🗼 Spain Approves DTT Frequency Reallocation Plan

Published in the Official State Gazette (BOE), the regulatory document outlines the schedule and technical specifications for national broadcasters migrating to the modern DVB-T2 standard. The transition will pave the way for full-scale Ultra HD (UHD) terrestrial broadcasting and enable the launch of a new nationwide free-to-air channel, La Séptima, as early as November.

The deployment of the DVB-T2 standard will ensure more efficient radio spectrum utilization while significantly elevating picture and sound quality. The regulator emphasized that the move aims to bolster terrestrial television’s competitiveness against OTT streaming platforms and satellite operators. Starting November 5, viewers will need to retune their receivers to access UHD broadcasts, though HD transmissions will remain operational to maintain compatibility with legacy TV sets. Reallocating multiplex capacity will also free up technical resources to launch La Séptima, following the license granted to Servicios Integrados Entretenimiento Televisivo in May.

This technological migration forms part of the National DTT Technical Plan adopted in March 2025, which mandates that all television sets sold nationwide must support DTT UHD reception. On October 5, broadcasters will launch a major public awareness campaign. The Spanish government regards the November rollout as the first phase of a comprehensive modernization strategy: once household penetration of compatible UHD receivers reaches target thresholds, the country will initiate phase two, establishing Ultra HD as the primary standard across national, regional, and local terrestrial networks.