Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
What is DAB+?
DAB+ is an upgraded version of the technology used to bring...
When is digital switchover happening?
Digital listening is increasing steadily as more listeners are discovering the...
Why are we transitioning to digital radio?
FM is full and has reached the limit of its capabilities...
Coverage
There is no DAB coverage in my area, will this change?
Almost 400 new national and local DAB transmitters have been built...
Is the reception the same all over the UK?
No, the reception you get depends on the coverage in your...
Can I get local stations from other parts of the country?
As it is a terrestrial transmission system, you can only receive...
Can I get DAB digital radio anywhere in the UK?
Digital radio coverage in the UK is 98% for BBC national...
Can I get DAB digital radio anywhere in the UK?
Digital radio coverage in the UK is 98% for BBC national...
Satellite Radio
What is the difference between DAB and satellite radio?
DAB digital radio is a terrestrial-based system, which means the services...
Sound Quality
What about DAB sound quality in-car?
Radio listening in-car is extremely popular accounting for around 24% of...
Is DAB sound quality better than analogue?
DAB provides a listening experience without the hiss, crackle, fading or...
Multiplexes
Who owns the multiplexes?
You need a licence to own a multiplex. Ofcom advertises licences...
What is a multiplex?
A multiplex is a block of frequencies containing radio and data...
Secondary Services
What is a Secondary Service and how do I tune in?
Flexibility within the DAB system means that secondary services can be...
Text
What is Text?
All DAB digital radio receivers come with a small screen. This...
Presets
Why does my radio sometimes lose its pre-set stations?
Some DAB radios have a backup battery that powers a memory...
Delayed Transmission
Why is there a delay between analogue and DAB radio?
If you have the same station playing on two radios, one...
Mobile Phone
Can I get DAB on my smartphone?
The world’s first smartphone with a DAB/DAB+ tuner built in was...
Retailers
Where can I buy a DAB radio?
DAB digital radio receivers are stocked by more than 8,500 retailers...
Abroad
Can I listen to my in-car DAB radio abroad?
Digital radio is growing across Europe and many European countries now...
Can I take my DAB digital radio abroad and still listen to the same stations?
No. DAB digital radio is a terrestrial technology using land-based transmitters....
Can I receive stations from America or other countries on my DAB receiver?
No. Unlike satellite radio or internet radio, DAB radio is land-based...
Aerials
Will I need an additional aerial to listen at home?
Your digital radio hi-fi tuner will come with an indoor aerial,...
Do I need a new aerial for my car?
Yes. Many existing FM aerials are ‘helically wound’. A helically wound...