Denmark - Regulation and Spectrum - History

14.09.2011

DAB regulation is set by three different bodies in Denmark:The Ministry of Culture legislates for media policy and licences, the Ministry of Science sets the political framework for frequency applications and the National IT and Telecoms Agency maintains technical management of the frequency spectrum. Public broadcaster DR (Danish Radio) runs one national multiplex, and two regional multiplexes are run as one national multiplex by the commercial broadcasters.

The Parliament has decided that radio in Denmark should be digitised on DAB. It is still uncertain when FM will be shut off. Still under discussion is the question of establishing 13 regional multiplexes and when or if broadcasting should gradually change to DAB+. The Minister of Culture is currently concluding a report with recommendations on these subjects to the politicians.

02.09.2011

DAB regulation is set by three different bodies in Denmark; The Ministry of Culture legislates for media politics and licences, the Ministry of Science sets the political framework for frequency applications and the National IT and Telecoms Agency maintains technical management of the frequency spectrum. Public broadcaster Denmark Radio (DR) runs one national multiplex, and two regional multiplexes are run as one national multiplex by the commercial broadcasters, however no commercial DAB services are currently on air.

The Parliament has decided that radio in Denmark should be digitalized on DAB. It is still uncertain when - and if - FM should be shut off. Still under discussion is the question of establishing a regional multiplex and when or if broadcasting should gradually change to DAB+. The Minister of Culture is currently concluding a report with recommendations on these subjects to the politicians. 

13.08.2010

DAB regulation is set by three different bodies in Denmark; The Ministry of Culture legislates for media politics and licences, the Ministry of Science sets the political framework for frequency applications and the National IT and Telecoms Agency maintains technical management of the frequency spectrum. Public broadcaster Denmark Radio (DR) runs one national multiplex, and two regional multiplexes are run as one national multiplex by the commercial broadcasters, however no commercial DAB services are currently on air.

In 2009 the Danish government confirmed it would not be renewing the FM network, saying that Denmark's radio future is digital. There are currently no firm digital migration plans however both public and commercial broadcasts are keen for switchover to progress.

The Danish government is full supportive of a digital radio future for the country.  While the current standard used is DAB, it is likely that Denmark will launch DAB+ services at some point in the future.  A new media law, which will be in force for four years, is due in January 2011 and it is expected to outline a wholly digital future with all stations broadcasting in DAB, DAB+ or via the Internet.