Throughout 2023, TDF teams continued to work hard on deploying DAB+ digital radio in mainland France. In all, 100 DAB+ transmitters were put into service at 70 TDF broadcasting sites in Occitanie, Lorraine, Limousin, Brittany, Anjou, the South-West, etc. These exceptional figures testify to the mobilization and efficiency of TDF's technical experts. These exceptional figures testify to the mobilization and efficiency of TDF's technical experts and operational teams.

Thanks to accelerated deployment, 55% of the French population now has access to DAB+ digital terrestrial radio. In all, more than 550 radio stations are currently broadcast on DAB+.

TDF's operations are currently focused on the second phase of deployment of the two nationwide multiplexes (M1 and M2), each comprising thirteen radios. Since October, TDF has started up 44 transmitters for these two multiplexes, in line with the DAB+ rollout plan steered by ARCOM. Deployment of phase 2 will be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

An industrial process entirely controlled by TDF

Deploying DAB+ transmitters on TDF sites sometimes requires complex installations. These are the subject of Research & Development work carried out at TDF's centers of expertise, located in Rennes, Liffré (35) and Toulouse (31), and reflect all the skill and technical know-how of TDF's teams.
Some installations require extraordinary resources, such as heli-lifts or cranes, and are completed to very tight deadlines.

TDF, committed to DAB+ technology

As the benchmark technical operator for terrestrial television and radio broadcasting, TDF has been involved in the development of DAB+ for many years. TDF's laboratories have made a major contribution to the definition and standardization of this technology.

DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a digital terrestrial broadcasting system for radio, similar to DTT for television. Whether at home or in the car, users equipped with a DAB+ radio can listen to the radio, in digital quality and without subscription.
This technology enables radio stations not only to offer listeners high quality sound, but also to transmit additional information and visuals alongside the audio stream. As a complement to FM broadcasting, DAB+ enriches the French radio landscape.

To receive DAB+, you need a radio or car radio equipped with this technology. Since the end of 2019, all radio receivers sold in France, except car radios, include DAB+. And from 2020, all new car radios sold in France will also include DAB+. As with the FM band, DAB+ radio reception remains completely free of charge.

Karim El Naggar, Managing Director of Audiovisual and Networks at TDF, comments: "2023 marks an essential milestone for DAB+, with more than one in two French people now able to listen to the radio thanks to this technology. I'd like to thank our radio publisher customers for their confidence. I would also like to congratulate and underline the mobilization of TDF's teams, who, through their expertise and professionalism, have enabled the deployment of a very large number of transmitters in a very short time."