Population:	10.5 million
Coverage:	100%
Services:	15 DAB

Last update: 24-03-2010

De Vlaamse Radio – en Televisieomroep (VRT), the public broadcaster in the Flemish community, introduced DAB in Belgium in 1997. VRT has one multiplex in operation with nine audio programmes (five simulcast and four DAB only). RTBF, the public broadcaster for the French community, also has a multiplex in operation with six audio programmes (all simulcasts).

The promotion undertaken by VRT and its development of DAB-only programmes, is helping to increase DAB household penetration. A major increase is expected when commercial DAB stations start broadcasting. There is space reserved on the RTBF multiplex for commercial broadcasters. In Flanders where there are more programmes they plan to launch a new multiplex. DAB is on-air but no information is available on numbers of receivers sold.

Both in the Flemish and the French region, DAB coverage reaches 100% of the population. Also, all motorways and main roads are covered.

In this country there are

• Regional multiplexes: 1 Regular and 1 Trial

• Flemish-speaking part of the country: nine audio programmes (four of which DAB only) by the public broadcaster VRT
• French-speaking part of the country: six audio programmes (simulcast) by the public broadcaster RTBF

The availability of DAB receivers in Belgium continues to grow with a range of devices now on the market, including kitchen radios, handheld and tuners.  As more DAB services launch, with marketing campaigns to support them, sales are expected to grow significantly.

Broadcasting legislation in Belgium differs between the Flemish, French and German speaking communities. Licences will be granted to programme providers only in the French community, licences in the Flemish community will, most likely, be granted to the multiplex operator and may have restrictions. Simulcasting is permitted within both French and Flemish communities and there are no specific rules or conditions governing this. There is also no legislation governing advertising, sponsorship and marketing on DAB digital radio broadcasting. No information is available on plans for FM switch off or over at the present time.