(LC, Jun 23, 2008) - Listeners report Radio Maria double modulation AM-DRM raeching as far as Portugal. The last and only Italian Short Wave transmitter operates from Andrate, North-West Italy and was recently renovated. Sporadic-E propagation is giving a new opportunity to long distance recption but the trasmitter is part of an experimental service for local purposes on 26 MHz.

At 1359-1630 UTC on 12 June Carlos Gonçalves in Portugal (quoted by dxldyg
via DX LISTENING DIGEST) tuned in the station in AM.
Simulcast operates in AM on 26000 KHz and DRM on 26010kHz. Powered with 250 W, the transmitter was inaugurated just a few days before, when engineer
Claudio Re (I1RFQ) reported transmitter producer Digidia, Irte and Radio Maria had signed a deal concerning further developments on digital and analog broadcasts on short wave.
Radio Maria, a catholic network, welcomes reception reports at: qsl@radiomaria.org

After the closing down of RAI Short Wave transmitters last September, the Radio Maria facility is the only SW transmitter operating from Italian territory. Vatican Radio transmitters are in extra-territorial areas belonging to the Vatican City State.
The 26 MHz band has also been chosen by Rai and Vatican Radio for a joint experimental service to develop digital broadcasting in densely populated areas in Italy.