The Council of Ministers has approved the Royal Decree launching the deployment of digital terrestrial radio in Spain using DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) technology. The transition to DAB+ aims to enable more efficient use of the spectrum and improve audio signal encoding, making it more robust against interference, according to a government statement.

Its implementation will be straightforward and will have no impact on the existing network. Broadcast network operators will only need to adapt the signal encoding, without introducing a new transmission technology or requiring any phased switch-off of the previous DAB standard.

DAB+ technology is designed to deliver multichannel or surround sound, an audio format more advanced than stereo. It also enables the introduction of new features, such as the Automatic Safety Alert (ASA) system.

This system allows authorities to send urgent alerts and relevant information specifically to affected areas in emergency situations. These messages are automatically received by compatible DAB+ receivers. In addition, the system can transmit instructions and supplementary information in the form of text and images through radio receiver displays.

The Royal Decree extends the coverage obligations of RTVE’s public broadcasting service compared with those currently in place under DAB technology. RTVE will be required to progressively reach 80% of the population within 30 months, including 70% of towns with more than 25,000 inhabitants. Within the same timeframe, it must also cover 70% of motorways and dual carriageways.

The latest receivers already incorporate this technology, while European regulations require all new vehicles marketed in the European Union to include DAB+-compatible receivers.

Deployment at regional and local levels

In the first phase, the adoption of DAB+ will only be mandatory for nationwide operators, while regional and local broadcasters will be able to adopt it voluntarily.

Subsequently, each autonomous community will determine the date from which all broadcasts within its territory must be carried out exclusively using DAB+, on a mandatory and coordinated basis.