Ofcom has today announced the first ever awards of small-scale radio multiplex licences.
Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music stations to take to the airwaves.
Last year, Ofcom set out how they will license small-scale DAB and invited applications for a first round of multiplex licences.
Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, licences have been awarded in five areas:
Derry/Londonderry to Foyle DAB Limited
Glasgow to Nation Digital Investments Limited
Salisbury to Muxcast One Limited
Tynemouth & South Shields to Mux One Limited
Welsh Valleys to GTFM (South Wales) Limited
Find out more about the awarded licences here.
The application submitted by Muxcast Four Limited for the Tynemouth & South Shields licence area was withdrawn by the applicant prior to a licence award decision being made, so was therefore not considered for this award.
Further licence awards for the remaining 20 areas advertised in Round One will be announced over the coming weeks.
Given the ongoing impact of Covid-19 restrictions, Ofcom now expect to advertise a second round of small-scale multiplex licences in the North West of England and North East Wales on Tuesday 1 June.