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Czechia

Last update: 05.01.2024 - older versions

The ČTÚ announced on 5 January 2024 that the Authority successfully completed the auction procedure for the sale of individual auction blocks offered for the purpose of developing commercial nationwide (Blocks B, C) and regional networks (Blocks R1 - R27) for the distribution of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting (DAB). The auctioned frequency blocks were divided among all eight participants of the tender.

The total auction price for all Auction Blocks was CZK 79,325,000 (c. €3.2m).

"I am glad that we managed to complete the auction successfully, having satisfied all the participating bidders and managed to distribute all the blocks offered. Thus, nothing stands in the way of the further development of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting." said Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU Council.

The tender sets out development criteria that should ensure not only the successful development of DAB broadcasting but also the efficient use of the allocated radio frequencies. The all-weather networks are to cover 50% of the population and motorways within 18 months and 80% of the population and motorways within a further 12 months. Regional broadcasts are to cover 40% of the population of the region concerned within 24 months and 70% of the population of the region thereafter.

An amendment to the Electronic Communications Act was passed by the Czech Parliament's Chamber of Deputies on 15 September 2021, granting Czech Radio the right to operate its own digital radio network in Band III and reservation of frequencies/spectrum by the Czech Telecommunication Bureau.

Czech Radio has one regular multiplex, available for 95% of the population of the Czech Republic, divided for Czechia and Moravia segment (12C and 12D). Four other multiplexes are on air in the Czech Republic and are operated by TELEKO, Ceske Radiokomunikace, RTI cz and JOE Media.

In 2021 Czech Radio launched two new DAB+ only stations – "Radiožurnál Sport” (CRo-RZ-SPORT) and "Pohoda” (CRo-POHODA), targeted to the 'sports lovers' audience and senior audiences.

In September 2020, Czech Radio launched 10 new DAB + transmitters, increasing population coverage from 85% to 95%.

A brochure highlighting the 15-year history of DAB+ digital radio in the Czech Republic is available in Czech here.

Last update: 13.09.2023 - older versions

Population coverage currently stands at 96%.

Detailed and up-to-date maps of DAB+ coverage can be found at www.DAB-plus.cz.

Czech Radio has one regular multiplex in the Czech Republic divided into CZECH and MORAVIA. Currently, 16 Czech Radio stations are broadcasting.

There are four other multiplexes in the Czech Republic operated by TELEKO Digital, České Radiokomunikace, RTI cz and JOE Media.

The network operator TELEKO DAB operates one regular local DAB+ multiplex using band III, which reaches 5.8 million inhabitants in the Czech Republic. The signal broadcasts in and around Prague, Příbram, Brno and surroundings, Moravian-Silesian Region, Ústí nad Labem Region and Hradec Kralove Region. The TELEKO DAB multiplex broadcasts 6 radio stations.

The operator of the RTI cz network operates 60 radio transmitters in the FM band, mostly in western Bohemia. In 2011, RTI CZ obtained a licence for digital radio DAB (L-band, later III band) in the Pilsen Region, Karlovy Vary Region, South Bohemia Region and Prague. RTI cz currently operates 10 DAB+ transmitters and broadcasts 6 radio stations in the RTI cz DAB multiplex.

České Radiokomunikace operates a CRA DAB+ multiplex (four transmitters) in Prague, Pilsen and Ostava where 14 radio stations are broadcast.

From the end of 2020, JOE Media operates the COLOR DAB+ multiplex (two transmitters in Prague), which broadcasts 8 radio stations.

Last update: 03.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

Regional multiplexes: 2 Regular
Local multiplexes: 4 Regular

on air.

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.

A comprehensive listing of DAB+ services on air in the Czech Republic is available at the website http://www.digitalradiodab.cz/ by choosing the DAB v ČR option.

Slideshow services are offered by all network operators in Czech Republic. TELEKO uses the latest Rapid software in their DAB CLOUD MULTIPLEXOR. TELEKO transforms the news from RSS feeds into JPEGs and also sends pictures from webcams in studios or weathercams.

