Uninterrupted DAB radio enjoyment via fiber optics.

SwissMediaCast AG (SMC) plans, builds, and operates five digital radio networks in German-speaking Switzerland and currently broadcasts 48 programs from 27 different studio handover points. From the “Röstigraben” to Lake Constance, one language-regional network and four regional networks — covering the greater Bern-Fribourg-Solothurn area, Northwestern Switzerland, Eastern Switzerland, and the German-speaking part of the Canton of Valais — provide a wide variety of radio programs via around 120 DAB+ transmitters. The individual radio programs are bundled into so-called ensembles, which can be received regionally or by language region. Today, approximately 95 percent of the population within the coverage areas is reached. Some networks are still being expanded to supply around 98 percent of the reachable population. To further improve mobile DAB+ coverage, highway tunnels are also being gradually equipped by the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA).

With its fiber-optic connections, Cyberlink provides a secure and highly available infrastructure that enables radio listeners to enjoy uninterrupted, crystal-clear reception at all times. Regardless of the location or type of receiving device, audio quality for both music and speech is significantly higher than traditional FM radio reception. Each radio studio is connected via a dedicated line to a central hub, where the signals are combined into the respective ensembles using a multiplexer. From there, the ensembles are transmitted via the contribution network to the individual DAB+ transmitters and broadcast to end devices without any loss of sound quality.

Using a comprehensive monitoring system, SMC has full visibility into the network status at all times and, thanks to a service level agreement with Cyberlink, can guarantee continuous 24/7 support. René Burger, CTO of SwissMediaCast AG, explains: “In the event of a disruption, Cyberlink’s specialists are on site within a short time on behalf of SMC and resolve the issue professionally and with great commitment.” Each incident is subsequently analyzed in a debriefing session, and the insights gained are incorporated into the planning and implementation of new connections, ensuring continuous improvement in service quality and reliability. Cyberlink’s team of specialists also contributes its own proposals for the ongoing enhancement of the services provided. This partnership-based collaboration, proactive mindset, and solution-oriented approach of Cyberlink’s employees are highly valued elements of the cooperation today.

The project was implemented in 2016 and 2017. Key factors in awarding the contract to Cyberlink included the company’s size, its consistent track record of success, the price-performance ratio of the services offered, and the high availability of the connections — achieved through a combination of multiple network providers.

Another advantage was that Cyberlink provides all services from a single source. The activation and connection of new radio studios are fast and straightforward. As a result, the existing solution is fully aligned with SMC’s ongoing expansion strategy and requires neither renewal nor extension.