In Hungary, terrestrial television services are available exclusively in digital format. Free-to-air nationwide, regional, and local content is transmitted using DVB-T technology, while pay-TV services are delivered via DVB-T2 standard
Terrestrial radio services are operated exclusively on analogue systems. Mediumwave broadcasting uses amplitude modulation (AM), while VHF band transmissions use frequency modulation (FM).
The role and duties of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority in terrestrial radio and television broadcasting are defined by the legislation on electronic communications and frequency management - primarily the Act on Electronic Communications and the Media Act - establishing the legal framework for frequency allocation, frequency coordination, and regulatory duties. The authority carries out its responsibilities in accordance with the relevant decrees of the authority, as well as applicable technical guidelines and planning requirements.
The authority is responsible for the frequency planning and coordination of terrestrial radio and television broadcasting. It also ensures that the provided services remain free from harmful interference and that systems operate in a safe and reliable manner.
Frequency planning for tendering procedures
The National Media and Infocommunications Authority is responsible for the preparation of frequency plans for media service tenders announced by the Media Council.
Within this framework, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority examines the technical feasibility of the tender opportunities, determines the applicable frequency parameters, and ensures that the technical conditions of the tenders are in compliance with national and international regulations. The frequency plans are available only in Hungarian.
Technical guidelines for planning
The National Media and Infocommunications Authority prepares and publishes the technical guidelines applicable to terrestrial services, which define the planning conditions for the establishment and operation of digital television and radio broadcasting and analogue radio transmitters.
These guidelines cover the aspects of frequency usage, transmitter power, antenna system design, coverage requirements, and the prevention of harmful interference.
For technical planning and documentation of transmitters, these guidelines constitute the governing framework, together with the requirements set out in the planning and plan-verification requirements. The frequency plans are available only in Hungarian.
Operating station registry
The authority maintains a registry of currently operating terrestrial broadcasting stations, including their key technical parameters, operational data, and the transmitters associated with the networks.
Coverage Maps
Based on the registry of broadcasting stations, the National Media and Infocommunications Authority publishes and regularly updates coverage maps for nationwide networks, providing the public with information on the availability of digital television and analogue radio services.
The coverage maps of broadcasting stations are prepared in accordance with domestic and international regulations, assuming reception with a 10-meter rooftop antenna and taking into account all internationally coordinated interfering transmitters. For terrestrial digital television, the IRT 2D propagation model, while for analogue VHF FM radio the ITU-R P.1546 propagation model is used.