The era of noisy radio broadcasting in Slovakia is slowly drawing to a close. After years of testing, the country is moving towards a full-fledged digital standard, DAB+, which promises clear sound and dozens of new stations. The Regulatory Office has already registered interest in nationwide networks, and the first frequencies could be allocated at the turn of 2026 and 2027.
One digital multiplex can offer up to 15 radio stations without the need to allocate a separate frequency to each.
Towercom Reports Readiness
A key player in the upcoming digitalization is Towercom, which currently operates all four nationwide terrestrial television networks. The company's marketing manager, Marek Marcinov, officially confirmed their keen interest in operating the new T-DAB+ networks. A significant advantage for the existing operator is its own infrastructure and transmitters, which can be used to deploy the technology without needing to build everything from scratch.
Towercom currently runs test broadcasts covering approximately 75 percent of the Slovak population and selected main road arteries. However, the current situation faces legislative limits; the absence of long-term frequency licenses prevents permanent contracts with commercial radio stations. This should change with the advent of full operation, providing broadcasters with guaranteed license durations.
Expanded Offer and Signal Quality
The transition to DAB+ is not just about technological change, but primarily about content. While the classic FM band has limited capacity, digital networks allow multiple stations to be grouped into a single block. Public service channels such as Rádio Devín, Rádio_FM, or Rádio Junior are currently available in test mode, supplemented by private players like Rádio Rock and Rádio Vlna.
Advantages and parameters of the planned digital broadcasting:
- Higher sound quality — elimination of noise and greater fidelity of reproduction.
- Greater choice — within two nationwide networks, there could be space for approximately 30 stations.
- Frequency efficiency — one multiplex can accommodate up to 15 program services simultaneously.
- In-car support — new vehicles sold in the EU from 2020 already support digital reception as standard.
The state has internationally coordinated two nationwide layers, the first of which envisions utilizing 31 transmitters across the country.
Timeline and "Beauty Contest"
The Regulatory Office plans to initiate the frequency allocation process this summer, when it will assess market needs. A public consultation is expected to follow. One likely form of tender is the so-called beauty contest, where price will not be the sole criterion. The speed of network construction, planned coverage, and commercial terms for the radio stations themselves will also be evaluated.
"As for 'broadcasting' nationwide networks, given that we have the necessary infrastructure, we can begin providing the service in a very short time,"
Although the operator declares its ability to start quickly, building the network to its final level of 90 to 95 percent population coverage will take longer. The goal is to achieve high-quality reception not only in homes but also on highways. Future development anticipates that up to eight multiplexes could be available in Slovakia, which would mean capacity for over a hundred radio programs. However, international agreements for coordinating these additional networks with neighboring countries are currently underway.