Spain
Last update: 18.09.2020 - older versions
Political parties urge Spanish government to take action on DAB+
In July 2020, Spain's Izquierda Confederal parliamentary group - made up of various political group from across Spain - presented before the Senate a proposal for the introduction of a law to urgently address the promotion and development of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting. The proposal was not objected by any parties, and is expected to be debated at a Plenary sitting.
First signs of DAB+ in Spain
Spain first began broadcasting terrestrial digital radio in April 1998 covering Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. From 2002 to June 2011, 23 transmitters covered the 52% of the Spanish population through three national multiplexes (1 SFN and 2 MFN). In addition, DAB services in Catalonia were launched on one additional regional multiplex, but they were then switched off.
The Council of Ministers reached an agreement on Digital Radio in June 2011 and approved a Digitization Plan for Terrestrial Broadcasting with the following measures:
- Reduction of DAB coverage from 52% to 20%, in order to facilitate a migration to DAB+
- Flexibility for the broadcasters, in order to allow for migration to DAB+
- Study of a possible reassignment of the multiplexes
- Promotional activities through the Spanish DAB Forum
- DAB+ trials
- A study of the necessary conditions to determine the date of a possible analogue switch off
Despite the measures approved, the only one carried out was the reduction of DAB coverage from 52% to 20%. There was no DAB+ migration and today, the original three national multiplexes are transmitting DAB services in the metropolitan areas of Madrid and Barcelona, covering a 20% of the Spanish population. The only standard allowed by law for regular broadcasts continues to be DAB, although there is a DAB+ program transmitted on trials.
Regional DAB+
In January 2020, the regional government in Navarra advertised capacity for six DAB services on a future ensemble for the region, designated FU-Nav. Simultaneously, the regional government advertised a total of 72 DAB licences across 12 ensembles, each of which will have local coverage.
Last update: 10.07.2015 - older versions
Due to the enforcement of the Digitalization Plan for Terrestrial Broadcasting, DAB services are on air only in Madrid and Barcelona including their metropolitan areas, covering 20% of the Spanish population.
The migration from DAB to DAB+ has not been carried out.
Last update: 03.03.2021 - older versions
In this country there are
- National multiplexes: 3 Regular
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.
A total of 18 DAB and 1 DAB+ audio services are on air, but enhanced features as text, images or programme guides are not available.
Simulcast on AM / FM | Exclusive on digital | Total of services | |
---|---|---|---|
DAB programmes | 18 | 0 | 18 |
DAB+ programmes | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 19 | 0 | 19 |
Last update: 16.02.2022 - older versions
In Spain, 91% of new cars sold in 2021 have DAB+ as standard (Source: JATO Dynamics 2022).
Last update: 15.06.2016 - older versions
There are a few DAB receivers available with some retailers. Since DAB digital radio is not being promoted to the consumer at this time, digital radio receiver sales are not being measured and are presumed to be virtually non-existent.
Mobile Phones
The world's first smartphone with DAB/DAB+ digital radio built in, is available in Spain. More information available here.
Last update: 21.10.2019 - older versions
Spanish Broadcaster Radio Maria (http://www.radiomaria.es/) started DAB+ test transmissions in Madrid and Barcelona on 2014 December 30th.
This is the first time DAB+ has been used for radio broadcasting in Spain. This DAB/DAB+ network is operated by the Broadcast Network Operator Cellnex Telecom.
Last update: 04.09.2020 - older versions
The Spanish DAB Association comprising of both national private and public broadcasters are responsible for DAB/DAB+ regulation in Spain.
National station licenses are issued by the central government, while local and regional licenses are the responsibility of the regional government. Licenses are valid for 10 years with an automatic renewal for a further 10 years and operators must commit to the promotion of DAB digital radio. Advertising and sponsorship are permitted under the same rules which exist for analogue radio, and data is permitted on up to 20% of multiplex capacity.
Digital terrestrial broadcasting is allowed by law in Band III
There are three layers of services set out by law:
- National, with 1 SFN multiplex and 2 MFN multiplexes
- Regional (Comunidad Autónoma basis), with 1/3 SFN multiplex (nowadays without transmissions) and 2/3 MFN multiplex (not implemented)
- Local, with 237 areas covered by different frequency blocks in Band III
Nowadays, due to the entry into force of the Digitalization Plan for Terrestrial Broadcasting, DAB services are on air only in Madrid and Barcelona including their metropolitan areas. The DAB services have a bit rate of 160 kbps, with the exception of Radio Nacional (192 kbps), Radio 3 (192 kbps), Radio 5 (192 kbps) and Radio Clasica (224 kbps).
Political parties urge Spanish government to take action on DAB+
In September 2020, Spain's Izquierda Confederal parliamentary group - made up of various political group from across Spain - presented before the Senate a proposal for the introduction of a law to urgently address the promotion and development of terrestrial digital radio broadcasting.
RTVE's 'Trends in European public audiovisual services' event features DAB+
31.05.2023 - Spain
(RTVE) Read more
Spain: telecoms operator wants to force nationwide DAB+ itself
12.04.2023 - Spain
(RadioVisie) Read more
¡Hola DAB! Ibertel jumpstarts DAB+ in Spain
11.04.2023 - Spain
(Radio World) Read more
RTVE celebrates World Radio Day and switches on Ukrainian public radio on DAB
13.02.2023 - Spain
(RTVE) Read more
Suspilne Ukraine to launch on DAB in Madrid and Barcelona
08.02.2023 - Spain
(RTVE) Read more
Javier Sánchez Pérez: "Lack of spectrum killed the radio star"
27.01.2023 - Spain
(Gorka Zumeta) Read more
Emisoras Musicales now broadcasting on DAB+
25.01.2023 - Spain
(RedTech) Read more
DAB in Spain, getting closer? Tender goes to the Constitutional Court
02.11.2022 - Spain
(Panorama Audiovisual) Read more
Spain: regional and local DAB radio goes before the Constitutional Court
21.10.2022 - Spain
(Lawyer Press News) Read more
Javier Sánchez: "What about the future of radio in cars?"
17.06.2022 - Spain
(Gorka Zumeta) Read more
Key Information
Status: | regular |
Population: | 46.4 million |
Population coverage: | |
Services: | 18 DAB, 1 DAB+ |
New cars with DAB/DAB+ as standard: | |
Last update: 16.02.2022
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Useful Links
www.minetur.gob.es/telecomunicaciones/Espectro/RadioTV/RD/Paginas/RD.aspxMinistry of Industry, Energy and Tourism
rtve
Cellnex Telcom