	Simulcast on AM / FM	Exclusive on digital	Total of services
DAB+ programmes	47	25	72

Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions

In the Czech Republic, 93% of new cars sold in 2021 have DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).

Last update: 17.05.2021 - older versions

DAB radio is using L-band and Band III in the Czech Republic and it is important to check if the receiver is ready for use in both bands.

A wide range of receivers are available to buy online:

www.pureradio.cz

www.radiodab.cz

www.omko.cz/digitalni-radia/

www.gogen.cz/dab-radia/

Stores:

Electroworld (www.electroworld.cz)

LIDL (www.lidl.cz) (Sale)

TESCO (www.itesco.cz)

DATART (www.datart.cz/dab-radia.html)

Last update: 30.09.2013 - older versions

In August 2007 a trial was launched by TELEKO in cooperation with the public broadcaster Český Rozhlas with three DAB programmes and two DAB+ programmes. This trial used both Band III and L-Band and covered almost 130,000 people. A further trial began in June 2008, again as a joint project between the TELEKO company in cooperation with the public broadcaster Czech Radio. A 2.5Kw transmitter provided coverage of the capital city, Prague, to a population of around 1.3 million. The goal of this noncommercial trial was the promotion of digital radio to the Czech public and Government administrators. In early 2009 a further trial was launched in the second largest city Brno covering approximately 0.5 million people.

Trials have been completed in the Czech Republic and all network operators have been awarded with licenses. Technical trials e.g. for checking signal parameters are operated using the licensed frequencies as a part of the regular transmission implementation. For example, the company Ceske Radiokomunikace is using its L-band licensed frequency for such a test with two programs using the Prague-Zizkov transmitter since early 2013.

Last update: 03.12.2021 - older versions

Key features of regulation for digital radio in Czech Republic

Band III only used
Five network operators operate one nationwide multiplex (public service Czech Radio) and four regional multiplexes with public and commercial programmes all on DAB+
Licences are granted for different periods, up to a maximum of 10 years, some to be granted or renewed in 2022, all in III Band only
No analogue radio switch-off date
Analogue radio licences will be prolonged without a clear time limit

Spectrum and content regulation is divided between the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting (content) and the Czech Telecommunication Office (spectrum).

Analogue radio licenses will be prolonged for all analogue licence holders, at this point in time, for an unspecified time. Czech Radio as the public radio broadcaster operates its own DAB+ network with national coverage. Some private broadcasters use DAB+ networks by private operators to broadcast their stations via DAB+. Therefore, the transition to digital radio in the Czech Republic has successfully started and digital radio is being rolled out by both the public and private radio sectors. There are no obstacles to the deployment of digital radio from the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting and from the Czech Telecommunication Office.

The Radio Spectrum Utilisation Plan (RSUP, or PVRS in Czech language) for particular bands sets out detailed regulation for the use of frequencies. The current RSUP dedicates all III Band (frequencies from 174 to 230 MHz) to DAB (the Czech Telecommunication Office refers to DAB+ as T-DAB). Further information about the RSUP is available at https://www.ctu.cz/plan-vyuziti-radioveho-spektra

For a detailed overview on 174 - 380 MHz spectrum see here: https://www.ctu.cz/sites/default/files/obsah/ctu/sdeleni-o-vydani-opatreni-obecne-povahy-casti-planu-vyuziti-radioveho-spektra-c.pv-p/21/01.2018-2-pro-kmitoctove-pasmo-174-380-mhz/obrazky/pv-p210120182.pdf

Allocation of additional DAB+ multiplexes for private network operators is planned by the Czech Telecommunication Office for 2022 and beyond.

The switchover to DVB-T2 digital TV was finished in 2020, and digital TV frequencies are allocated exclusively outside III Band, which is intended for DAB+ radio only. L Band is no longer used for DAB+ radio.

At the time of writing there are five DAB+ network operators:

Czech Radio, Ceske Radiokomunikace, TELEKO digital, RTIcz and JOE Media.

