Rohde & Schwarz says it has completed a 28-transmitter DAB+ network for Belgium’s Cellnex Broadcast Partners in less than eight weeks, following the transfer of broadcast licences for Flanders and Brussels.
The service, branded 10D, went on air on May 1, 2025. Cellnex Broadcast Partners said it wanted the network operational as quickly as possible while maintaining high technical standards, reliability and sustainability, and ensuring the best total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the installation.
Based on its positive experience with Rohde & Schwarz transmitters, Cellnex said it selected the German manufacturer to supply 28 R&S TMV9evo air-cooled VHF transmitters, each with an average output of approximately 1.5 kW. Rohde & Schwarz says the model offers up to 50% efficiency using Doherty amplifier technology, with redundancy options including dual drive and passive standby. Automated control includes adaptive efficiency optimisation of amplifier parameters.
“The R&S TMV9evo is designed for just this sort of installation,” said Guy Deschrijver of Rohde & Schwarz Benelux. “The contract was signed in March 2025, and the complete network was on air on 1 May, less than eight weeks later. We were able to meet such a tight schedule thanks to our vertically integrated manufacturing, which gives us complete control over every aspect of the build. More than that, we have the capability to do complete, full-power testing of every single transmitter before it leaves the building, so when each gets to the site, all it needs is power and a signal, and it is ready for commercial service.”
Pascal Levrier of Cellnex Broadcast Partners said the network had four key requirements: reliability through resilience and redundancy; efficiency to control energy costs and improve sustainability; low total cost of ownership, including maintenance; and rapid deployment. “Rohde & Schwarz hit all these requirements, with the result that the 10D network sets a new standard for radio broadcasting in Flanders,” Levrier said.
