Summary

The Federal Office of Communications BAKOM established the allocation procedure for UHF radio concessions from 2027 to 2034 on 21 April 2026. SRG and 25 licensed radios with service obligations can continue using their existing frequencies by submitting applications. Remaining frequencies will be newly allocated, partly through auction when multiple applicants compete. UHF distribution remains voluntary. The procedure implements a parliamentary decision from December 2025.

Persons

  • Federal Office of Communications BAKOM (Authority)

Topics

  • Broadcasting regulation
  • Frequency allocation
  • Public service
  • Media policy

Clarus Lead

The new regulation stabilizes the radio landscape during a phase of digital transformation. By enabling UHF beyond 2026 and favoring established providers, the legislator secures the continuity of Public Service – a strategic signal in times of fragmented media consumption. At the same time, the auction model for available frequencies opens new market opportunities for private radio broadcasters without previous concessions.

Detailed Summary

BAKOM has developed a two-stage allocation system. First, SRG and 25 licensed radios with service obligations automatically receive access to their established frequencies in their respective coverage areas – the only requirement is submitting an application by end of June 2026. This ensures continuity for established providers with public mandates.

Second, frequencies not claimed by end of 2026, as well as all previous frequencies of radios without service obligations, will be newly advertised as frequency packages ("clusters"). All radio broadcasters can apply for these. BAKOM will publish the clusters on its website, presumably in spring 2026; application deadlines end at the end of June 2026. If multiple parties are interested in the same cluster, BAKOM will conduct an auction – presumably in autumn 2026.

The regulation deliberately reserves a substantial part of the frequency spectrum for public service programs to ensure their distribution via UHF. The eight-year concession period (2027–2034) corresponds to the duration of existing broadcaster concessions and creates planning certainty. The voluntary nature of UHF distribution is maintained – providers can alternatively switch to digital channels.

Key Points

  • SRG and licensed radios with service obligations receive entitlement to their previous frequencies
  • New frequencies are allocated through auction when multiple applicants compete
  • Eight-year concession period (2027–2034) provides planning certainty for all providers
  • UHF distribution remains voluntary; public service receives spectrum priority

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: What data shows that UHF distribution will remain economically relevant for radio broadcasters in 2027–2034? Are there usage statistics?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: Does the regulation systematically favor established providers (SRG, licensed radios) over new market participants? Is the auction model for clusters competition-neutral?

  3. Causality: How is the eight-year period justified? Why not shorter or longer periods?

  4. Feasibility: How will clusters be delineated to create fair auction conditions? What minimum requirements apply to applicants without previous concessions?

  5. Side Effects: Could the voluntary nature of UHF distribution lead to coverage gaps in rural regions if private radios decide against UHF?

Sources

Primary Source: Federal Office of Communications BAKOM – Notice on the allocation of UHF radio concessions from 2027 (21.04.2026) https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/vkFW-rjcSCoAJU6yhxuWQ

Verification Status: ✓ 21.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 21.04.2026