Bye-bye to FM radio in Switzerland arrives DAB+
From 2025, FM radio (Ultra Short Wave – OUC) will give way to DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) technology, which offers a number of significant advantages for both listeners and broadcasters.
From 2025, traditional FM radio (Ultra Short Wave – OUC) will gradually be replaced by DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus), a digital technology that provides numerous advantages for both listeners and broadcasters.
Difference between FM and DAB
The main difference between FM (Frequency Modulation) and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) lies in the transmission method: FM radio uses analogue radio waves, while DAB uses digital radio waves.
A key aspect distinguishing the two technologies is sound quality. The digital transmission of DAB ensures clearer and interference-free sound, offering a superior listening experience compared to FM radio. In addition, DAB radio allows access to significantly more stations due to its higher transmission capacity compared to the limited bandwidth available for FM.
Another advantage of DAB radio is the ability to display additional information, such as the name of the song or artist, on compatible displays. This is not possible with traditional FM technology. Finally, DAB also stands out for its greater energy efficiency: digital transmission consumes less energy than analogue, contributing to a lower environmental impact.
Difference between DAB and DAB+
The main difference between DAB and DAB+ lies in the audio compression technology used. DAB+ adopts a more advanced compression system, which allows more digital radio stations to be transmitted than traditional DAB, thus expanding the range of content available.
Thanks to the improved compression, DAB+ also offers higher audio quality than DAB, providing a more pleasant listening experience. Therefore, whenever possible, it is advisable to choose DAB+ to make the most of the potential of digital radio.
Coverage and Implementation
Digital radio now has almost complete coverage in Switzerland, including motorway tunnels over 300 metres long, with rare exceptions in isolated mountainous areas. SRG SSR will switch off FM transmissions on 31 December 2024, while many private radio stations will continue to broadcast until the end of 2026, in line with practices in other European countries. By the end of 2024, FM transmitters in motorway tunnels will be switched off.
Adaptation and Solutions for Cars
Currently, around 40 per cent of cars in Switzerland are not equipped with DAB+ reception. For owners of older car radios, there are several solutions for upgrading the system. DAB+ adapters, available in various price ranges, can be easily connected via AUX or USB inputs. For full integration, a DAB-compatible module can be invisibly installed by a certified garage dealer. Alternatively, those using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto can listen to radio stations via smartphone streaming, but without functions such as traffic information (TA).
Emergency and Traffic Information
With the transition to DAB+, those who do not upgrade their car radios will no longer receive priority alerts, such as those about vehicles on the wrong side of the road or obstacles on the road, which are mainly broadcast by the SRG SSR national radios. Viasuisse will, however, continue to provide traffic information to private radio stations, which will broadcast it. For emergencies and disasters, the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) will guarantee the operation of the FM channels until 2027, ensuring support for the most critical cases.
Radio in Switzerland
Regularly operated radio stations have existed for about 100 years. The first regular stations in Switzerland began broadcasting in the 1920s. In 1931, seven regional radio organisations joined together to form the SRG.
Radio quickly became an essential means of communication, not least because television was not yet widespread. Broadcasts began on medium waves and were received via valve radios.
Starting in the 1950s, ultra-short waves (VHF) began to be used more and more frequently.
The introduction of frequency modulation (FM) necessitated the acquisition of new receivers. FM technology offered better sound quality than medium-wave and allowed transmission and reception in stereo. However, stereophony was not introduced until the 1960s.
A state licence was required to broadcast and until the 1980s, only the SRG had a licence and private radio stations were not allowed. From 1983, the first licences were granted to private radio stations. The 1980s also saw the birth of the RDS (Radio Data System). This technology allows additional information to be transmitted, such as the name of the station or the song being played.
In the 1990s, digital radio began to be developed. When DAB was finally introduced with the new millennium, it was soon replaced by the more advanced DAB+. Despite this, many people continued to use FM radio.
