Observed Signal · Aug 21, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: persoenlich.com News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive
No Auctions for FM Radio Licences
Switzerland's Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) will grant FM (UKW) radio licences in autumn 2026 after a tender of 20 frequency packages across 13 regions drew no competing applications. Nineteen valid applications were received from non-public-service commercial radios, but no frequency package had more than one applicant, so Bakom decided an auction is unnecessary and will directly award the requested concessions. Applications from SRG and other licensed broadcasters for their existing FM frequencies are being processed and will also be granted in autumn. Plans to switch off FM at the end of 2026 were reversed after parliament demanded continued FM availability; SRG announced it will resume FM broadcasting following that decision.
The decision preserves FM broadcast capacity and advertising inventory in Switzerland and affects audio broadcasters' planning for the DAB+ transition; however its impact is national and limited in scope for global AdTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- The Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) will grant FM (UKW) radio licences in autumn 2026.
- Bakom had tendered 20 FM frequency packages covering 13 Swiss regions at the end of May 2026.
- 19 valid applications were submitted by radios without a public-service mandate; no package received more than one application.
- Because there were no competing bids for any package, Bakom will award the requested licences directly and will not hold auctions.
- Applications from SRG and concessioned broadcasters for their previously used FM frequencies are still being processed and will be granted in autumn 2026.
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SRG Files Application for FM (UKW) Frequencies
Swiss public broadcaster SRG has submitted an application to the Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) for FM (UKW) frequencies as part of its planned return to FM radio. SRG media spokesperson Nik Leuenberger confirmed the filing and said the broadcaster intends to resume FM transmission "as quickly as possible," but noted that a new broadcasting concession and contractual and technical conditions still need to be met. Bakom documentation indicates that the new radio concessions are intended to take effect from 2027, though concessions for stations that previously held frequencies could be granted earlier. SRG had switched off FM distribution at the end of 2024 and decided to return after the Swiss parliament postponed the nationwide FM shutdown that had been planned for the end of 2026.
No FM Re‑equipment of Tunnels Planned
Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra) does not plan to re‑equip road tunnels with FM (UKW) radio, citing high costs, despite the public broadcaster SRG deciding to resume FM transmissions after having stopped them at the end of 2024. Astra spokesperson Jérôme Jacky said tunnel users are primarily informed via visual systems (e.g., blinking signals, lighted emergency exits). The Swiss parliament passed a motion last December requesting a longer availability of FM, prompting SRG to announce a return to FM broadcasting, possibly as early as autumn 2026; exact timing remains unclear.
SRG to Resume FM Broadcasting This Autumn
Switzerland’s public broadcaster SRG plans to restart analogue FM (UKW) radio transmissions in autumn 2026 after political pressure and a December parliamentary motion. FM technical tests have been running since 20 July 2026, with Swisscom Broadcast AG conducting function checks at multiple sites on SRG’s behalf. The Federal Office of Communications (Bakom) is expected to issue the required UKW concession in August 2026. SRG had switched distribution to DAB+ and shut down UKW in January, a move linked to about a 6% market-share loss in the first half of 2025. SRG says tests continue, older equipment remains in use and contractual details with Swisscom are still being clarified. Initial operating costs are estimated at about CHF 6.6 million per year, with potential expansion costs up to CHF 15 million.
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