Radio broadcasting has been a core medium for over 100 years, delivering news, music, and entertainment to our homes, cars, and workplaces. For decades, analog FM radio (frequency modulation) has been the dominant standard due to its reliability and sound quality. However, with the rise of digital technology, a new standard has emerged—DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus)—which many countries have adopted as the successor to FM broadcasting. But is this truly the future of radio? How widespread is it, what are its benefits and drawbacks, and what’s the current status in countries like Hungary?
This article explores the DAB+ standard in detail, compares it with FM radio, examines global trends, and gives practical advice to answer a crucial question: is FM radio on the way out, or will it stay for good?
A brief history of radio evolution
Radio began in the early 20th century with AM (amplitude modulation), then shifted to FM in the mid-20th century, offering much better sound quality and reliability—especially for music. For decades, FM has been the gold standard in radio broadcasting.
In the 21st century, digital radio emerged, using entirely different principles. Data is transmitted in digital format and decoded by receivers, allowing for more efficient use of bandwidth, multiple channels on a single frequency, and new interactive features.
What is DAB+?
DAB+ is the upgraded version of the original DAB digital radio standard. Key features include:
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HE-AAC+ codec, which offers better sound quality at lower bitrates
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One DAB+ multiplex can carry multiple stations on a single frequency
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Supports additional services (e.g., text info, images, program details)
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Improved reception in motion (e.g., in vehicles)
How it works
Radio stations send digital signals through a central multiplex, which DAB+ receivers decode simultaneously. This means multiple stations can share a single frequency—dramatically increasing efficiency.
DAB+ vs. FM – pros and cons
Advantages:
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Multiple channels on one frequency
One DAB+ multiplex can carry up to 10–15 channels. -
Improved sound quality
Especially for talk and classical music, thanks to modern codecs. -
Enhanced services
DAB+ displays additional information like song titles, news headlines, and weather updates. -
Less interference
DAB+ is more resistant to local interference and noise than FM. -
More efficient infrastructure
Fewer transmission towers can cover larger areas.
Disadvantages:
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Requires new equipment
Standard FM radios are not compatible with DAB+. -
Limited coverage in some regions
Not all countries have full DAB+ rollout. -
Audio delay
Due to digital encoding/decoding, there’s a slight delay in transmission. -
Quality varies by bitrate
When too many stations are packed into a multiplex, audio quality suffers.
The state of DAB+ in Europe and globally
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Norway: Fully switched off FM broadcasting in 2017. DAB+ is now the sole radio platform.
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Switzerland: Plans to phase out FM by 2026; DAB+ already dominates.
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Germany: Strong DAB+ rollout with many national and regional stations.
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UK: Over 60% of the population regularly uses DAB+; excellent infrastructure.
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Hungary: Pilot DAB+ broadcasts began in 2008 but were shut down in 2020. There is currently no commercial DAB+ service, and FM remains dominant.
Why hasn’t DAB+ spread in Hungary?
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Economic reasons
Building and maintaining a DAB+ network is expensive, and commercial stations don’t see a clear return on investment. -
User habits
Most Hungarians listen to FM radio in cars or on mobile phones—devices that don’t support DAB+. -
Rise of online radio
Streaming services like Spotify and web radio offer superior audio quality and flexibility. -
Regulatory uncertainty
No national strategy has been adopted for digital radio implementation.
What equipment is needed for DAB+?
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DAB+ capable tabletop or car radio
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Portable DAB+ radios (e.g., Sangean, Pure, Blaupunkt)
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Smartphones with DAB+ receiver (rare and not widely supported)
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Hybrid radios that support FM, DAB+, and internet radio
The future of DAB+ – trends and potential
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Hybrid radio
Modern radios can combine FM, DAB+, and internet radio, choosing the best available signal. -
Automotive integration
DAB+ is now standard in many new car models across Europe. -
Greener technology
Fewer towers and lower power usage make DAB+ more environmentally sustainable. -
Interactive content
Digital platforms could support features like live polls, enhanced metadata, or image streaming.
Frequently asked questions
Will FM radio be completely phased out soon?
Not immediately. Most countries plan for a long transition, with FM and DAB+ coexisting for years.
Can I listen to Hungarian stations on DAB+?
Currently no, as there are no active DAB+ broadcasts in Hungary.
Which is better: internet radio or DAB+?
Internet radio offers higher quality and more choice, but it requires a stable data connection. DAB+ is free and doesn’t rely on internet, but only works where service is available.
DAB+ represents the modern future of radio, offering multiple benefits to listeners and broadcasters alike. However, its global spread is uneven: Western Europe is leading the transition, while countries like Hungary have not yet embraced the technology.
So the question remains: will DAB+ take off in Hungary, or will internet radio bypass it altogether? The answer will depend on a mix of technology, regulatory policy, and changing listener habits.