Austria

Last update: 02.08.2023 - older versions

In June 2023, the Communications Authority Austria (KommAustria)  invited tenders for DAB+ digital radio multiplexes. The media authority offers the possibility to apply for licences for the operation of a nationwide multiplex, which can also be regionalised, and several regional multiplexes, via each of which approx. 15 DAB+ radio programmes can be broadcast. The only exception to the regional licences is the province of Vienna, where a regional DAB+ multiplex has already been in operation since 2018.

As a nationwide offering, the new platform designated "MUX III" would be the second Austria-wide DAB+ programme bouquet. Since 2019, 16 DAB+ radio programmes with a technical population coverage of 84% have already been broadcast nationwide via the "MUX I" platform; regionally, 14 DAB+ radio programmes will be added on the "MUX II" platform in the greater Vienna area. Regional coverage areas in other federal provinces can now be applied for from "MUX II", which is also designed to be nationwide in terms of frequency technology.

As an option, KommAustria is offering to extend the current invitation to tender to include a nationwide "MUX IV", which could be used in particular for "must-carry" programmes such as ORF radio programmes. The corresponding demand reports would have to be received by the authority by 31 July 2023 at the latest.

At the end of April 2023, KommAustria had already prepared the invitation to tender with the publication of a Selection Principles Ordinance.

Applications for the licences must be received by the Communications Authority Austria by 13:00 on 2 October 2023 at the latest.

Read the press release: KommAustria invites tenders for new multiplexes and frequencies to expand digital DAB+ radio services

Alongside this, on 1 August 2023, the new Private Radio Act came into force, which makes it possible for one operator to broadcast six DAB+ programmes per coverage area instead of the previous two.

 

In August 2022, the Ipsos study “Awareness and reach measurement of DAB+ digital radio Austria 2022” found that:

  • In Austria, DAB+ already has 870,000 monthly listeners.
  • 75% of DAB+ listeners listen several times a month, this corresponds to 16% of the Austrian population.

https://dabplus.at/2022/08/01/aktuelle-studie-zu-dab-zeigt-steigende-nutzung-und-bekanntheit-in-oesterreich/

Following the launch of the regional DAB+ network operated by RTG in the eastern region of Austria in April 2018, a national DAB+ network operated by ORS was launched in May 2019, marking the start of a new era for radio broadcasting in Austria.

As part of Austria's DAB+ network expansion plans, population coverage reached 83% in August 2020.

Last update: 27.05.2022 - older versions

As of August 2020, DAB+ population coverage in Austria stands at 83% for the national MUX I and about 35% for the regional MUX II in the area of Vienna.

Coverage of the regular DAB+ multiplex on air in Austria is available at https://dabplus.at/empfang/

DAB+ national network expansion in 2019

1) Following the launch of the first expansion phase in May 2019, Vienna-Kahlenberg, Vienna-Liesing, Vienna-DC Tower, Graz-Schöckl, Linz-Lichtenberg and Semmering-Sonnenwendstein were connected. In the course of this first expansion phase, Vienna, Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria and Upper Austria will be able to receive DAB+, with almost 60% of the Austrian population covered with a DAB+ signal.

2) The commissioning phase of the nationwide MUX took place on March 31, 2020 and included the locations Bregenz-Pfänder, Innsbruck-Patscherkofel, Salzburg-Gaisberg and St. PöltenJauerling. With this expansion stage, 75% of the Austrian population is covered with DAB+ reception.

3) The last stage of expansion in Carinthia was brought forward, taking place in August 2020 and bringing population coverage to 83%.

 

Last update: 19.08.2022 - older versions

In this country there are

on air.

The most up to date listing of services on air in Austria is available at https://dabplus.at/programme/.

Please note:

(a)    These web pages are updated regularly to reflect current services on air, however they may not be exactly up to date.

(b)    The logos shown on these pages are for illustrative purposes only – manufacturers and broadcasters are directed here for information on implementing station logos.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 12 20 32
Data services 0 1 1
Total122133

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

In Austria, 94% of new cars sold in 2021 have DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

Last update: 19.08.2022 - older versions

In July 2020, Austria's digital radio office launched a new online store for featuring a wide range of DAB+ receivers from a number of brands.

