By Emmanuel Oluebube, Correspondent UK
Ofcom has announced its 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, we set out how we 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
The application submitted by Muxcast Four Limited for the Tynemouth & South Shields licence area was withdrawn by the applicant prior to a licence award decision being made, so was therefore not considered for this award.
Award statements for these licences will be published shortly.
Further licence awards for the remaining 20 areas advertised in Round One will be announced over the coming weeks.
Round Two multiplex advertisements
Given the ongoing impact of COVID-19 restrictions, Ofcom says it now expects to advertise a second round of small-scale multiplex licences in the North West of England and North East Wales on Tuesday 1 June.
