Rohde & Schwarz Implements DAB+ Transmitter Network

Following the transfer of broadcast licenses, Cellnex Broadcast Partners needed to establish a completely new DAB+ transmission network for Flanders and Brussels.

The company turned to Rohde & Schwarz, which was able to deliver 28 transmitters in under two months.

For commercial and customer satisfaction reasons Cellnex Broadcast Partners was naturally keen to get the new service, branded 10D, on air as quickly as possible. At the same time, it recognised the need for the highest operational and technical standards in the solution, as well as maximising quality, reliability and sustainability, and delivering the best total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the installation.
Based on previous positive experiences with Rohde & Schwarz transmitters, and particularly the very low maintenance requirement, Cellnex Broadcast Partners turned to the company for the new network. The need for 28 individual transmitters was identified, with an average transmitter power output of approximately 1.5 kW. The R&S®TMV9evo is an air-cooled VHF transmitter which delivers up to 50% efficiency, thanks to its advanced Doherty amplifier technology. It is highly resilient, with advanced redundancy including dual drive and passive standby, meeting the Cellnex Broadcast Partners' expectations of uninterrupted broadcast. Its automated control and management includes adaptive efficiency optimisation of amplifier parameters.

"The R&S®TMV9evo is designed for just this sort of installation," said Guy Deschrijver, Rohde & Schwarz Benelux B.V. at Rohde & Schwarz. "What made this project particularly exciting was that the contract was signed in March 2025, and the complete network was on air on 1 May, less than eight weeks later.

"Rohde & Schwarz could meet such a tight schedule, thanks to our vertically integrated manufacturing, which gives us complete control over every aspect of the build," Guy Deschrijver explained. "More than that, we have the capability to do complete, full-power testing of every single transmitter before it leaves the building, so when each gets to site, all it needs is power and a signal and it is ready for commercial service."

Pascal Levrier, Cellnex Broadcast Partners, said: "We had four top level requirements for the 10D transmitter network. First, it had to be completely reliable, so we were looking for excellent resilience and redundancy. Second, it had to be efficient, to control energy costs and drive sustainability, and we were impressed with the Rohde & Schwarz promise of close to 50% power efficiency.

"Third, we took a lifecycle view of the installation, so we carefully considered the total cost of ownership, including routine and preventative maintenance," Pascal continued.

"Finally, there was the time pressure - we wanted to get the service up and running to delight our audiences as quickly as possible. Rohde & Schwarz hit all these requirements, with the result that the 10D network sets a new standard for radio broadcasting in Flanders."

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