This summer, from 31 July to 16 August 2026, the “Ensemble pour le DAB+” association is launching a major publicity campaign on the radio, on television and on social media. The aim? To raise awareness of DAB+, the digital terrestrial radio technology that has seen its use gradually increase across France since 2014.
"DAB" stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting, and the "+" refers to a development of the global standard for digital terrestrial radio diffusion (DTR).
DAB+ is a digital radio modulation and transmission technology. Unlike DTT for television, DAB+ has the advantage of being able to coexist with the ‘traditional’ radio broadcasting method, namely the FM band. Digital terrestrial radio can therefore operate alongside FM broadcasting, whereas DTT had very quickly replaced analogue television broadcasting in France. Receiving DAB+ radio is completely free, just as it is for the FM band.
Since late 2019, all radio receivers sold in France, with the exception of car radios, have been required to support DAB+, and since mid-2020, all car radios in new cars sold in France have also included DAB+ support.
To receive DAB+ radio, you therefore need a compatible radio set.
Want to find out everything there is to know about how DAB+ works? You’ll find it right here.
"Thanks to DAB+, I can listen to the same radio station throughout my entire journey without ever having to change the frequency, with exceptional sound quality and more information about what I’m listening to. And there’s even more choice of radio stations!"
Excerpt from a radio advert for the“Together for DAB+” campaign shown in the summer of 2026.
All municipalities in mainland France with a populationof over 50,000, with the exception of Ajaccio, are covered by at least one DAB+ multiplex.
The following are the towns where DAB+ radio transmitters are due to come into service at various points throughout 2026: Agen, Angoulême, Blois, Bourges, Châteauroux, Chaumont, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Cognac, Épinal, Forbach, Mont-de-Marsan, Nevers, Niort, Saintes, Vesoul and Vichy.
Two-thirds of the French population will be covered by DAB+ by 31 March 2026.
Would you like to know if your town has equipment? You can find out! Visit the ‘My FM and DAB+ Radio’ page .
05 August 2024
What is "DAB+"? How does it work? How can I listen to digital radio? All the explanations from the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication, Arcom.