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. 

 

 

 

Digitizing radio is cheaper than you think
02.11.2017 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
Polish company BCAST,has come up with a solution, DABCAST, in response to the needs of smaller broadcasters. DABCAST is an important step in further spreading the digital signal, not only in Poland, but also across Europe.

(fintek.pl) Read more


Moving radio broadcasters into the digital age
26.10.2017 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
Polish company BCAST has created a unique solution for creating, managing and broadcasting digital signals to even smaller radio broadcasters. The solution, DABCAST, is a response to the needs of smaller broadcasters who can not afford a complicated and expensive hardware infrastructure.

(Manager24) Read more


Radio digitization progresses in Poland
26.10.2017 - BCAST WorldDAB Member - Poland Poland
The Polish company BCAST has created a unique solution for creating, managing and broadcasting digital signals to even smaller radio broadcasters. DABCAST is an important step that can spread the digital signal not only in Poland but also in Europe.

(brandsIT ) Read more


Digital Radio grows in Northern Europe
20.09.2017 - Norway Norway - United Kingdom United Kingdom - Netherlands Netherlands - Denmark Denmark - Germany Germany - Switzerland Switzerland - Poland Poland - Belgium Belgium - France France
With 50 million receivers now sold, DAB radio is popular in Norway, the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and is growing in Poland, Belgium and France. In Norway, DAB receivers are now supplied in 98% of new cars, in 88% in the UK, and 66% in Switzerland. During the WorldDAB session at IBC2017, Patrick Hannon, President WorldDAB, reaffirmed the call from EU authorities to halt the sales of analogue-only radio receivers in Europe.

(Rai) Read more


Polish association ZIPSEE Digital Poland asks for clear rules for DAB+ receivers
10.08.2017 - Poland Poland
The Polish association of importers and manufacturers of electrical appliances and electronics, ZIPSEE Digital Poland, has sent a letter to Minister of Digitisation Anna Strezynska, requesting a regulation stating the minimum technical requirements for digital radio receivers...

(Telecompaper (subscription)) Read more


DAB + in Poland
25.03.2017 - Poland Poland
Privatradio-Mux in Eastern Poland started operation in Kielce at the beginning of March. Since the start of 2016 there has also been a test operation running in Szczawnica, Southern Poland. Polskie Radio has now established a DAB+ network in Poland, which supplies most of the major cities.

(radioWoche) Read more


Great change for the radio market as Norway the first to switch off FM
29.12.2016 - Norway Norway - Poland Poland
Norway is the first country in the world to turn off analogue radio and switch exclusively to digital radio via DAB+. Many countries across Europe will be looking at Norway, when deciding on the future of radio in their country.

(Business Insider) Read more


Increase in digital radio sales across Poland
12.12.2016 - Poland Poland
In Poland 42, 300 digital radios have been sold according to new research from GfK on behalf of the National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT). Between January and September 2016, 15,600  digital radios were sold, up 73 percent compared to 2015.

(Rzeczpospolita) Read more


Changes on Polskie Radio multiplex
03.12.2016 - Poland Poland
The Polish public broadcaster Polskie Radio is making changes to the frequencies of 14 out of 25 digital radio stations. The changeover will happen from 1 to 21 December 2016 and will be carried out at the request of the broadcaster. Polskie Radio will spread to 10 stations on its multiplexes, depending on the region.

(RadioWoche) Read more


A guide to digital radio in Poland
01.11.2016 - Poland Poland
Digital radio can currently be received  in the following cities: Bialystok, Kielce, Koszalin, Krakow, Lublin, Lodz, Opole, Poznan, Rzeszow, Szczecin, Torun, Tri-City, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Zielona Gora. Trial transmissions are also being conducted in the area of ​​Siedlce.

(Auto Świat) 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