DAB+ is on the up in Central and Eastern Europe

Last week I attended MBT 2018 - an annual meeting of broadcasting organisations and transmitting equipment manufacturers operating in this region. Mate Botica, the CEO of OIV (Transmitters and Communications Ltd), welcomed over 250 industry experts to the two-day conference and exhibition, held in the beautiful Dalmatian coastal resort of Vodice, Croatia. 

The increasing uptake of DAB+ digital radio reflects the buoyant economies in this region, and DAB+ was high on the agenda with a dedicated session on digital radio and several DAB+ equipment providers showcasing their products and services in the exhibition. 

Bruno Cigrovski, Radio Telecommunications Senior Expert at OIV, announced plans to extend the current DAB+ trial in Croatia for another year, extending coverage and offering listeners a more enriched content offer. They’re also gearing up to start promoting DAB+ to the listeners.

Elsewhere in the region there are regular DAB+ services on air in the Czech Republic (62% population coverage), Poland (56% population coverage) and in Slovenia (73% population coverage) there are discussions about a possible digital switchover in 2022.

In addition to Croatia, DAB+ trial services are on air in Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Slovakia, and Romania. On top of this, several other markets told us they are actively preparing to launch DAB+ services. 

If you’re looking for a destination where you can combine business development, industry networking and an amazing destination, my advice is pack your suitcase for MBT 2019, to be held on the shores of Lake Balaton in Hungary.