Malta

Last update: 30.09.2014 - older versions

Malta was the first European country to roll out a DAB+ network and services have been on-air since 2008. There are over 40 services on the two national multiplexes which include digital only stations, MOT, EPG and DLS applications. The multiplexes are operated by Digi B Network and cover 100% of the population. By the end of 2012, over 25% of Maltese radio listeners were tuning in via DAB+.

A second national multiplex (6A – Digi B2) was launched in 2011. Malta boasts a vibrant and growing DAB+ community of services.

Last update: 27.05.2014 - older versions

Malta’s coverage is 100% via blocks 6A/6C and 12A since 2013.

Last update: 03.03.2021 - older versions

In this country there are

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.

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 53 0 53

Last update: 30.09.2014 - older versions

Awareness and interest in DAB+ is growing substantially. A range of DAB+ radios from manufacturers such as Pure, Revo, Roberts Radio and Digi B Network are available in Malta. The DigiB Network launched the first DAB+ in-car receiver which is currently available in retail stores or online

Last update: 30.09.2014 - older versions

DigiB is committed to bringing increased listening choice to its digital audience and plans to continue to run test broadcasts of new services.

Last update: 30.09.2014 - older versions

The regulator, the Malta Broadcasting Authority, has embraced digital radio and multi-media broadcasting. DigiB Network, which operates the national multiplex, hopes to increase available services to around 60 channels, with the introduction of the third Multiplex in 2014. In 2012 DigiB Network started promoting the idea of High Definition Audio on DAB+ in co-operation with Vibe FM and Magic radio, both available nationally on FM. They are now being trialled on the DAB+ platform at 160Kbit and 128Kbit, allowing listeners to compare the difference between DAB+ and FM. There is plenty of choice among local stations with genres such as opera, pop, classical, news, religion, sport and jazz.

In early 2006, the Malta Communications Authority awarded the country’s four terrestrial DAB frequencies. The licence runs for eight years, subject to review after six. The Broadcasting Authority in 2008 approved the rebroadcasting of 36 foreign digital radio stations, the simulcasting of 12 nationwide analogue radio stations and of one community radio station.

Smooth Radio launches new DAB+ platform for Malta
28.08.2023 - Digi B Network Ltd. WorldDAB Member - Malta Malta
Smooth Radio is turning up the broadcast quality of its signal across Malta and Gozo for a richer, higher definition audio experience. Smooth is now updated to Super 4K stereo with the launch of the station's new DAB+ multiplex. The new multiplex - the airwaves needed to broadcast digital radio stations - will allow around six new themed Smooth stations to broadcast to listeners in the Maltese Isands. Sergio D'Amico, managing director of Digi B Networks, which operates digital radio broadcasting in Malta, said: 'Smooth is currently the only radio group to launch its own DAB multiplex, with services in 4k high resolution audio.'

(Malta Independent) Read more


Digi B Network granted eight-year extension as Malta’s DAB operator
20.04.2023 - Digi B Network Ltd. WorldDAB Member - Malta Malta
Digi B Network is delighted to announce that it has been granted an eight-year extension to its licence as Malta’s DAB operator, following a competitive process launched earlier this year by the Malta Communication Authority. This extension will allow Digi B to continue providing the people of Malta with high-quality digital broadcasting services for years to come. The company is committed to providing an even better user experience for its customers and will be enhancing its product by introducing 4k audio to the islands.

(Digi B Network) Read more


Malta launches summer campaign for DAB+
15.08.2021 - Digi B Network Ltd. WorldDAB Member - Malta Malta
An on-air campaign to support digital radio in the Maltese Islands has been launched, offering listeners guidance on DAB+ devices and retuning. Listeners in Malta and Gozo can receive DAB+ radio thanks to a network of transmitters located across the Maltese Islands covering more than 90% of the population.

(PressReader.com) Read more


Digi B Network joins WorldDAB
04.08.2020 - Malta Malta
Digi B Network, Malta's network operator, is now a member of WorldDAB. Digi B Network launched the first DAB+ platform in Europe and brought to market the first DAB+ aftermarket car stereo. Nearly all broadcasters on the island are broadcasting on DAB+ via the Digi B network.

(WorldDAB) Read more


New DAB+ station launch in Malta
23.07.2020 - Malta Malta
The new radio station, Smooth, is set to launch on DAB+ this summer. Digital radio offers better sound quality and improved reception than old-fashioned FM as well as a wider range of radio stations from rolling news, to rock, talk, classical and jazz.

(Independent) Read more


Factum Radioscape selected for DAB monitoring in Malta
31.07.2019 - Factum Radioscape - Malta Malta
Malta’s DAB Multiplex Operator Digi B Network have selected the Observa Field Monitor for quality of service, content and coverage checks. As the transmitter network expands to improve indoor coverage, the Observa device will provide key data to assist in the enhancement of DAB service reception.

(Factum Radioscape) Read more


New transmitters set to move Malta closer to achieving full indoor coverage for DAB+ radio
15.07.2019 - Malta Malta
Digi B Network, Malta's DAB+ operator, will be upgrading its distribution network with the provisioning of new Liquid cooled transmitters. Liquid cooling allows the devices to operate at higher power whilst reducing the thermal stress. This increases the devices' lifetime and reliabity in the process, resulting in higher power leading to a substantial improvment in coverage.

(Malta Today) Read more


DAB+ listening increasing in Malta, according to new study
05.09.2018 - Malta Malta
Ten years since DAB+ was first introduced to Malta, a new study has shown that 60,000 people now listen to radio via a digital means, as new programming choices have become available. The study by Broadcasting Authority Malta shows that 13.4% of Maltese people have access to a DAB+ radio.

(TVM) Read more


Pioneer adds two new models to its DAB range.
12.12.2012 - Malta Malta
Pioneer has launched a single-din and double-din DAB head unit to follow up its first ever all-in-one DAB unit, the DEH-X6500DAB. The single-din, DEH-X8500DAB and double-din, touch-screen AVH-X3500DAB both come with DAB+ and Parrot Bluetooth technology as well as a whole host of other features.

(DigiB) Read more


KISS on DAB+ launched
14.09.2012 - Malta Malta
KISS on DAB can be accessed along with all other analogue local radio stations and main digital European Radio stations on DAB radio sets accessible on the local market as well as through the internet or the digital television platform.

(Times of Malta) Read more


  • Three_new_members_wide

    Three new members join WorldDAB

    05.08.2020

    Three new organisations have joined WorldDAB since May 2020. They are Malta's network operator Digi B Network Ltd., Chinese receiver manufacturer Hidaka Corporation and Azerbaijan's network operator Radio-Television Broadcasting and Satellite Communications Production Unity (Teleradio PU). WorldDAB now has a total of 106 members from 32 countries.

    Read more

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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 441.1 thousand
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 100%
Services: 53 DAB+
Receiver sales (cumulative): 106,375 devices
Penetration by population: Sparkline Graph 25%
Last update: 18.02.2020

Useful Links

www.ba-malta.org/home
Digi B Network