Poland

Last update: 05.03.2024 - older versions

Regular multiplexes were launched by Polskie Radio in Warsaw and Katowice in October 2013 and four more cities in 2014. A further 12 cities launched in Spring 2015 – bringing population coverage to 53.8%. In December 2015 Polskie Radio switched on a digital transmitter in Solec Kujawski, thereby increasing the total national DAB+ signal to 55.6% of the Polish population.

Representatives of Polish radio stations discussed the potential transition to broadcasting in DAB+ during a conference held in May 2018 to discuss the country's radio future, with 37 frequencies to be distributed to 34 cities. KRRiT chairman Witold Kołodziejski said that the organisation was considering DAB+ as the sole successor to FM in Poland, as analogue frequencies were now exhausted.

In May 2019, KRRiT, the National Broadcasting Council of Poland announced the start of a competition for regional and local broadcasters to carry out the creation of new DAB+ multiplexes in 34 cities across Poland. 

By January 2020, KRRiT granted fifty DAB+ licenses for the local multiplexes in Warsaw, Toruń, Poznań,  Katowice, Tarnów, Rzeszów and Częstochowa.  The winners of the competitions for local mux technical operators are PSN Infrastruktura (2 local mux’s) and DABCOM (5 local mux’s). The start (planned by the end of 2021) of the regular transmissions is under preparation.   

In October 2021 a new call for tenders for the next DAB+ local licenses as well as for Mux 1, which is dedicated to national non-public broadcasters, was put out. Up until this point, coverage was focused more on cities and with this expansion it will cover more of the main roads.

By March 2024, total DAB+ coverage in Poland had reached 87.7% of the population and 75% of the territory. 

Last update: 05.03.2024 - older versions

A detailed list and information on the parameters of DAB+ transmitters in Poland are available on the network provider EmiTel website where data is updated on regular basis. 

English version:  https://emitel.pl/en/strefa-klienta-2/odbior-rtv/sprawdz-parametry-emisji/

There is an internet forum (Polish only) where people can share experiences on reception, receiver availability and features, get information about future plans and discuss digital radio implementation strategies: http://forum.emitel.pl

By March 2024, total DAB+ coverage in Poland had reached 87.7% of the population and 75% of the territory. 

Map showing DAB+ coverage in Poland at March 2024

DAB+ coverage in Poland, March 2024

Map showing DAB+ coverage in the Lower Silesia region of Poland at March 2024

DAB+ coverage in Lower Silesia region, Poland, March 2024

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.

After the switch off of analogue TV in 2013, Polskie Radio started  two regular DAB+ transmissions with four national simulcast services  (Jedynka, Dwojka, Trojka, Czworka, Polish Radio External Service), three exclusive DAB+ services (Polskie Radio 24, Radio Poland and Radio Rytm) and two  regional simulcast services (supplied by public regional radio stations, depending on region).

Ultimately 5 unique national and 1 unique regional DAB+ services will be broadcast. The multiplex will contain solely public radio services.

Jedynka
News & current affairs, sports, culture and mainstream music
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Dwójka
A program for connoisseurs of highbrow music and literature.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Trójka
Cult music and current affairs station.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Czwórka
About the young, for the young.
The latest trends in music and culture.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Radio Poland
Radio Poland's international network for expatriate communities in Poland.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Polskie Radio 24
Polish Radio’s news & current affairs network.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Radio Rytm
Easy-listening music and news.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Radio Katowice
Regional broadcaster with the widest coverage in Poland.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Polskie Radio RDC (Polish Radio RDC)
Traditions of Polish Radio in the Mazovia region coupled with 21st century dynamics.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
October 1, 2013

Dzieciom
A station for kids and their parents.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions

fourth quarter of 2014

Polskie Radio dla Seniorow
For the young at heart.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
2015

Polskie Radio Edukacyjne
Popular science for the young.
Launch of DAB+ transmissions
2015

Slideshow is one of two must have functionalities of DAB in Poland. All services broadcast in DAB use DLS and SLS services. Additionally Journaline and EPG are also broadcast together with Polskie Radio and Radio Lodz. 

