Population:	10.1 million
Coverage:	30%

Last update: 03-09-2011

Hungary has chosen DAB+ for its digital radio standard, and there is currently a test multiplex on air broadcasting 7 stations to the Budapest area.  The multiplex is operated by Antenna Hungaria, which also runs national TV and radio stations in Hungary.

Coverage is currently at 30% of the population, but this is expected to reach 94%by the end of 2014 as Antenna Hungaria rolls out more transmitters and services.

Coverage is currently 30% of the population in Budapest and the surrounding area.

Coverage plans suggest there will be an estimated population coverage of 94% by the end of 2014. 

In this country there is

• National multiplex: 1 Trial

DAB+ receivers are already available in Hungary from specialist audio visual and online stores. With a full commercial launch, the number and type of available receivers will increase and a marketing campaign will support the sector.

The first DAB trial was launched in 1995 by Antenna Hungária and Hungarian Radio.  It ran until 2008 and covered almost 30% of the population centred around the Budapest area.

In 2008, when the National Communications Authority called for tenders to run digital TV and radio multiplexes, Antenna Hungaria was the successful bidder.  The company then closed its long running DAB trial and began testing DAB+ in the same area early in 2009.

In the past, Antenna Hungaria has also carried out DMB trials and mixed multiplex trials enabling direct comparison of DAB, DAB+ and DMB. 

The government strategy for the implementation of digital broadcasting (both radio and television) was approved in March 2007.  The Act on the rules of broadcasting and digital switchover was published in June 2007.  It gives the legal background on the introduction of digital radio services, but specifies that more detailed regulation will be needed on local digital radio and issues regarding switchover. Although the statutes say that the switch from analogue to digtial should begin in 2014 this will only happen if, by then, 94% of the population and 75% of people have a digital radio receiver.

In line with the provisions of this Act, in March 2008 the National Communications Authority (NCAH) published an invitation to tender for a national multiplex.  The winner was Antenna Hungaria which subsequently announced its decision to broadcast in DAB+.