Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB)
The Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 permits the licensing of two national DAB multiplexes, one for RTÉ and one for the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland.
These licenses will be issued by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It is envisaged that ComReg will undertake a consultation process prior to the introduction of these licences.
Once the terms of these licences are finalised, RTÉ can formally launch its services and the BCI will be in a position to enter into content contracts with independent broadcasters.
How does DAB work?
A multiplex enables up to eleven radio services to be combined and transmitted by a single transmitter as shown below:
DAB Trial
To help test DAB equipment and operation as a platform, RTÉNL is conducting a DAB trial with two multiplexes in Dublin and the North East. We also operate single multiplexes covering Cork and Limerick.
The trial continues until November and carries the following services:
Multiplex 1 (Dublin, North East, Cork & Limerick)
- RTÉ Radio 1
- RTÉ 2fm
- RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta
- RTÉ Lyric FM
- RTÉ 2XM*
- RTÉ Choice*
- RTÉ Gold*
- RTÉ Junior*
- RTÉ News Headlines*
- RTÉ Playback*
- RTÉ Pulse*
- RTÉ Radio 1 Extra*
- RTÉ Sport*
*Indicates DAB-only service
How do I get DAB?
DAB is available to listeners living in Dublin and the North East, Cork city and Limerick city. Listeners do require a DAB receiver and these are available from electrical retailers.