Public local broadcasters can apply for a DAB+ broadcasting licence with priority to the regulator Rijksinspectie Digitale Infrastructuur (RDI) until 6 February. Commercial public broadcasters will have to wait their turn. These organisations can apply for a DAB+ licence from 6 February. The space left in the 57 local broadcast grids after public broadcasters' applications can be shared among commercial public broadcasters.

BBC Radio Cymru 2 is to become a fully-fledged public service radio station following a consultation by Ofcom. The move means more original Welsh-language hours will be broadcast on the station. The assessment, and responses to Ofcom’s consultation, found that the BBC’s plans will likely deliver additional public value for Welsh-language listeners without having a significant adverse impact on competition. The service will be broadcast across Wales on DAB. It would also be available online through BBC Sounds and other online apps, smart speakers, and digital TV.

After about two years we are returning to the topic of the cheapest FM/DAB receivers, i.e. those under a thousand crowns. The overview table at the end of the article shows a number of new toys after two years, and at excellent prices! Some DAB receivers have become a bargain. How else can you explain the "Silvercrest DAB+ Radio SRD F1 A1" for 299.90 Kč (€12)? And while we're at it, the table also includes one radio with internet reception (Opticum AX Sound Path Lite, photo at the end of the article) and several with FM/DAB are under 700 Kč (€28). Overall, the situation on the market of the cheapest radios is stable, the offer is already quite rich and varied (e.g. even with Bluetooth) and surprisingly, table radios are also appearing, which is probably due to the fact that we are still in the period of discounts.

As of 15 January, RTL has strengthened its reception throughout France. The radio station can now be heard without interruption on France's roads and motorways. "RTL is considerably improving its broadcasting in the plains and countryside, replacing the broadcasting of long-wave radio", explains the station. The towns affected by this improvement are Metz, Nancy, Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse, Montbéliard, Bensançon, Voiron, La Tour du Pin, Pont-Audemer, Le Havre, Dourdan, Meaux, Villebon, Dunkirk, Calais, le Touquet, Paris, Orléans, Tours, Angers, Le Mans and Chartres. The regions concerned are Champagne-Ardenne, the Côte d'Opale, the area between Lyon and Grenoble and the plains around Paris.