Spain mandates DVB-T2 and UHD transition starting November 5

This transition represents a critical infrastructure upgrade for Spain’s terrestrial television, which remains the primary mode of viewing for 80% of the population. By adopting DVB-T2 and HEVC, broadcasters can bridge the quality gap with fiber-based IPTV and satellite services while freeing up spectrum for modernized sub-channels. The success of this move hinges on the consumer hardware replacement cycle; currently, only 36.6% of Spanish receivers natively support UHD. Watch for the public information campaigns starting September 8, which will serve as a bellwether for potential viewer disruption and the speed of second-phase regional adoption.

Spain’s roadmap follows a broader European trend toward DVB-T2 and HEVC compression to maintain the relevance of free-to-air (FTA) platforms. Per Broadband TV News (July 2026), the transition is designed to maximize spectral efficiency as European regulators face pressure to allocate more UHF frequencies for mobile services. France adopted a similar strategy during the 2024 Paris Olympics by launching a dedicated DVB-T2/HEVC multiplex, while Italy has already completed its migration to support high-efficiency broadcasting.

The launch of La Sép7ima, the first new national FTA broadcaster in Spain in years, is a key component of this technical shift. According to Advanced Television (July 2026), the channel is operated by Servicios Integrados Entretenimiento Televisivo and has secured a 15-year renewable license. The project, backed by an initial €25 million investment, plans to leverage the newly efficient DTT capacity to compete with established outlets like Cuatro and laSexta through 100% live and original programming.

While technical modernization is the primary goal, the Spanish government is balancing this against technical inclusion. As noted by UHD Spain (April 2025), a second phase of the transition will only convert all remaining multiplexes to DVB-T2 once local receiver compatibility exceeds 95%. This phased approach reflects the persistent divide between legacy terrestrial infrastructure and the rising dominance of IPTV delivery in the European market.