PRESS RELEASE: There is interest in the tender for DAB+ networks

Prague, 1 September 2023 - At midnight on 31 August 2023, the deadline for applications to the tender for DAB+ networks expired. CTU received applications from 9 entities, 6 of which have deposited a financial guarantee in an amount allowing them to compete for nationwide networks (first phase of the auction), the remaining 3 entities have deposited a guarantee in an amount allowing them to participate from the second phase of the auction. The auction itself is scheduled to take place during October and will take place in four auction phases, in which the auction blocks will be allocated gradually among the auction participants.

"We are pleased with the interest shown in the auction of frequencies for the operation of commercial DAB+ networks, which is considerable, especially in the case of nationwide networks. We hope that the process will continue successfully and lead to more competition on the radio broadcasting market, more diversity for listeners and overall development in this area," said Marek Ebert, the CTU Council Chairman.

The first phase will include auction blocks suitable for nationwide networks, the second phase will include auction blocks for networks covering several regions and the third phase will include auction blocks allowing to cover individual regions only.  In the fourth phase, auction blocks not allocated to any of the participants of the previous phases will be offered without any limiting conditions. Participation in particular phases is limited on the basis of a defined spectral limit to allow smaller players to enter the market while maximising the utilisation of all allocations across the Czech Republic.

Tereza Meravá
Spokesperson
Czech Telecommunication Office