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
- National multiplex: 1 Regular
- Regional multiplex: 1 Regular
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 |
Total | 12 | 21 | 33 |
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
(Vereins Digitalradio Österreich) Read more
The new hit guarantee is called Radio ONE!
11.09.2023 - Austria
(RTG Radio Technikum GmbH) Read more
New Austrian Private Radio Act brings more digital opportunities
01.08.2023 - Austria
(Bundeskanzleramt / Federal Chancellery) Read more
Frequency agreement signed for the expansion of DAB+ digital radio in eastern Europe
30.06.2023 - Austria






(RTR) Read more
KommAustria invites tenders for new muxes for expansion of DAB+
30.06.2023 - Austria
(Die Kommunikationsbehörde Austria (KommAustria)) Read more
Popular complaint submitted: Citizens want ORF to change course on DAB+
21.06.2023 - Austria
(Verein Digitalradio Österreich) Read more
Raab: New Private Radio Act creates more digital opportunities for radio providers
14.06.2023 - Austria
(Bundeskanzleramt / Federal Chancellery) Read more
More radio diversity for Austria
14.06.2023 - Austria
(Verein Digitalradio Österreich) Read more
Change in the law brings further development of DAB+
14.06.2023 - Austria
(VÖP Verband Österreichischer Privatsender) Read more
Beats Radio soon also in Austria and Switzerland
14.06.2023 - Germany


(SatelliFax) Read more
Key Information
Status: | regular |
Population: | 8.9 million |
Population coverage: | |
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: | |
Total Sales (cumulative): | 1,500,000 devices |
Penetration by household: | |
Last update: 08.08.2022
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Useful Links
Awareness and reach measurement of DAB+ digital radio Austria 2022www.citymux.at/aktuelles-und-ausschreibungen/aktuelles/
Digital Radio Austria
www.mpdx.at/
New vehicle registration data