Expression of Interest (EoI) Audio Content on DAB+ Extended Area Trial – FáilteDAB Mux 2
Background
Fáilte DAB is currently trialling a DAB+ network. The current trial covers the Greater Leinster area and is carrying 29 audio content services on the FailteDAB Mux1 trial multiplex.
ComReg has approved an additional extension to the trial which will provide for an expanded trial area that includes parts or all of the following counties: Cork, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Tipperary, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Carlow, Kilkenny, East Waterford and South Wexford. The expansion transmission area will provide transmission capacity for content services on the FailteDAB Mux2 trial multiplex. A coverage prediction for the transmission service of the FailteDAB Mux2 network is available here.
FáilteDAB is seeking Expressions of Interest from audio content providers who are interested in transmitting on a DAB+ multiplex in the extended trial area of the FailteDAB Mux2 multiplex. The trial is expected to run for a minimum of 12 months and is due to commence in April 2026.
The transmission network is of a trial nature and utilises professional broadcast multiplexing and transmission equipment. The network will primarily consist of a 1+0 system. FáilteDAB will use best efforts to provide the level of coverage and serviced availability envisaged.
Successful applicants will be required to provide a dedicated, high-quality, unprocessed linear audio programme distribution circuit with programme-associated data to a nominated FáilteDAB hub, where the service will be audio processed and digitised by FáilteDAB.
Content providers will comply fully with broadcasting legislation, music rights and associated licensing, and may be required to hold a Section 71 Content Contract from Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM).
Provision of Content Services
FáilteDAB is pleased to invite Expressions of Interest (EoI) from providers for the provision of audio content services in the extended DAB+ trial area.
A fee will be payable to FáilteDAB for the transmission of the service in the extended trial area. The base cost for a single channel carriage on FailteDAB Mux2 is €11,000 per year plus VAT, based on a 32 kbit/s allocation. Additional services, functionality and/or coverage enhancements may incur additional charges.
Consideration Criteria
Interested parties should demonstrate:
– Proven experience in delivering audio content services
– Ability to meet technical and operational standards
– That the proposed service provides diversity or underserved choice
– That the proposed service would assist in providing a diverse range of services across the multiplex in the extended DAB+ trial area
– Promotion and audience engagement proposed by the applicant
Submission Guidelines
To express your interest, please submit a proposal as per the FailteDAB Expression of Interest Application Form. All of the following information should be provided in your completed application form:
– Company profile and relevant experience, including programme, financial and technical capabilities
– Key contacts with email and telephone numbers
– The name and type of service proposed
– A short programme policy description outlining the range of programmes and the music policy, including music genres. An indicative list of tracks under each music genre should be provided
– An indicative programme schedule, if applicable, or the level of live versus automation proposed for the service, particularly during the 7am to 10pm period
– How the proposed service adds to diversity
– The service’s approach to promotion, audience engagement and analytics
– How the service will ensure compliance with all relevant broadcasting regulations and music rights licensing in Ireland
– Key milestones and an indicative launch date
Completed Expressions of Interest should be sent to [email protected] no later than 12pm on Monday, 16th February 2026.
Please ensure all documentation is submitted as per the guidelines and the appended form. Do not include any letters of support.
Selection Process
All submissions will be reviewed by FáilteDAB. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further discussions or presentations.
This EoI does not constitute a commitment to enter into a carriage agreement, and FáilteDAB reserves the right to amend or withdraw this invitation at any time. Applicants may be placed on a standby list and capacity may be assigned on a future date.
Contact Information
For any queries regarding this invitation, please contact our team at [email protected].
We look forward to receiving your Expression of Interest.
Registered Business Number: 759388
The completed form must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday, 16th February 2026, to [email protected].
Download and Submit Application
To apply, please download the Expression of Interest (EoI) Application Form, complete all required sections, and submit the completed form by email.
1. Download the Expression of Interest Application Form (Download this file)
2. Complete all sections of the form in full.
3. Email the completed application to:
All applications must be received no later than:
12:00pm (noon), Monday 16th February 2026
Please ensure that all required information is included and that no letters of support are submitted.
Please note: this expression of interest is applicable for the FáilteDAB Mux 2 multiplex only.