Spain's DAB+ radio switch: national stations must join

On Mallorca, nationwide radio stations face a switch to DAB+ digital radio. Spain’s cabinet approved the change in Madrid on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, making it compulsory for national broadcasters. Regional and local stations can adopt it voluntarily for now.

What changes on the radio

DAB+ stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus, a form of digital radio broadcast over the air. Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Administration says it uses frequencies more efficiently and makes the audio signal less vulnerable to interference. Network operators need to change how the signal is encoded; they do not need to shut down the older DAB system.

DAB+ can carry multichannel sound, along with text and images on a radio’s screen. Compatible sets can also receive automatic emergency alerts aimed at affected areas. The ministry says newer receivers already include DAB+, while new vehicles sold in the European Union must have a compatible receiver.

RTVE faces a 30-month target

The decree gives public broadcaster RTVE 30 months to bring digital radio to 80% of Spain’s population. That includes 70% of places with more than 25,000 inhabitants. RTVE must also cover 70% of motorways and dual carriageways within the same period.

There is no single date for regional and local broadcasts to move entirely to DAB+. Each autonomous community will decide when all broadcasts in its territory must use the system.

Topics: Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com