Some of the SLS services on air are very simple (station logo or some DAB promotional pictures) and some are more dynamic. Radio Wroclaw uses SLS for news and slides are being refreshed according to new items appearing on their website. 

Simulcast on AM / FM Exclusive on digital Total of services
DAB+ programmes 85 90 175
Data services 1 0 1
Total8690176

Last update: 04.03.2024 - older versions

In March 2024, it was reported that "additional obligations may soon be imposed on the Office of Electronic Communications (UKE)."

"The government's draft Electronic Communications Act stipulates that cars must be equipped with DAB+ receivers. The Ministry of Digitalisation tells Wirtualnemedia.pl that the UKE President is to monitor compliance with these regulations."

"According to the 2020 regulations of the Minister of Digitalisation, from 1 January 2021 all new cars should be equipped with DAB+ tuners. Until 31 March last year, the obligation could be treated as optional by manufacturers or dealers. It happened that the tuner supported digital radio, but this functionality was only unlocked at a surcharge. In vehicles manufactured from 1 April 2023, DAB+ tuners must already be available. Once the new regulations come into force, it will be possible to verify compliance."

Last update: 10.08.2017 - older versions

DAB+ receivers are available through retailers and internet shops. Offers are extended almost every day as digital radio extends coverage and is being noticed by importers, retailers and listeners.

ZIPSEE Digital Poland asks for clear rules for DAB+ receivers

In August 2017, the Polish association of importers and manufacturers of electrical appliances and electronics, ZIPSEE Digital Poland, sent a letter to Minister of Digitisation Anna Strezynska, requesting a regulation stating the minimum technical requirements for digital radio receivers. The companies belonging to the association complain of unfair competition from sellers of digital receivers using the old DAB standard, while Poland has adopted DAB+.

According to research from GFK Poland, 10% of all digital radio receivers sold since the end of September 2016 were of the old, DAB standard. These are not compatible with the DAB+ signal and consumers have been misled by retailers selling the non-compliant receivers, who have exploited shoppers' lack of knowledge.

 

Last update: 08.05.2019 - older versions

Polish broadcast operator BCAST has launched DAB+ test services in Warsaw, Wroclaw and Gdansk using the DABCAST system SFN model. 

 

Last update: 15.08.2023 - older versions

There are two regulators for broadcasting media in Poland. The National Broadcasting Council manages and issues licences, while the Office of Electronic Communications governs the frequency spectrum. The two bodies work closely together. 

Polish frequency plans for T-DAB contain three multiplexes located in the VHF Band III and will be started after the switch off of analogue TV in 2013.

 

Regulation published by the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs on 9 November 2020 states that DAB+ became mandatory in category M new vehicles on 1 January 2021, according to the Ordinance of the Minister of Digitisation. (The mentioned Ordinance is an executive act of the Telecommunications Law and is effective from the date indicated therein)

Background:

On 4 November 2020, the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs published an amendment to regulation that had been published on 14 February 2020, clarifying the technical and performance requirements for radio equipment intended for the reception of digital radio in category M vehicles. The November amendment came into force on 1 January 2021. In particular, the ordinance clarifies the details of some functions (DL, Slide Show, Service following) and specifies the date of April 1, 2023 as the point from which these requirements became mandatory. 

Last update: 08.03.2019 - older versions

KRRiT (the National Broadcasting Council of Poland) has launched a website dedicated to digital radio broadcasting (http://www.krrit.gov.pl/radio-cyfrowe).

The website contains reports, information on conferences, seminars and workshops about DAB+ technology as well as links to other pages related to this topic. KRRiT encourages experts  interested in the subject to visit their website and add their articles, presentations or case studies.

 As part of a media campaign in 2015, a promotional video was created by Polskie Radio to highlight the benefits of listening to radio on DAB+.  Entitled, "Digital radio gives you more.", the video communicates the additional benefits of listening to radio on a DAB+ device; better sound, more choice, more content. 

 

 

 

Small-scale DAB+ trials ongoing in Poland
24.04.2019 - Poland Poland
Regional public broadcaster Radio Wrocław are running a single frequency DAB+ network for small and local broadcasters in and around the city of Wrocław. The tests began in 2015 and will continue until the end of 2019 with a possibility of continuation. This article takes a closer look at some of the challenges experienced during the trial, their solutions, and the wider findings of the trial.

