Implementation of “DAB+” standard digital terrestrial radio broadcasting in Azerbaijan

“DAB+” (Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus) is a digital audio broadcasting standard. Unlike analogue radio broadcasting in AM and FM bands, this technology transmits audio in a digital format. Currently, digital radio broadcasting using “DAB+” standard is carried out in over 40 countries worldwide.

On August 26, 2019 a “DAB+” standard digital radio transmitter was installed for the first time in Azerbaijan at the “Baku TV Tower Complex”. A test transmission of 11 radio channels in a single multiplex began for Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula on TV transmission channel 11, sub-band 11B (218,6 MHz radio-frequency).

On October 03, 2023 by Order No.818s the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan approved the “Action Plan on the Implementation and Development of Digital Radio Broadcasting in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

In order to implement digital terrestrial radio broadcasting with “DAB+” standard alongside analogue FM radio broadcasting throughout the country, the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, by its Decision No.30/24-13 dated September 10, 2024 allocated to the infrastructure operator the sub-band 12A of TV transmission channel 12 (the 223,168 – 224,704 MHz radio-frequency band) from the “Baku TV Tower Complex” and the “Gulustan” radio-television transmission station in the Agsu district. In a further Decision No.23/25-09 dated June 03, 2025 the Audiovisual Council allocated to the infrastructure operator the sub-band 11B of TV transmission channel 11 (the 217,872 – 219,408 MHz radio-frequency band) from the “Khankendi” radio-television transmission station.

“DAB+” standard digital radio broadcasting of 12 radio channels using a single-frequency network (SFN) multiplex at a frequency of 223,936 MHz is currently being carried out in Baku, on the Absheron Peninsula, in the Central Aran region, in the districts of Aghsu, Shamakhi and Ismayilli. Approximately 25% of the country’s territory and 40% of the population are provided with “DAB+” standard digital terrestrial radio broadcasting.

The transition period from analogue to digital radio broadcasting depends on the completion of “DAB+” network covering the country's main highways, the number of cars equipped with “DAB+” receivers and the availability of sufficient “DAB+” receivers for public sale. It also depends on the level of public awareness and other related processes. As is common practice worldwide, analogue FM radio broadcasting and “DAB+” digital radio broadcasting will run simultaneously for several years during the transition period.

“DAB+“ standard digital radio broadcasting has a number of advantages, including:

• enabling the transmission of 12 or more radio channels using a single radio-frequency (multiplex);
• saving on the use of scarce radio-frequency resources and reducing electricity consumption and station operating costs;
• providing higher audio quality and minimising noise during transmission;
• eliminating the “frequency drift” issue that occurs in analogue broadcasting;
• allowing certain visual information (song title, performer, programme details, weather forecasts, news headlines, etc.) to be delivered to the user alongside the radio signal;
• making it possible to find radio channels by name, which - especially in a car or while in motion - simplifies locating the desired channel.