FáilteDAB is part of the next step in the evolution of radio in Ireland. FáilteDAB is a temporary trial service, aiming to bring bigger and better choice and quality to Irish radio. FáilteDAB is the next digital step for Irish radio, adding reach for broadcasters and choice for listeners to that already provided by FM broadcasting. It provides a much greater number and better selection of radio stations available to the listener, and at higher quality. It's delivered free to listeners by means of transmitted signals in a similar way to the analogue FM service.
The DAB+ trial is a temporary service, licensed by the communications regulator COMREG. The licence will operate for 365 days from late spring 2025. It is intended that user feedback along with in depth surveying, will give useful user experience and technical information to aid in the process of future licensing of DAB+ in Ireland. FáilteDAB invites licensed broadcasters to participate and be part of the multiplex services and encourages listeners to provide feedback of their experiences and views of this trial.
FáilteDAB is the public facing name of the operation of a DAB+ trial radio system in Ireland, licensed by COMREG to the radio engineering company Foothold Communications Limited. Foothold Communications is the foremost provider of telecom and independent radio broadcasting systems in Ireland. It owns and operates premium and strategically located transmission towers around Ireland and currently has over 1000 radio link and broadcast systems under management. Foothold has a highly skilled in-house team with expertise in the transmission planning, licensing and rf technology fields.
The trial will consist initially of a network of six transmission sites with high power assignments. The coverage of this network will focus on overlapping and synchronous coverage within the Leinster area with a potential to extend this coverage to other parts of Ireland within the trial period. Foothold is perfectly positioned to conduct the FáilteDAB DAB+ trial and push forward the technological advancement of radio in Ireland.
FáilteDAB encourages and welcomes all Irish Coimisiún na Meán licensed radio operators to participate in this trial to maximise the diversity of choice and number of services delivered to the listener. This, in turn, it is hoped, will encourage a greater listenership and in turn provide a useful feedback result from the trial. The big advantages? Choice, quality and greater radio listening!
FáilteDAB invites licensed broadcasters to participate and be part of the multiplex services and encourages listeners to provide feedback of their experiences and views of this trial. Many DAB+ enabled radios present the DAB+ services to the listener/user alongside the FM stations with no need to do setting changes or searches. Greater choice, quality and enhanced radio listening for everyone!
FáilteDAB is bringing the future of digital radio to Ireland through high-quality DAB+ broadcasting. Licensed by ComReg and operated by Foothold Communications Limited.
