On 13 May 2019 the Federal Communications Commission (ComCom) granted another DAB+ radiocommunication licence for digital broadcasting of radio programme services in French-speaking Switzerland. With DABCOM AG, ComCom selected the highest scoring candidate, particularly in relation to the criteria of media diversity and economic efficiency.
Subject to any appeal against ComCom’s decision, DABCOM AG will construct and operate a DAB+ platform in French-speaking Switzerland with a diverse offering of commercial and al-ternative programming. This will also include programming which is geared towards promoting a brand and the image of a business, and to increasing awareness and recognition. In the interests of diversity, ComCom has limited the number of company radio stations to six.
When allocating the other twelve available places, the licensee must ensure a diverse offering, which takes into consideration informative, cultural, educational and entertainment elements. It is also committed to giving priority to broadcasters from French-speaking Switzerland. It will also permanently reserve one place for short-term programming, e.g. in connection with cultural events.
DABCOM AG is a company from western Switzerland, which has yet to be founded. It will be supported on the one hand by IP worldcom SA, a company from Waadt canton specialising in internet solutions, and on the other hand by representatives of Digris AG. The latter is a Zurich company which has been constructing and operating local DAB+ transmitter networks since May 2014 in larger conurbations throughout Switzerland, including five in French-speaking Switzerland. Both companies therefore have the necessary experience for constructing and operating another DAB+ platform. DABCOM is planning gradual construction of the transmitter network; coverage extending across the whole of Switzerland is expected by mid-2024.
Clarification of interest and invitation to tender
ComCom's tender procedure in May 2018 took place following a clarification of interest in additional DAB+ platforms which OFCOM had carried out in 2016. The objective of the tender procedure was to strengthen media diversity with the aid of new, diversified and innovative content and formats without neglecting economic aspects. Romandie Médias SA, which al-ready operates a DAB+ platform primarily for the existing regional radio stations in French-speaking Switzerland, and DABCOM AG responded to the invitation to tender. On the basis of a criteria-based competition and following a hearing with both candidates, ComCom has decided on the award of the licence to DABCOM AG.
Further information
The radiocommunication licence for digital broadcasting is only available in german or french.
Press release
Last modification 14.05.2019
