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 that provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves.
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 grassroots 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.
Licence applications from the following areas have been invited for Round 3:
- 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
- Yorkshire Coast
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 25 April 2022. Ofcom has have updated the guidance for applicants.
The following 27 licence areas will constitute the fourth round of small-scale radio multiplex licensing that Ofcom currently plans to advertise 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
- Wolverhampton