Lithuania’s Ministry of Transport and Communications said it has begun the process of introducing DAB+, marking a shift from a radio market that still relies almost entirely on FM transmission.
The ministry said the move will aim to improve audio quality, reduce energy consumption and strengthen national infrastructure for emergency communications. Lithuania remains one of the few European Union countries where radio broadcasting still operates predominantly on analog FM networks.
Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas discussed the transition with WorldDAB President Jacqueline Bierhorst, focusing on both implementation challenges and long-term strategy.
Taminskas said current FM coverage can result in signal dropouts, particularly in vehicles and in remote areas, and that the transition aims to deliver consistent audio quality and broader station choice. He added that digital radio can also deliver emergency information directly to listeners during crises.
Bierhorst said Lithuania now has an opportunity to define a long-term strategy for radio technology while the medium maintains a strong position within the wider media landscape. She said the decision to adopt digital radio represents a strategic investment in the sector’s technological, economic and sustainability goals.
Working closely with broadcasters
Most radio services in Lithuania currently reach audiences via infrastructure operated by Telecentras, which provides nationwide coverage via analog transmission. Telecentras CEO Remigijus Šeris said the company continues to work closely with broadcasters, who remain cautious about the transition. He said international experience shows that digital radio can support long-term growth across the sector, provided the shift takes place under economically viable conditions.
The ministry said DAB+ will also play a role in national resilience by supporting advanced emergency warning systems that can activate receivers automatically and deliver both audio and text-based alerts. Officials said this capability is particularly relevant in the current geopolitical climate.
The transition will also aim to address regional coverage gaps by delivering more consistent signal quality nationwide. DAB+ supports additional services, including visual content, program guides and real-time traffic information, extending radio beyond audio-only delivery.
The ministry said digital transmission also improves spectrum efficiency, increases content diversity and creates capacity for regional and niche broadcasters.
The ministry estimates that by 2030, around 177,000 vehicles in Lithuania will support digital radio reception, which it said will help establish a foundation for audience growth.
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