Insights Ofcom invites applications for third round of small-scale DAB multiplex licences

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Applications have opened for the third round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for 25 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves.

Ofcom says that the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of around 200 multiplexes, covering all four UK nations. Ofcom expects these to broadcast a range of radio services, ranging from grass-roots community services to specialist music stations, and services aimed at minority groups and other under-served audiences.

Last month, listeners in areas in North-East England were the first to benefit from this revolution in local radio as a host of new services took to the airwaves. Ofcom has now opened licence applications in the following areas:

  • Bedford;
  • Belfast & Lisburn;
  • Coventry;
  • Darlington & Bishop Auckland;
  • Dundee;
  • East Hull;
  • Leicester;
  • Lincoln;
  • Llandudno & Betws-y-Coed;
  • Middlesbrough & Redcar;
  • Milton Keynes;
  • North Aberdeen;
  • Nottingham;
  • Oxford;
  • Rutland & Stamford;
  • Shaftesbury & Blandford Forum;
  • South Aberdeen;
  • Swansea;
  • Swindon & Marlborough;
  • Taunton;
  • Warminster, Devizes & Trowbridge;
  • West Hull;
  • Wetherby & Harrogate;
  • York; and
  • Yorkshire Coast.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 25 April 2022. Ofcom has also updated its guidance for applicants.

Ofcom also announced the 27 licence areas that it plans to advertise in the fourth round of applications to open in the second half of 2022:

  • Anglesey & north Gwynedd;
  • Ards Peninsula;
  • Banbury & Bicester;
  • Bath & Midsomer Norton;
  • Boston, Spalding & Skegness;
  • Bristol (north);
  • Derby;
  • Doncaster;
  • Durham;
  • East Fife;
  • Glenrothes & Kirkcaldy;
  • Kendal & Windermere;
  • Kintyre, Islay & Jura;
  • Newport & Chepstow;
  • Newry;
  • North Buckinghamshire;
  • North Pembrokeshire;
  • Northampton;
  • Peterborough;
  • Plymouth;
  • Scottish Borders (eastern);
  • South Pembrokeshire;
  • Southampton;
  • Stirling & Falkirk;
  • Torbay;
  • Wakefield, Castleford & Dewsbury; and
  • Wolverhampton

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