OFCOM Licensing Plans for small-scale DAB

Local radio listeners will be able to tune into new stations following measures announced by Ofcom.

Ofcom is setting out how they will license ‘small-scale DAB’, an innovative technology which will provide a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the digital airwaves.

Small-scale DAB will expand local digital radio coverage and ensure that listeners will be able to tune into a diverse range of radio services across the UK, on the Digital Audio Broadcasting platform which now accounts for 40% of the UK’s radio listening.

Ofcom will advertise licences for small-scale DAB in batches, starting with 25 local areas across the UK, including five where trials are already underway. The second round will be for north west England and northeast Wales.