In May 2019, ahead of the launch of the national DAB+ network, the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting (RTR) released a report (here) including information on the network expansion plans and the area covered by the expansion, as well as some findings on consumer receiver sales in Austria, specifically –

  • Sales of DAB+ devices in Austria rose by 77% in 2018
  • Sales of DAB+ devices in Austria rose by 66% in Q1 2019
  • Sales of non-DAB+ devices in Austria declined by 20% in Q1 2019

 

Last update: 05.04.2018 - older versions

DAB+ trial May 2015- April 2018

In Vienna, DAB+ was tested in a pilot project until 7th April 2018, when it became a regular operation. Two transmitters operated as a single frequency network, with one transmitting a 10kW signal. This test mode was originally scheduled to last 10 months from May 28th 2015. Vienna’s DAB+ testing period was extended by one year by media regulator KommAustria. The pilot project was approved by the broadcasting regulator, KommAustria. The multiplex platform operator ORS comm GmbH & Co KG was able to test transmission capacities on "VIENNA 8 (Liesing) channel 11D", "Wien 9 (DC Tower 1) channel 11D" and "Wien 8 (Liesing) channel 12B". Items which were tested in the pilot project were, for example, switching between two frequency blocks (11D and 12B) and their impact on the recipient.

Previous Trials

Two DAB trials ended in 2008. One began in 1999 in the capital Vienna and covered up to 1.73 million people, the other one started in 2000 in the federal state of Tyrol (two sites near the capital of Innsbruck) and covered round about 295,000 people, approximately 40% of the Tyrolian population. The two trials were run by the public broadcaster ORF, with only ORF programs transmitted. About 19% of Austria’s population was covered by a T-DAB signal.

In 2011 the network operator ORS GmbH, a 60% subsidiary of the ORF, made plans to launch a DAB+ trial in 2012 but stopped the project in autumn 2011.

The trial that ended in 2008 included three transmitters in Vienna on Channel 12B. The multiplex featured classical music, Radio Wien (local station), pop music and FM4 pop music (all by ORF). The Austrian public broadcaster ORF was also awarded a DAB digital radio trial licence for the Federal State of Tyrol. ORF set up two DAB digital radio transmitters in Tyrol, covering the Inn Valley between Kufstein and the Brenner Mountain (Channel 12C). Ö1, Ö3, FM4 and the regional station Radio Tyrol, were available on the multiplex. This meant that there was continuous DAB coverage between South Germany and Northern Italy.

These tests have taken place behind closed doors. 

 

Last update: 03.08.2018 - older versions

The market is regulated by the Austrian Communications Authority (KommAustria) and by the Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (Rundfunk und Telekom Regulierungs-GmbH, RTR) that provides operational support for KommAustria.

Austria is committed to a digital radio future and a report by the regulators, the Austrian Communications Authority (KommAustria) and RTR-GmbH recommended DAB+ in Band III as the way forward.  A working group was created in 2009 and its members are stakeholders from the Austrian radio market who represent opponents and proponents of digital radio. It consists of the regulatory authority, the public broadcaster ORF, the commercial and non-commercial broadcasters associations, the electronic industry and consumer associations. The group is watching and evaluating the progress of digital radio in other European countries. 

Success factors for the introduction of DAB+ in Austria

  • Active will of the Federal Government to digitise terrestrial radio broadcasting as the last media genre, which has not yet been able to experience terrestrial digitisation in Austria. Thus securing the media and economic location of Austria in order to create non-disruptive, non-Austrian offers. Solving the frequency problem, coordinating with the neighboring countries, and the economic use of the existing broadcasting systems with an active decision for a terrestrial digitisation of the radio broadcast.
  • New programming possibilities for private radio operators. More than two programs are to be made available by an organizer. The number is intended to regulate the market and for a further development of the radio, a maximum of two programmes must be given by one organiser.
  • New possibilities for public broadcasters. In addition to the national programs of public-law audiovisual broadcasting, max. 2 other nationwide, non-regionalisable, advertising-free (!) Programs are made possible.
  • Change of ORF-G, PrR-G and AMD-G with regard to the possibilities offered by the program and service providers (programs, data, additional services, etc.).
  • Promotion of program providers from the digitisation fund for the time of the simulcast. The increase in the allocation of the digitisation fund from currently EUR 500 TSD p.a. To EUR 1.2 million p.a .. Prioritisation of the digitisation fund for the agendas of the digitisation of terrestrial radio broadcasting.
  • Compulsory equipment for newly registered vehicles from 2017 with DAB+ enabled terminals (traffic safety). The need of TPEG-Services is evident.
  • From 2017 onwards, each newly-placed radio receiver intended for terrestrial reception must be capable of receiving digital signals corresponding to a standard of a recognised European standard organisation.

