German operator Media Broadcast has announced the next phase of expanding the first national DAB+ digital multiplex. A total of ten new transmitters will be put into operation across seven federal states during 2026. The entire process began with the launch of the Rottweil site in Baden-Württemberg at the end of June, with the network set to grow to a total of 192 locations by the end of the year.
The planned expansion focuses on improving coverage in areas with higher population density and along key transport routes. Upon completion of construction, approximately 78.4 million inhabitants will be able to receive 13 radio programs indoors with a room antenna, representing more than 92 percent of the German population. For mobile reception, i.e., listening in cars, territorial coverage will increase to almost 98 percent.
New Locations and Technical Parameters
The new transmission points were selected based on the requirements of the public broadcaster Deutschlandradio to eliminate the last "white spots" on the coverage map. Newly covered areas in 2026 include, for example:
- Bavaria: Gemünden am Main (Main-Spessart district and A3, A7 motorways)
- Saxony: Weißwasser (Görlitz district and A4, A15 motorways)
- Thuringia: Suhl (junction of A71 and A73 motorways)
- Schleswig-Holstein: Puttgarden on the island of Fehmarn
- Rhineland-Palatinate: Linz (Neuwied district and A3 motorway)
In addition to public broadcasters Deutschlandfunk, Deutschlandfunk Kultur, and Deutschlandfunk Nova, this multiplex also includes a number of private channels such as Radio Bob, Energy Digital, Sunshine live, or Klassik Radio. The current coverage of the motorway network in Germany already reaches more than 99 percent.
Digital Broadcasting Development Strategy
“A powerful and dense transmission network is the foundation for national digital radio. With these new locations, we are purposefully strengthening the infrastructure and closing further gaps in signal supply,” said Francie Petrick, Managing Director of Media Broadcast.
Media Broadcast, part of the freenet AG group, thus confirms its position as the largest provider of services in digital terrestrial television and radio in Germany. In addition to the development of the DAB+ standard, the company is also currently testing and implementing 5G Broadcast technology for mobile devices.