Estonia’s First Digital Radio Transmitters Go On Air

Starting Monday, September 1, DAB+ digital radio transmitters will officially begin broadcasting in Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu, Koeru and Valgjärve. Listeners will be able to access a total of 23 different radio stations. All existing FM transmitters will continue to operate alongside the new digital service.

Kristo Kaasan, Levira CTIO, discusses the switch over

“Since the DAB+ test network is being switched off and replaced with the permanent transmitter network, digital radio will be off-air from midnight until approximately 6 a.m. on Monday, September 1,” explained Indrek Lepp, Member of the Management Board and Director of Media Services at Levira. “In October, additional transmitters will be launched in Haapsalu, Kohtla-Nõmme in Ida-Virumaa, Orissaare in Saaremaa, and Pehka in Lääne-Virumaa,” Lepp added.

Compared to traditional FM broadcasting, DAB+ offers more consistent sound quality as well as additional service opportunities. Digital radio receivers can display supplementary content such as listener engagement features or visual advertising. Emergency alerts can also be delivered via DAB+. “Although DAB+ is a digital solution, it does not require an internet connection — all you need is a receiver with DAB+ capability,” said Lepp. More information about DAB+, its features, and the full list of available channels can be found at https://dabplus.ee

Lepp emphasized that the FM network will continue to operate in parallel with DAB+. “There are still many radio receivers in Estonia without DAB+ support, which is why maintaining FM broadcasting remains important. This is especially crucial in potential crisis situations, where information must reach as many people in Estonia as possible,” he noted.

According to a 2025 survey by Turu-Uuringute AS, 11% of the Estonian population has already listened to digital radio, and there are an estimated 120,000 receivers in the country with DAB+ capability.

DAB+ digital radio has been available in Estonia as a test service since December 2022. At the beginning of 2025, the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) organized a frequency license competition for digital radio, in which Levira’s bid was successful.