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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.

ČTÚ plans commercial DAB+ networks frequency auction from Monday

18.10.2023 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office is finalising preparations for the launch of the live auction phase, in which it plans to distribute up to two nationwide and 27 regional networks to operators. Jiří Duchač, director of the ČTÚ's spectrum management department, announced this at the Radiokomunikace 2023 industry conference on Tuesday. According to him, the long-awaited operation was delayed by a bug in the auction software. The live phase is currently scheduled to start on Monday 23 October for all participating operators with the appropriate financial guarantee. In total, the CTU plans to distribute up to two nationwide and 27 regional networks.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Launch of Czech Radio's new DAB+ transmitters lies with Czech Radiocommunications

18.10.2023 - Czech Radio WorldDAB Member - Czechia

České Radiokomunikace is currently working intensively on the preparation of eight new transmitters, which should complete the network of the CRo DAB+ multiplex by the end of this year at the latest. The construction of the new sites may be complicated, for example, by adverse weather conditions. "I expect that it could be launched within a month, but the deadline is no later than the end of the year. Currently, the technical implementation of the new sites is underway," said Karel Zýka, director of the Czech Radio's Technical and Administration Department.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Radio Energic launches on Teleko DAB+ multiplex

25.09.2023 - Czechia

A new purely digital radio station, Radio Energic, has announced its launch for 25 September. At the same time, the Pribram company will include it in its TELEKO DAB multiplex. Radio Energic will be available to tune in from all twelve DAB+ transmitters available in various parts of the Czech Republic. These are specifically Prague, Příbram, Trutnov, Hradec Králové, Liberec, Ústí nad Labem, Frýdek-Místek, Jihlava, Brno, Benešov, Olomouc and Zlín.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Marek Ebert: Czech commercial stations can also get DAB+ distribution

13.09.2023 - Czechia

Marek Ebert, Chairman of the ČTÚ Council, describes what the upcoming auction of frequencies for commercial multiplexes will look like. He also touches on the possible further development of the radio market, including the possible reduction of analogue FM radio. "We have been pleasantly surprised by the interest of the operators because the nine candidates, and as you said yourself, six, who have put down the amount of the guarantee that allows them to enter the first phase is, from my point of view, a success."

(MediaGuru.cz) Read more

All nine applicants for Czech DAB+ auction met the qualifying conditions

11.09.2023 - Czechia

The tender procedure for DAB+ networks continues. On 4 September, the opening of the envelopes and the initial evaluation of the completeness of applications took place. After the evaluation of the fulfilment of the conditions, all nine applicants may participate in the auction. The auction itself is planned to take place during October and will be conducted in four auction phases in which the auction blocks will be allocated successively among the participants.

(Český telekomunikační úřad (ČTÚ)) Read more

DAB+ multiplexes to be operated by entrepreneur Hájek and new company of DVB-T2 multiplex operator 24

11.09.2023 - Ceske Radiokomunikace a.s. WorldDAB Member - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office has published a list of companies that want to operate national or regional commercial networks in the DAB+ standard on the Czech market in the future. The regulator's auction, which will take place in October, has attracted applications from major players and entities that have not yet operated digital radio. The auction includes not only well-known entities such as Czech Digital Group (České Radiokomunikace), RTI cz or Teleko digital, but also completely new companies.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Nine applicants for Czech commercial DAB+ networks

01.09.2023 - Czechia

At midnight on 31 August, the deadline for applications to the tender for DAB+ networks closed. The Authority received applications from nine entities, six of which have deposited a cash guarantee in an amount allowing them to compete for nationwide networks (the first phase of the auction). The auction itself is scheduled to take place during October and will be conducted in four auction phases. "We are pleased with the interest shown in the auction of frequencies for the operation of commercial DAB+ networks, which is considerable, especially in terms of national networks," said Marek Ebert, the ČTÚ chairman.

(Českého telekomunikačního úřadu (ČTÚ)) Read more

COLOR DAB+ mux adds RadioDNS function on DAB+

01.09.2023 - RadioDNS WorldDAB Member - Czechia

The COLOR DAB+ multiplex started to support the RadioDNS function for the first radio stations, switching between traditional and online distribution. Miroslav Pýcha, the entrepreneur behind this digital network, has activated it for his own stations. These are Radio Sázava and Hey Radio, with Radio Color to follow shortly. Czech Radio also has this functionality active on its stations. "The RadioDNS system enables Czech Radio to optimally connect all three of our key distribution platforms, i.e. FM, DAB and the internet. This is a modern solution for hybrid radio," commented Karel Zýka, Director of Technology and Administration at Czech Radio.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Frequency allocations for Czech commercial DAB+ multiplexes will be more affordable

28.08.2023 - Czechia

After discussions with operators, the Czech Telecommunications Authority has given in to pressure and the price for frequency allocations for the upcoming commercial radio multiplexes will be lower than originally expected. Converted per capita, the operator will pay CZK 10,000 per 100,000 inhabitants. The regulator announced this in its August Monthly Monitoring Report. The regulator announced the tender on 1 August, with the auction itself scheduled for October.

(Český rozhlas) Read more

Czechia's auction of DAB+ frequencies for commercial networks will take place in four phases

24.08.2023 - Czechia

The Czech Telecommunications Office plans to divide the upcoming auction of frequencies for private multiplexes into four phases. The regulator announced this in its August Monthly Monitoring Report, published on Tuesday. The first phase will include auction blocks suitable for nationwide networks, the second phase will include auction blocks for networks covering several regions and the third phase will include auction blocks allowing coverage of individual regions only. In the fourth phase, auction blocks not awarded to any of the participants in the previous phases will be offered without any restrictive conditions.

(Český rozhlas) Read more