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Ofcom to invest more in local DAB radio

Ofcom
Ofcom

Hundreds of local digital radio stations could start broadcasting across the UK in future, after Ofcom completed successful trials of a ground-breaking technology.

The new technique, known as ��small-scale DAB�۪, allows local and community stations to hit the airwaves using freely-available software and equipment costing from �9,000.

Previously, these stations have broadcast on analogue AM and FM, but have been held back by the higher cost of broadcasting on the UK�۪s Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio platform.

Ofcom has been testing small-scale DAB since June 2015, with 70 local stations broadcasting on trial licences around the UK.

Ofcom�۪s final report today shows that these trials were highly successful. The technology worked well, and the stations co-ordinated effectively with the multiplex licensees.

The trials also suggest there is significant demand from smaller radio stations to use DAB.

Neil Stock, Ofcom�۪s Director of Broadcast Licensing, said, ���This technology could open up a new, local dimension in digital radio. We�۪re confident that a UK wide roll-out of these stations would be technically possible and commercially viable.

���Our trials have enabled groups of community and local commercial radio stations to work together, enabling new stations to serve local communities right across the UK.”