Population:	45.0 million
Coverage:	52%
Services:	29 DAB, 5 Data

Last update: 20-01-2008

Spain first began broadcasting digital radio in April 1998 covering Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. There have also been trial services in the Basque country and Catalunya.

The Spanish DAB Association (Asociación Foro de la Radio Digital), comprising both private and national broadcasters, is responsible for DAB in Spain.  While there has been little progress in DAB expansion in Spain, three multiplexes remain on air broadcasting a mix of stations to 60% of the population.

A statement from the AERC, the Spanish Commercial Radio Association, in 2010 noted the broadcasters' commitment to a digital radio future for the country, but said it must be "carried out properly, respecting the rights and concessions of analogue radio."

The Spanish government is due to pass a broadcasting Act before the end of 2011,  It is hoped the Act will set out a plan for digital terrestrial radio broadcasting which will allow the industry to move forward.

Currently about 60% of the population have access to DAB services. Coverage is expected to rise to 80% by 2011.

In this country there are

• National multiplexes: 3 Regular
• Regional multiplexes: 2 Regular and 1 Trial

A total of 29 DAB audio services are on air.

There are a small number of electrical retailers selling DAB digital radios in Spain, but until more services are availalbe and especially unique DAB only stations, this market is not expected to grow significantly.

There were various trials of DMB in Barcelona in 2007 and 2008 for the 3GSM exhibition and show. Future plans for further trials are ongoing.

National station licences are issued by the central government, while local and regional licences are the responsibility of the regional government. Licences are valid for ten years with an automatic renewal for a further ten years and operators must commit to the promotion of DAB Digital Radio. 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.