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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

Regional multiplexes: 17 Regular
Local multiplexes: 9 Trial

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
Total	86	90	176

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.

Emitel builds new transmitters for Polish Radio

23.10.2020 - Poland

Polish TVR transmission operator Emitel has deployed ten new transmitters for Polish Radio. About 67% of the country’s population and 44% of the country’s area will be covered by DAB+ services by the end of 2020.

(Telecompaper) Read more

Poland expands DAB+ network

01.10.2020 - Poland

Poland's DAB+ network has been expanded following the launch of ten new transmitters across the country. The transmitters, which went into operation on 1 October, are the result of a tender announced in June 2019.

(Radio Polska) Read more

Polish radio to prioritise DAB+ network expansion in coming years

16.06.2020 - Poland

Polish Radio has outlined its plans to expand the DAB+ network in Poland and cover most of the country with DAB+ reception in the next four years. As part of the public broadcaster's upcoming plans, DAB+ reception is set to cover 80% of the population and 61% of the territory by September 2023.

(Wirtualne Media) Read more

BCAST joins Polsat Group

14.05.2020 - Poland

BCAST, the Polish alternative broadcasting operator, has gained a new shareholder, Cyfrowy Polsat. The new partner will bring extensive technological facilities and extensive know-how in the field of telecommunications to BCAST. The cooperation of both entities will have a technological dimension, but also a business one, opening up new market opportunities and development prospects for BCAST.

(Grupa Polsat) Read more

DAB+ development resumes in Poland

04.12.2019 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

Despite a number of stations launching on DAB+ in recent years, much of the radio landscape in Poland has remained unchanged since DAB+ first launched in 2015. However, as confirmed at the WorldDAB General Assembly 2019 in Brussels, Poland is now preparing to resume the development of its DAB+ network.

(Radio World) Read more

Polish regulator allocates new DAB+ licenses in Torun and Katowice

12.11.2019 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

KKRIT, the Polish regulator, has announced the radio stations that will be granted DAB+ licenses in Torun and Katowice. As part of the second expansion phase, due to take place in coming weeks, DAB+ licenses will be granted in Bydgoszcz, Kielce, Krakow, Łowicz, Łódź, Opole, Radom and Warsaw.

(Wirtualne Media) Read more

DAB+ network expands in Poland

06.11.2019 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

The Polish Radio and Television Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) has granted eleven new DAB+ licenses and extended 24 existing licenses for the multiplexes in Warsaw and Częstochowa. A new call for tenders for DAB+ licenses in Bydgoszcz, Kielce, Krakow, Łowicz, Łódź, Opole, Radom and Warsaw is also set to launch in coming months.

(Press.pl) Read more

Dabcast debuts new platform for simplified DAB+ implementation

21.10.2019 - Poland

Technical broadcast operator BCAST has debuted a new platform that is meant to help small and medium broadcasters implement the DAB+ standard, named Dabcast.

(Radio World) Read more

Bcast to exhibit DAB solutions at IBC 2019

11.09.2019 - Poland - Netherlands

WorldDAB member Bcast will be exhibiting a number of solutions on its stand at IBC, including Dabcast, a complete technical and intellectual infrastructure able to deliver an original, integral system of digital radio broadcasting in DAB+ standard. Its unique component, the DTX050 transmitter, will make its debut at the event in Amsterdam.

(Bcast) Read more

Poland steps up DAB+ launch plans

09.07.2019 - National Broadcasting Council of Poland (KRRiT) WorldDAB Member - Poland

Poland is rapidly expanding DAB+ services across the country - in May 2019, the National Broadcasting Council (KRRiT) and Polish Electronic Communications Authority (UKE) announced the launch a call for tenders for seven regions across the country. A second call for tenders, expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2019, will also cover another eight sites. Polski Radio is also expected to increase its number of transmitters to 39 from 24, and help bring DAB+ to over 5 million people in Poland.

(Radio Szene) Read more