Last update: 30.07.2018 - older versions

The association 'Digital Radio Austria' is an initiative to develop the media genre radio, which is supported by the Association of the electrical and electronics industry, together with research institutions, private radio operators, manufacturers and dealers. The club members have set themselves the goal of establishing digital radio in Austria. For more information please visit, http://www.digitalradio-oesterreich.com/.

Changes to Austrian digitisation fund needed
14.09.2023 - Austria Austria
The first half of 2023 has put digital radio in the spotlight in Austria. More than one million Austrians listen to the radio via DAB+ several times a month, according to the latest Radiotest. In order to promote the reception and awareness of DAB+, an increase in the Digitisation Fund is crucial. Roman Gerner, Chairman of the Digital Radio Austria Association, emphasises the importance of financing through the Digitisation Fund for successful network expansion: "The imminent implementation of the new DAB multiplex in 2024 requires an urgent review and adjustment of the Digitisation Fund in order to adequately support media and programme diversity. An increase to 2.5 million euros is not only necessary but also imperative."

(Vereins Digitalradio Österreich) Read more


The new hit guarantee is called Radio ONE!
11.09.2023 - Austria Austria
The radio station "Technikum ONE", which is considered a DAB+ pioneer in Austria, is now called "Radio ONE - Die neue Hitgarantie". The shareholder structure and the motivated team remain unchanged, and the theme of "natural sciences and technology", which runs as a "red thread" through the programme, continues to play an important role in the programming. Radio ONE broadcasts throughout Austria via DAB+ and can also be received via some cable networks.

(RTG Radio Technikum GmbH) Read more


New Austrian Private Radio Act brings more digital opportunities
01.08.2023 - Austria Austria
On 1 August 2023, the new Private Radio Act comes into force, which in future will make it possible to broadcast six DAB+ programmes per coverage area instead of the previous two. The associated tender for the licences of the regulatory authority KommAustria has already started and will run until 2 October 2023. Media Minister Susanne Raab said: "With the new Private Radio Act, which is now coming into force, we are creating the framework conditions for radio providers to be able to offer more digital radio in Austria. This also brings advantages for listeners, who can receive more modern audio signals."

(Bundeskanzleramt / Federal Chancellery) Read more


Frequency agreement signed for the expansion of DAB+ digital radio in eastern Europe
30.06.2023 - Austria Austria - Hungary Hungary - Slovenia Slovenia - Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina - Croatia Croatia - Serbia Serbia - Romania Romania
On 12 and 13 June, the final meeting of a working group of media regulatory and frequency planning institutions from seven countries in eastern Europe took place at the Hungarian media regulatory authority NMHH in Budapest with the ceremonial signing of an agreement on the use of DAB+ frequencies in the joint frequency planning area. Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Romania participated in the working group. The working agreement now concluded enables the administrations to tender for new or additional DAB+ multiplex coverage by agreeing on technical reference parameters for future DAB+ transmitter stations.

(RTR) Read more


KommAustria invites tenders for new muxes for expansion of DAB+
30.06.2023 - Austria Austria
The Communications Authority Austria (KommAustria) is inviting tenders for DAB+ digital radio multiplexes. The media authority offers licences for a nationwide multiplex, which can also be regionalised, and several regional multiplexes, via each of which around 15 DAB+ stations can be broadcast. "Against the background of limited FM frequencies in Austria, DAB+ digital radio is an excellent opportunity to offer the population more audio media and opinion diversity in contemporary sound and reception quality," says Michael Ogris, Chairman of the media authority KommAustria.

