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Germany - Current situation - History

25.03.2010

DAB in Germany covers nearly 70% of the population with over 60 different radio stations available. Having awarded the licence for running the network for the national multiplex to MEDIA BROADCAST, the ZAK (a commission supervising the regional media authorities) has to now choose the programmes for the first national digital radio services in Germany. In mid-March 2010 nine candidates with 14 programmes applied for capacity on the DAB/DAB+ multiplex in Germany this include: Radio Disney, Energy, Süddeutsche Zeitung Radio. As the capacity is not sufficient for such a large number of applicants, a selection procedure is likely to be initiated. A third of the overall capacities had been allotted to Deutschlandradio in advance.

The national digital channels will be supplemented by up to three multiplexes in each of the 16 regional states to provide regional and local radio from public service broadcasters who are represented by a group called the ARD and private broadcasters. Like Deutschlandradio, the ARD stations will broadcast one additional digital-only service in addition to simulcasting their current programmes in each region.

Thus, between 30 and 40 digital radio stations will become available in each regional state, offering a mix of local and nationwide, private and public radio stations. The relaunch of digital radio in the DAB transmission standard technology is planned for 2011.

30.03.2009
Germany is among the leading European proponents of DAB Digital Radio, with local and regional networks. It was the first European country to launch a commercial DMB service (for the 2006 FIFA World Cup), and is now planning a nationwide digital radio re-launch and marketing campaign for 2009/2010. Today, Germany is anticipating further market developments thanks to the outcome of the Regional Radio Conference 2006 (RRC '06). Subject to the final decision by the relevant political institutions, it may be possible to install further multiplexes and increase transmitter powers to achieve more efficient and reliable coverage. In Bavaria there is already a agreement between the relevant parties (Federal Ministry of Defence, Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, Federal Network Agency, public broadcaster in Bavaria Bayerischer Rundfunk, networkoperator Bayern Digital Radio) regarding optimising "portable indoor"-reception. The first step was completed in 2008 by enhancing the transmission power in the cities of Munich, Nuremberg, Regensburg and Würzburg up to 10 kW. In 2009 the next steps will follow. Many German car manufacturers (including Audi, BMW, Mini, VW and Opel) already offer DAB receivers as line-fit, as it is the preferred platform through which to offer state-of-the-art telematic services.
02.09.2008

Germany is among the leading European proponents of DAB Digital Radio, with an extensive local and regional network.  It was the first European country to launch a commercial DMB service (for the 2006 FIFA World Cup), and is now planning a nationwide digital radio re-launch and marketing campaign for 2009. 

 Today, Germany is anticipating further market developments thanks to the outcome of the Regional Radio Conference 2006 (RRC '06).  Subject to the final decision by the relevant political institutions, it may be possible to install further multiplexes and increase transmitter powers to achieve more efficient and reliable coverage. The common initiative of federal and regional governments FDM (Forum Digitale Medien) is backing DAB as the preferred method of radio distribution and a recent market review indicated that more than 20 companies were highly interested in a nationwide multiplex.

 Many German car manufacturers (including Audi, BMW and Opel) already offer DAB receivers as line-fit, as it is the preferred platform through which to offer state-of-the-art telematic services.