Montenegro is preparing to expand DAB+ digital radio beyond its existing trial network after the government approved a draft Digital Broadcasting Law, establishing the legal framework for a national T-DAB+ multiplex and wider digital terrestrial broadcasting. The country has been testing DAB+ around Podgorica since May, with the pilot network currently covering about 32% of the population.
The proposed legislation could enable the transition from a local trial to commercial-scale deployment, creating requirements for digital transmitters, multiplexing systems, encoders, antennas, network monitoring, studio integration and technical maintenance. DAB+ enables multiple radio stations to use shared digital transmission infrastructure and can also support programme information, graphics and emergency messages alongside audio broadcasting.
For broadcasters, the transition will require investment in studio connections to the multiplex and potential upgrades to technical equipment. They may also need to maintain both analogue FM and digital distribution during a potentially extended transition period. The commercial requirements could continue after the initial network rollout, as digital broadcasting systems require ongoing monitoring, software updates, maintenance and capacity management. Consumer and vehicle receiver availability will also affect adoption. The commercial use of DAB+ depends on households and vehicles being able to receive digital signals, including through newer cars and consumer radios equipped with digital receivers.
Montenegro’s relatively small market could allow national coverage to be developed using a limited number of transmitter locations. The expansion rate and the pricing of multiplex capacity for broadcasters remain key elements of the future rollout.
