In all, more than 60 digital radio services have been launched by TDF. In each of the Montpellier, Nîmes and Perpignan conurbations, the population can receive up to 26 radio stations in DAB+ digital quality (grouped into two DAB+ multiplexes) via TDF transmitters.
TDF launches DAB+ broadcasting at its sites in Montpellier-Bionne (Hérault), Nîmes-Capitelles (Gard), Perpignan-Cabestany (Pyrénées-Orientales), Ille-sur-Têt (Pyrénées-Orientales) and Villefranche-de-Conflent (Pyrénées-Orientales).
To enable these radios to be broadcast in DAB+, TDF teams installed new technical facilities. The work involved installing a new antenna system, a multiplexing cell and an associated transmitter. Work was also carried out to adapt the infrastructure.
As an industrial player, TDF led the project from start to finish: the antenna systems were designed by TDF's center of expertise near Rennes, and the antenna housing structures by TDF's center of expertise in Toulouse.
In addition to broadcasting DAB+, these five TDF sites also broadcast FM radio and, in some cases, DTT, and host cell phone operators.
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. Today, TDF is mobilized for the deployment of DAB+ broadcasting services in mainland France.
DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a digital terrestrial broadcasting system for radio, similar to DTT for television. It enables radio stations to offer listeners high quality sound, but also to transmit additional information and visuals in addition to the audio stream. This technology, which complements FM broadcasting, enriches the French radio landscape.
Today, more than 45% of the population of mainland France can receive digital radio at home, and on many roads for car reception.
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 TDF's Audiovisual BU said:
"I'm delighted with the arrival of DAB+ in Occitanie, broadcast from five TDF sites in the presence of Arcom. TDF has been firmly rooted in the region for many years. When it comes to DAB+, TDF is committed to supporting its customers, the program publishers, to best meet their digital coverage needs. To do this, we are drawing on our expertise in radio broadcasting over almost 50 years to provide a complete DAB+ offering, from feed collection and headend, to signal transport via our entire existing network, and of course broadcasting."
Hervé Godechot, member of the College of the French Audiovisual and Digital Communications Regulatory Authority (Arcom) and Chairman of the "radio and digital audio" working group, comments:
"DAB+ is now rolling out an expanded offering in Nîmes and, above all, making a massive entry into the radio landscape in and around Montpellier and Perpignan. Listeners in the region are joining the more than 45% of the French population who can listen to terrestrial digital radio in mainland France. Arcom will continue to support the rollout of DAB+, which combines the best of both worlds: the audio quality of digital radio and the resilience and free service of FM.
