Two Tuscany-based DAB+ network providers expand coverage

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Aug. 3.

Toscana DAB and Radio Digitale Toscana, two DAB+ network providers in Italy’s north-central Tuscany region, have activated additional facilities. The two consortiums are part of the country’s local radio and TV association Aeranti-Corallo.

They currently each operate seven multiplexes in Florence, Pistoia, Prato, Arezzo and Siena provinces, and both recently activated a DAB+ transmitter in the medieval hill town of San Gimignano in Siena.

Toscana DAB operates on frequency 11B and carries the content of 16 Aeranti-Corallo radio stations, while Radio Digitale Toscana serves 17 of the conglomerate’s stations on frequency 11C.

Aeranti-Corallo has expressed frustration with the Italian National Communication Regulatory Authority Agcom’s slow allocation of DAB+ frequencies for local radio stations. Several regions in Italy are still without local radio DAB+ coverage. The authority says it could issue its new National Frequency Allocation Plan later this month before the summer break; failing that, in the first weeks of September when Agcom reconvenes.

Update: Agcom approved the national plan for the allocation of DAB + frequencies on July 27.