Listeners in western Switzerland can now hear 15 additional DAB + stations, according to Marketing and Consulting for Digital Broadcasting Technologies (MCDT).
Almost seven years have passed since the project originally received approval from OFCOM. A radio license to operate a network of DAB + transmitters was issued to Romandie SA Media Feb. 12, 2013, and since then 22 sites have been equipped to enable digital broadcasting of 15 radio programs from Romandie Boncourt to Sierre. Nineteen of these transmitters are currently in service.
The new French-speaking digital radio network provides coverage almost equivalent to the existing FM network, says MCDT. However, tunnels are not yet equipped, with a few exceptions that are close to completion. The Office fédéral des routes (OFROU) will furnish them between 2014 and 2016.
Media Romandie comprises all partners broadcast via the new bouquet. Vertical Radio and Radiofr.music are two new programs that do not broadcast in FM and are thus specific to the new network. Other available private stations are Rhône FM, Radio Chablais, LFM, One FM, FM Red, Yes FM, Radio Fribourg, RJB, RTN, RFJ, GRRIF as well as SRG’s Rete Tre and SRF4 News.
