Allocation of VHF (FM) licences for radio stations from 2027
Biel/Bienne, 21.04.2026 — OFCOM has set out the procedure for awarding VHF (FM) radio licences for the broadcasting of radio programming from 2027 onwards. SRG SSR and private radio stations with a public service mandate may continue to use their existing frequencies upon application. The remaining frequencies will be reallocated. FM broadcasting remains voluntary. If several interested parties apply for the same frequencies, an auction will take place.
In December 2025, Parliament decided to allow the broadcasting of radio programmes via FM even after the FM broadcasting licences expire in 2026. OFCOM subsequently drew up the terms for the award of FM-licences from 2027 to 2034 on behalf of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, basing its approach on the duration of the existing broadcaster licences. Accordingly, the SRG and the 25 licensed radio stations with a public service mandate may continue to use the existing frequencies in their coverage areas. To do so, they must submit an application to OFCOM. Frequencies that have not been claimed by the end of 2026 may be put out to tender by OFCOM in 2027.
All remaining FM frequencies previously allocated to radio stations without a public service mandate will be offered in their current form as frequency packages (‘clusters’). All radio broadcasters may apply for these. OFCOM expects to publish the clusters on its website in spring 2026; applications may be submitted until the end of June. Should several broadcasters express interest in a cluster, OFCOM will hold an auction in autumn 2026.
FM broadcasting remains voluntary.
Under this approach, a significant portion of the available frequency spectrum remains reserved for public service programmes, enabling the broadcasters to transmit these programmes via FM as well.
By setting out the framework conditions for future FM broadcasting, OFCOM is implementing Motion 25.3950, ‘New tender for FM broadcasting licences from 1 January 2027’, which was adopted by Parliament in December 2025.