As of Dec. 14, approximately 20 national radio stations have started broadcasting on DAB+ in Alsace, in France’s northeast, enhancing the region’s digital terrestrial radio offerings. This expansion complements an already diverse range of regional and cross-border stations.
Arcom, France’s digital communication regulator, is spearheading a comprehensive national rollout of digital radio. This phased deployment aims to cover most of the metropolitan population, region by region.
Following its initial launch in Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse in 2018, and subsequent expansion across most Grand Est cities, DAB+ now offers listeners a variety of new stations. This includes major public and private national radio stations, which had previously been hesitant to adopt DAB+.
From December 15, 2023, an additional 26 radio stations will be accessible in Alsace with the introduction of “metropolitan” DAB+. Some of these stations, such as RMC, RTL2, and Chérie FM, are new to the FM band in certain Alsatian cities.
Coverage will extend to major routes in Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin, including the A35 motorway, as well as the areas around Strasbourg, Sélestat, Colmar, and Mulhouse. Further expansion in Bas-Rhin, including Haguenau, Saverne, and surrounding areas, is scheduled for February 2024. Arcom assures that “a significant portion of Alsace will eventually be covered.”
By the end of March 2024, a large portion of the Grand Est region is expected to have DAB+ coverage. However, some areas in Haute-Marne and Aube, as well as the Vosges massif, may still experience coverage gaps.
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