Spain: DTT 71% of linear TV viewing
August 17, 2026

From David Del Valle in Madrid



DTT continues to account for around 71 per cent of linear TV viewing in Spain despite the rapid growth of streaming platforms, according to data highlighted by competition regulator CNMC as it launched a public consultation into the television broadcast infrastructure market and the market position of Cellnex.

The figures underline the continuing importance of terrestrial broadcasting in the Spanish audiovisual market, particularly for news and events considered to be of general public interest.


The market generated revenues of approximately €173 million in 2025, corresponding to payments made by broadcasters to electronic communications operators providing the services required to distribute terrestrial TV signals.

According to the CNMC, the market has remained relatively stable in recent years despite the transformation of Spain’s audiovisual landscape and the increasing adoption of video-on-demand and other online audiovisual services.

The regulator noted that traditional television continues to command a significant share when viewing is restricted specifically to linear TV. Near-universal coverage, free access and DTT’s role in delivering news and major events remain among the platform’s main strengths.

The CNMC’s preliminary conclusions also indicate that Cellnex continues to hold significant market power in Spain’s wholesale terrestrial broadcasting market.

Building an alternative nationwide network of transmission and retransmission sites would require substantial investment, creating a significant barrier to entry for potential competitors. Alternative operators also remain heavily dependent on infrastructure controlled by Cellnex.

Under the existing regulatory framework, Cellnex is required to provide competitors with co-location and interconnection services at its broadcasting sites under conditions and prices regulated and supervised by the CNMC.

Cellnex has, however, proposed a series of commitments that could replace some of the current regulatory obligations.

These include maintaining third-party access to its infrastructure and introducing a five-year price stability mechanism, with subsequent adjustments linked to Spain’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The proposal would also relax certain obligations concerning accounting oversight and transparency, while retaining the reference offer governing access to broadcasting sites.

The CNMC’s review comes at a time of significant technological change for Spain’s terrestrial television sector, as the country prepares for a further transition towards DVB-T2 and Ultra-HD broadcasting.