A small-scale DAB digital multiplex in East Devon marks the 100th to be launched under Ofcom’s nationwide roll out of this innovative technology.
Small-scale DAB provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves.
ExeDAB, which is run jointly by commercial station Radio Exe and community broadcaster Phonic FM, is the 100th small-scale DAB multiplex to launch since the first service went live in December 2021. It brings a variety of additional digital radio services to the towns of Honiton and Sidmouth, including Devoncast Radio and Sid Valley Radio.
Paul Mercer, Ofcom’s Director of Broadcast Licensing and Programme Operations, said: “The small-scale DAB programme was designed to help grassroots community broadcasters, specialist music stations, and services for minority and other underserved populations to take to the digital airwaves. Today’s launch of the 100th multiplex marks another major milestone meaning that even more listeners can benefiting from local, diverse content, as well as boosting the local economy.”
Paul Nero, managing director of Radio Exe, said: “We are honoured that we’re the hundredth service to go live, with ExeDab's extension into more towns and villages in East Devon. It shows what can be achieved when commercial radio partners work with upstanding community services.”
Rolling out small-scale DAB to four more areas
Ofcom has also today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for four more areas across the UK. Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, the successful applicants are as follows:
- Armagh: licence awarded to NIDAB Limited
- Derby: licence awarded to Derby DAB Limited
- Guildford & Woking: licence awarded to Woking Aldershot and Guildford SSDAB Limited
- Weymouth, Dorchester & Bridport: licence awarded to Wide Digital Limited
Consulting on coverage change for Torbay
Separately, Ofcom is also consulting on a request by TorDAB Ltd to change the area to be served by the Torbay small-scale radio multiplex service.
We are minded to approve this request, subject to responses to our consultation, which must be submitted by 5pm Wednesday 8 April.