Available FM frequencies are becoming increasingly rare, which impacts the reception quality of existing radio stations and limits the development of new broadcast-coverage programs. To fight this situation and to encourage media pluralism, it is planned to set up a DAB+ digital standard broadcast that will be complementary to the existing sound broadcasting network. DAB+ will also enable existing radio stations to improve their coverage and ensure interference-free reception of programs.

In addition, the European Electronic Communications Code requires car manufacturers to equip all new vehicles with a receiver capable of receiving digital broadcast networks from 21 December 2020. In order to analyze the technical and financial prerequisites and to enable radio stations to carry out conclusive preliminary tests, the Department of Media, Communications and Digital Policy has just launched a preparatory study on this subject in collaboration with the Broadcasting Center Europe (BCE), in which the radio stations are closely involved. A first information meeting with the broadcasters, the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR) and the Luxembourg Independent Audiovisual Authority (ALIA) took place on 14 September 2020 at the Hemicycle in Luxembourg-Kirchberg.

The SMC will accompany the transition to digital of the radio services participating in DAB+. The official launch of the study is scheduled for 18 September 2020 and the deployment of a digital multiplex is envisaged for spring 2021.