(Radio World) Read more


Polish Radio host second regional digital transformation workshop in Warsaw
08.04.2019 - European Broadcasting Union (EBU) WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
EBU Members gathered in Polish Radio’s headquarters in Warsaw for a regional workshop on Digital Transformation on April 4th and 5th. Topics that were discussed included digitizing archives, exploring digital innovation (such as DAB+, podcasts, and live streams), restructuring their organizations to be more adept to change, and much more.

(European Broadcasting Union) Read more


Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration in favour of deploying a warning system in DAB+
21.03.2019 - Poland Poland
The Polish Ministry of Interior and Administration supports the deployment of emergency warning systems on DAB+ digital radio. This would enable digital radio owners to be immediately informed of emergencies, even if the device is in stand-by mode.

(Digitalni Radio) Read more


New stations added to DAB+ multiplex in Bielsko, Poland
25.02.2019 - Poland Poland
The multiplex, which also covers part the Czech Republic, now includes a total of nine radio stations - Mega Radio, RDN Małopolska, RDN Nowy Sącz, DOXA Radios, Radio eM Kielce, Radio Fiat, Radio Profet, Radio VIA and OFF Radia Kraków.

(Czech Radio) Read more


Three stations join new DAB+ multiplex in Polish city of Wrocław
28.11.2018 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
Following the launch of a new DAB+ multiplex in Wrocław, three new stations have been added to enable digital radio transmissions.

(TuWroclaw) Read more


Polish broadcaster BCAST begins DAB+ testing in Warsaw
06.09.2018 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
Polish broadcaster has recently obtained permission to launch an experimental broadcast of digital radio in Warsaw, with testing expected to last one year. The broadcast is conducted on channel 10A (center frequency 209.936 MHz), with two antennas expected to pick up signals from local FM and interest radio stations. BCAST expects further tests to follow in the cities of Gdańsk and Wrocław, and is interested in taking part in the National Council of Radio Broadcasting and Television's (KRRiT) tender of three national and 34 urban DAB+ multiplexes.

(Business Insider) Read more


A pilot of the local DAB+ multiplex in Warsaw has begun
05.09.2018 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
A local pilot multiplex digital radio in DAB + technology was launched in Warsaw. Ultimately, on MUX there will be local local broadcasters, including Radio Kolor or Muzo.fm and broadcasters nationwide: Radio Maryja, Radiojazz.fm. The BCAST broadcast operator is responsible for handling the transmission.

(Wirtualnewmedia) Read more


Three new DAB+ stations in Warsaw
31.08.2018 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
A week ago the test broadcast of multiplex DAB+ digital radio began - an independent project of an alternative BCAST radio frequency operator, which after obtaining the approval of the national regulator, started a test MUX issue in Warsaw. In total, 47 new frequencies will be allocated in 34 cities, and each of the multiplexes will accommodate up to 12 stations.

(Antyweb) Read more


Tests of the new local DAB+ multiplex in Warsaw
28.08.2018 - Poland Poland
In Warsaw, a local pilot multiplex of digital radio in DAB+ technology was launched. Ultimately, the MUX will include the local local broadcasters, including Radio Kolor, or Muzo.fm, and broadcasters nationwide like Radio Maryja, and also for the first time in the Internet segment like Radiojazz.fm.

(media2) Read more


New DAB+ multiplex launched in Warsaw
24.08.2018 - Poland Poland
Polish broadcast operator BCAST launched a new DAB+ multiplex in Warsaw on 24 August, which will include local radio stations including Radio Kolor or Muzo.fm, as well as national broadcasters, like Radio Maryja, and also for the first time internet stations such as Radiojazz.fm.

(SATKurier) Read more


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Key Information

Status: regular
Population: 37.7 million
Population coverage: Sparkline Graph 87.7%
Services: 175 DAB+, 1 Data
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: Sparkline Graph 97%
Last update: 05.03.2024

Useful Links

dab.polskieradio.pl
The National Broadcasting Council (Krajowa Rada Radiofonii i Telewizji (KRRiT))
Radio cyfrowe
Office of Electronic Communications
Poland - EECC regulation