On December 1st, Broadcasting Center Europe (BCE) officially launched Luxembourg’s first DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting) multiplex at its headquarters, in the presence of Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity, and representatives from the eleven radio stations now broadcasting via DAB+.
This official inauguration marks a major milestone for Luxembourg’s radio landscape and the future of broadcasting in the country.
“I am delighted by the diversity of radio services selected for this first multiplex. The introduction of DAB+ and the arrival of new stations mark an important milestone for Luxembourg’s radio landscape. This development will contribute to strengthening media pluralism in our country, with the rollout of DAB+ scheduled before the end of the year.” stated Elisabeth Margue, Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for Media and Connectivity in June 2025.
A new era for radio in Luxembourg
For decades, most radio broadcasting services in Luxembourg have operated exclusively on FM frequencies. However, with the FM band reaching saturation, opportunities to coordinate new frequencies and develop additional radio services have become increasingly limited.
The DAB+ technology offers a solution to this challenge by enabling the transmission of multiple radio services within a single digital multiplex. Additionally, the DAB+ network ensures improved sound quality, a wider choice of stations, stable reception even on the move, and the display of enriched information such as song titles, images, or live news updates.
In this context, the Service des médias, de la connectivité et de la politique numérique (SMC) launched a public call for applications in August 2024 to select an operator for the country’s first national DAB+ multiplex. Following a competitive evaluation process, BCE was awarded a 10-year operator license on June 3rd, 2025, to deploy, manage, and operate Luxembourg’s DAB+ network, as well as to ensure its broadcasting services.
Eleven radio services have been selected to join this first DAB+ multiplex:
Crooner Radio – Eldoradio – L’essentiel Radio – LOR’FM – Opus 100,7 – Radio 100,7 – Radio ARA – Radio Latina – RTL Deutschlands Hit-Radio – RTL Radio Lëtzebuerg and RTL Today Radio.
Delivering Luxembourg’s DAB+ network
Once awarded the license, BCE was given six months to complete the first deployment phase of the project.
On this first phase, BCE deployed its in-house developed DAB+ encoding and multiplexing platform.
In parallel, BCE deployed new antennas and transmitters across Luxembourg on the sites of Dudelange, Hosingen, and Jardin Napoléon, all interconnected through new high-capacity IP links ensuring seamless and secure signal transmission.
BCE also implemented a comprehensive monitoring system for the entire DAB+ distribution chain, ensuring constant supervision and reliability through its Network Operations Center (NOC), which operates 24/7.
“We are proud to contribute to this new chapter in Luxembourg’s broadcasting history,” said Pascal Casel, Sales Account Officer at BCE. “The launch of DAB+ combines innovation, collaboration, and agility — values that define how we work at BCE.”
Expanding coverage and Long-Term Operations
With the completion of the first phase, BCE now provides national mobile coverage, reaching a large portion of the country.
In Phase 2, planned for 2026, six additional transmitters will be installed to strengthen reception and improve coverage across Luxembourg.
Once phase 2 is over, BCE will continue for the next nine years to operate, maintain, and monitor the DAB+ network, guaranteeing high resilience and reliable service even in the event of national emergencies, from its NOC in Luxembourg City.
With this launch, BCE confirms its role as a leading technology partner for broadcasters in Luxembourg and abroad, ensuring the future of radio broadcasting through innovation, expertise and commitment to quality.
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