The principal document for electronic communication regulation is the Act. No. 127/2005 Coll. on Electronic Communications, was amended in 2021 by the Act. No. 374/2021 Coll. This document explains spectrum regulation in the Czech Republic represented by the National Table of Frequency Allocation (NTFA) which allocates the frequency bands to particular radio communication services and describes the general conditions for frequency use. Detailed information about NTFA is available here: https://www.ctu.cz/narodni-kmitoctova-tabulka

Last update: 29.04.2019 - older versions

A marketing campaign is due to be launched, in collaboration with the automotive industry - primarily Skoda - and the main retailers in the country

Broadcasters are investing inmultimedia, with each of the 14 channels in a mux equipped with full multimedia services - headlines, artists information and images

The company RTI cz also promotes DAB+ open days in the Czech Radio, as per the images below taken in Prague, Pilsen and Ceske Budejovice.

The company RTI cz operates its own e-shop with a DAB+ receiver (www.radiodab.cz)

The company RTI cz operates a Web portal about digital radio in the Czech Republic on www.digitalradiodab.cz. You will find here:

Current information
What is digital radio
History of digital radio
DAB in the Czech Republic (operators / list of radio stations / channel list / map coverage)
DAB in the world
Links to websites about digital radio

1) Day with digital radio (Exhibition of DAB radio receivers and lectures on digital radio in cooperation with Czech Radio)

www.densdigitalnimradiem.cz (only in Czech) Promo video here: https://youtu.be/WvDdK3xqEMI

2) Digital radio in schools (lectures on digital radio at vocational schools)

3) DAB radio for the blind (RTI have prepared a Czech version of the audio files for the NOXON dRadio1 radio with voice output)

Last update: 09.01.2014

DAB radio is used for emergency warning distribution by distributing programs of the public broadcaster.
For example, during the floods in June 2013 the actual emergency information was included in the DAB radiotext transmission of two public broadcaster programs.

Czech auction of DAB+ frequencies successfully completed

05.01.2024 - Czechia

The electronic auction of the tender for the award of rights to use radio frequencies in the 174-230 MHz band has ended. The auctioned frequency blocks were divided among all eight participants of the tender. "I am pleased that we were able to complete the auction successfully, having satisfied all participating bidders and managed to allocate all the blocks on offer. Thus, nothing stands in the way of the further development of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting." said Marek Ebert, Chairman of the CTU Council. The tender sets out development criteria that should ensure not only the successful development of DAB broadcasting, but also the efficient use of the allocated radio frequencies. The national networks are to cover 50% of the population and motorways within 18 months, and 80% of the population and motorways within a further 12 months.

(ČTÚ) Read more

Czech national DAB+ networks won by CRA and RTI cz

05.01.2024 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

All eight participants in the auction of frequencies for DAB+ networks for commercial radio were successful and won frequencies for at least one multiplex. The two nationwide networks B and C were acquired by České Radiokomunikace (or its subsidiary Czech Digital Group) and RTI cz. The Czech Telecommunications Office (ČTÚ) succeeded in auctioning all 29 frequency sets, i.e. 27 regional multiplexes in addition to the two national networks.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

How was 2023 in DAB+ in Czechia? Preparing for commercial radio

02.01.2024 - Czechia

Last year was marked by preparations for the full-fledged entry of commercial radio into DAB+ broadcasting. The long-awaited auction of frequencies for DAB+ networks was preceded by changes in media legislation requested by private operators. The CTU had expected to publish the results of the DAB+ auction before the end of 2023, but this did not happen because the auction part was longer than expected. At a meeting with journalists in mid-December, CRA representatives estimated that the outcome of the auction would not be known until January 2024.