(Die Kommunikationsbehörde Austria (KommAustria)) Read more


Popular complaint submitted: Citizens want ORF to change course on DAB+
21.06.2023 - Austria Austria
ORF should finally make its three radio programmes available on DAB+. For this reason, committed Austrians have signed a popular complaint which has now been submitted to KommAustria. The Verein Digitalradio Österreich supports these efforts and the complainant, Dipl.-Ing. Heinrich Thonet, and fully agrees with his argumentation of the violation of the ORF's coverage mandate in the radio sector. The submission by the law firm to KommAustria took place on 6 June. KommAustria will now decide on the matter in the coming weeks.

(Verein Digitalradio Österreich) Read more


Raab: New Private Radio Act creates more digital opportunities for radio providers
14.06.2023 - Austria Austria
An initiative motion on the Private Radio Act was introduced in Parliament, which will give radio providers more opportunities in the digital radio sector. In future, it will be possible for a provider to broadcast 6 DAB+ programmes per coverage area instead of the previous 2. Through the expansion to 6 programmes, the digital transformation is now being accelerated insofar as broadcasters established on the market will be able to offer new digital programmes in addition to existing analogue programmes in the future and thus significantly expand their offering, while on the other hand a broader offering for listeners is guaranteed.

(Bundeskanzleramt / Federal Chancellery) Read more


More radio diversity for Austria
14.06.2023 - Austria Austria
Today, an initiative motion on the Private Radio Act was introduced in Parliament, giving radio providers more opportunities in the digital radio sector. The biggest change is an amendment to § 9 of the Act. Previously, radio operators were restricted in applying for broadcasting licences and could apply for a maximum of 2 DAB+ licences. Now the paragraph will be adapted so that a radio operator can apply for up to 6 DAB+ licences. This applies both to stand-alone stations and to stations in a media network. Currently there are 16 national and 15 regional radio programmes on DAB+ in Austria. Some radio operators would like to broadcast several stations, but this has so far been prevented by the restriction in paragraph 9 of the law. With the amendment to the law, the bundling of several licences with one radio broadcaster is now possible.

(Verein Digitalradio Österreich) Read more


Change in the law brings further development of DAB+
14.06.2023 - Austria Austria
Today an important course was set for the further development of digital terrestrial radio in Austria: An amendment to the Private Radio Act will allow private radio broadcasters to broadcast more DAB+ stations than before in addition to their FM programmes. This will promote the expansion of digital terrestrial radio in Austria and broaden the range of Austrian radio programmes broadcast via DAB+. "We welcome this prudent and important proposal by the federal government to promote digital terrestrial radio and thus to safeguard radio diversity in Austria," said Corinna Drumm, Managing Director of the Association of Austrian Private Broadcasters.

(VÖP Verband Österreichischer Privatsender) Read more


Beats Radio soon also in Austria and Switzerland
14.06.2023 - Germany Germany - Austria Austria - Switzerland Switzerland
Klassik Radio wants to expand into Austria and Switzerland with its offshoot "Beats Radio" via digital radio DAB+ and the internet. This was announced by Managing Director Ulrich Kubak. Beats Radio plays a mix of house and lounge music, for the generation of 30-somethings and a youth culture that has come of age. He said Beats Radio is developing rapidly and was able to increase its digital reach by over 400 per cent in 2022. "We are very confident of making money with it very soon. The station alone has seven-figure EBITDA potential for our company," Kubak said.

(SatelliFax) Read more


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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 8.9 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 83%
Services: 32 DAB+, 1 Data
Receiver sales (cumulative): 1,000,000 devices
Line-fit automotive sales (cumulative): 500,000 devices
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 94%
Total Sales (cumulative): 1,500,000 devices
Penetration by household: Sparkline Graph 25%
Last update: 08.08.2022

Useful Links

Awareness and reach measurement of DAB+ digital radio Austria 2022
www.citymux.at/aktuelles-und-ausschreibungen/aktuelles/
Digital Radio Austria
www.mpdx.at/
New vehicle registration data