The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has positively evaluated the Project of Royal Decree aimed at promoting DAB+ digital broadcasting technology in Spain, while ensuring that current FM broadcasts remain unchanged.

Despite DAB/DAB+ being available for years, its audience remains low at 2.6% compared to FM's 84.6% in 2024. The report highlights the recent increase in compatible receivers, with many vehicles now equipped with them.

The Royal Decree proposes a technical plan adaptation to leverage DAB+ advantages, allowing for the doubling of programs per multiplex from 6 to 12. This will involve restructuring national networks, with CRTVE receiving up to 12 channels and maintaining 12 existing private licenses.

CNMC's recommendations include the need for a method to measure and normalize sound levels of broadcasts, ensuring that state operators exclusively use DAB+ from the start, and clarifying coverage requirements for private operators. The authority also emphasizes the importance of flexible coverage objectives for CRTVE on roadways and the efficient use of spectrum.

Overall, the CNMC supports the transition to DAB+ technology while ensuring that all existing licenses are maintained and that the deployment is carried out with full guarantees.