The Authority began advertising new licences for the development of independent radio in January 1991. Since then, it has awarded three national licences and 157 new local radio licences (including 17 regional licences), which means that there is currently a total of 272 radio stations. The Authority has also licensed one 'additional service', and around 4,400 short-term restricted service licences (for temporary low-powered radio services). It currently licenses around 69 satellite and 11 cable services, and 116 long-term restricted service licences for stations serving non-commercial establishments such as hospitals and universities. The first (and only) national commercial digital multiplex licence was awarded to Digital One in October 1998. Since then, the Authority has awarded 46 local digital multiplex licences and continues to advertise new local multiplex licences.

More information

• Analogue radio

• Digital radio

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		• Contact • Publications Archive

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Revised: November 21, 2003 .