The Spanish government took a significant stride towards modernization on March 25, 2025, by approving the new National Technical Plan for Digital Terrestrial Television (TDT), aimed at enhancing broadcast quality through ultra-high definition (UHD) programming and enabling the launch of a new state-level television channel. This plan signifies a pivotal evolution in television broadcasting standards, aligning Spain more closely with the technological advancements already adopted by many European countries.
The Council of Ministers, led by Óscar López from the Ministry of Digital Transformation, outlined a regulatory framework that facilitates the adoption of DVB-T2 transmission technology. This upgrade is not simply a technological shift; it represents an essential modernization of Spain’s broadcasting landscape, allowing for higher-quality transmissions. "The new National Technical Plan guarantees the continuity of all existing digital terrestrial television channels, along with the availability of a new channel," the ministry confirmed during the announcement.
This transition will not only maintain the existing broadcast channels but also pave the way for a more extensive array of programming available to the public. Up to four UHD channels are slated to be introduced initially, which include La 1 UHD, RTVE UHD, alongside channels from Mediaset and Atresmedia. The Catalan television station TV3 is also set to join as the first regional broadcaster to offer UHD content.
As part of this modernization effort, the government's objectives include optimizing the use of the radio spectrum, which will open up opportunities for new content providers and channels. The current expectation is that a new television license will be tendered shortly, with significant interest from major players in the broadcasting industry. Despite previous speculation, the media group Prisa has declined to pursue the new license, indicating a shift in focus towards maintaining its existing media business, comprising print and radio.
"A group of Prisa shareholders proposed a television project that did not offer guarantees to the board," said Josep Oughourlian, president of the group, reflecting the cautious atmosphere surrounding investment in new television projects.
The dual-phase implementation plan is carefully structured. The initial phase will focus on acclimatizing both consumers and technology to UHD, with a set timeline dictated by the government's National Plan. By ensuring that outdated television receivers are phased out in favor of DVB-T2 compatible models, the government aims to mitigate disruption for existing TDT viewers.
In the second phase, once a sufficient number of households possess compatible devices, comprehensive implementations of DVB-T2 technology and UHD broadcasts will commence across all forms of TDT services—state, regional, and local. The government has indicated that by laying out specific dates, non-compliant equipment will cease to be sold in Spain, thereby protecting consumers from purchasing obsolete technology.
The last reorganization of TDT channels occurred within February 2024, migrating to high-definition broadcasts. The move to UHD now demands the DVB-T2 standard, which provides approximately 30 percent more channel capacity than its predecessor. Data compiled late in 2023 shows that while 72% of households in Europe and 58% in Spain have adopted DVB-T2, only 31% of televisions currently support this standard. This places further emphasis on the necessity of consumer readiness for what is fundamentally a transformative upgrade in broadcast technology.
Pilar Alegría, Spain's Minister of Education and Government spokesperson, emphasized the importance of this advancement by stating, "Each time there has been a technological advancement in this area, a national plan has been approved." She reiterated that this adjustment not only transitions viewers from high definition to ultra-high definition but is crucial in maintaining competitiveness within the European telecommunications landscape.
Despite the anticipation surrounding new channels and the integration of UHD programming, there lies a practical challenge ahead. Older television set owners will find themselves needing to upgrade to HD receivers to avoid exclusion from the benefits offered by the updated broadcasting standards. The proposed changes imply an impending new phase of 'turning off' certain TDT services that will enable a clearer and higher quality viewing experience, yet risks leaving some audiences behind without government-supported transitions.
Clearly, the future of television in Spain is slated for an evolution that prioritizes quality and accessibility, ensuring that citizens can receive cutting-edge broadcasts. The discussions and preparations surrounding the approval of the new Plan Technical for TDT serve not just as a milestone in quality enhancement but as an opportunity to reshape the viewing experience for citizens across Spain, with the hope that it will lead viewers into a new era of broadcasting. As anticipated, key milestones for implementation and licenses are expected to unfold throughout 2025, culminating in a redefined television landscape that will enhance national programming capabilities and viewer satisfaction.