(Televizníweb.cz) Read more

České Radiokomunikace to launch new DAB+ transmitters next year, plans promotional activities

12.12.2023 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

At a meeting with journalists on 12 December, České Radiokomunikace referred to plans for DAB+ digital radio. "We believe that after the end of the DAB+ auction, the broadcasting will develop and listeners will buy new receivers," Marcel Procházka, director of the legal and regulatory department of the operator, told journalists. České Radiokomunikace also wants to dust off the delayed "DAB+ certified" stamp. "We want to launch marketing activities and cooperate with radio manufacturers and dealers. We want to bring the market to a similar level as in the case of the "DVB-T2 verified" mark," Marcel Procházka told Digital Radio.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech Radio expanding its DAB+ network

01.12.2023 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

On 1 December 2023, Czech Radio and Czech Radio Communications launched digital broadcasting from eight new DAB+ transmitters in Bohemia and Moravia. "With the launch of eight new DAB+ transmitters, we have achieved an increase in indoor coverage by 155,000 listeners. This has been achieved through the appropriate selection of transmitter sites and optimisation of the transmitting power and radiation characteristics of the transmitting antennas," said Karel Zýka, Director of Technology and Administration at Czech Radio.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czech DAB+ transmitter serves Polish listeners

29.11.2023 - Czechia - Poland

Czech listeners near the Polish border can tune in to the DAB+ multiplex of the local public radio station from another transmitter. According to information on the discussion forum of the network operator EmiTel, the Klodzko - Czarna Góra transmitter was put into operation in the past few days. This is important news for Czech listeners in the surrounding regions.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Proglas: We want to be all over DAB+, we plan to reduce FM broadcasting

28.11.2023 - Czechia

The broadcasting of commercial DAB+ multiplexes with final frequency allocations has not yet started, but the first plans of broadcasters are already appearing. In addition to Rock Radio, which has confirmed its interest in joining the platform and could gain coverage in areas where no FM signal is available, Christian Radio Proglas has a clear strategy in place. It already broadcasts on the RTI cz and Teleko DAB networks. "At the end of 2023, the technical resources are finally being allocated by the CTU (Czech Telecommunications Office, ed.). The applicants are professional companies. We would like to conclude a contract with the winners, who will receive the means to cover the whole country," Martin Holík, the station's managing director and director, informs Radio Proglas listeners in the current newsletter. Proglas has previously announced through its media outlet that if DAB+ succeeds in a nationwide rollout, the station will limit its broadcasts to FM.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Karel Zýka from Czech Radio becomes Vice President of WorldDAB

15.11.2023 -

- Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

Karel Zýka, Technical Director of Czech Radio, will be the Vice President of the international organisation WorldDAB for the next two years. The decision was made by the General Assembly of this international professional forum, which deals with the promotion, development and implementation of DAB+ radio technology. Karel Zýka has been a member of the steering committee of WorldDAB for eight years.

(Lupa.cz) Read more

Karel Zýka, Czech Radio Director of Technology elected Vice President of WorldDAB

09.11.2023 -

- Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

WorldDAB is a global organisation dedicated to the promotion, development and implementation of DAB+ radio technology. On 8 November, the General Assembly elected Karel Zýka, Director of Technology and Administration of Czech Radio, as its Vice President for a two-year term. Zýka has been a member of the WorldDAB Steering Committee for eight years. "I appreciate the trust of this important world organisation and the representatives of the countries that elected me. I see this as a recognition of my long-standing work in the field of DAB+ and as a sign of respect for the results the Czech Radio team has achieved in the implementation of DAB+. I am glad to be able to put my experience to good use in this new, very responsible position," said Zýka.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Black Hornet radio station officially on COLOR DAB+ multiplex

26.10.2023 - Czechia

The Brno-based Black Hornet Production company has entered the DAB+ digital broadcasting in Prague and Central Bohemia with its new digital station. The move was officially approved by the RRTV at its latest meeting this week. Black Hornet is the thirteenth programme position in the COLOR DAB+ multiplex, which can be tuned in Prague and Central Bohemia with natural overlaps to other regions on channel 7C. The radio station aims to appeal in particular to fans of harder rock genres who will not be satisfied on existing, similarly oriented programmes.

(Český rozhlas) Read more