Summary

The Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) released 20 UHF frequency packages in 13 Swiss regions for allocation on 28 May 2026. Interested radio stations can submit applications for radio concessions until 31 July 2026. In case of multiple applications for the same frequency, an auction will decide. The new concessions will be granted in autumn 2026 and take effect from January 2027. SRG and 25 licensed radio stations with service mandates will go through a separate procedure.

People

  • BAKOM (Federal Office of Communications; Authority)

Topics

  • Media regulation
  • Radio frequencies
  • Digital infrastructure

Clarus Lead

The frequency release marks a normalization of the Swiss radio market following structural upheavals before 2020. The auction mechanism creates transparent competitive conditions for independent radio stations, while the parallel SRG regulation protects public service mandates. The timeline (application deadline July, launch January 2027) signals a coordinated transition to a stable frequency landscape.

Detailed Summary

The frequency allocation follows a two-tier model: Commercial and independent radio stations compete for 20 packages that correspond to coverage areas before 2020 and require DAB+ coverage. If demand exceeds supply, an auction decides based on economic criteria. In parallel, SRG and the 25 licensed radio stations with service mandates receive their frequencies through a separate procedure – a mechanism that ensures broadcasting in the public interest and decouples it from market dynamics.

BAKOM provides all documentation and application forms on its website, enabling low-barrier participation.

Key Points

  • 20 UHF frequency packages in 13 regions now available for applications
  • Application deadline: 31 July 2026; concession award: autumn 2026; launch: January 2027
  • Auction procedure for multiple applications; SRG and service mandate holders follow separate process

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: On what analysis is the assumption based that 20 packages in 13 regions represent optimal market coverage? Were population density, competitiveness, and coverage gaps quantified?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: How is it prevented that established radio stations with capital advantages displace smaller competitors in auctions? Are there protective provisions for local or non-profit providers?

  3. Causality/Alternatives: Why was the auction mechanism chosen over a lottery or evaluation procedure? Which scenarios were modeled?

  4. Feasibility/Risks: Can smaller radio stations meet technical and administrative requirements by January 2027, or is there a risk of delays?

  5. Regulatory Gap: How are content standards (advertising guidelines, local relevance) monitored after concession award?

Sources

Primary Source: Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) – Allocation of UHF Radio Concessions (28.05.2026) https://www.bakom.admin.ch/de/vergabe-der-ukw-funkkonzessionen

Verification Status: ✓ 28.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 28.05.2026