About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.

Internet-based services

As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone

Media use and attitudes

Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.

Online safety

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm

Phones and broadband

Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services

Post

Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.

Spectrum

You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.

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We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
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If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.

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Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
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- Ofcom may be able to help you complain about or report issues relating to: phone, broadband and postal services; TV, radio and on-demand programmes; interference to wireless devices; or something you have seen on an online service, website or app.
- The types of complaint Ofcom deals with
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- You need a licence from Ofcom if you’re looking to use certain radio equipment (like amateur or ships radio), or broadcast on TV or radio.
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Cymraeg

Lady on radio HERO 09.04.26

Rolling out small-scale DAB to five more areas

TV, radio and on-demand Digital radio News and updates News

Published: 9 April 2026

Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for five more areas across the UK.

Small-scale DAB is an innovative technology which provides a low-cost way for local commercial, community and specialist music services to take to the digital airwaves.

So far over 100 multiplexes have launched, supporting a wide range of hyperlocal digital radio services broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK.

Following a competitive process, where each applicant was judged against specific criteria, multiplex licences have been awarded for the five areas as follows:

Ballymena: NIDAB Limited
Barnsley: Barnsley Community Media
Lincoln: Maxxwave Limited
South West Fife: C.I. Broadcasting Limited
South West Sussex: West Sussex Digital Radio Limited

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Ofcom announces further awards in sixth wave of small-scale DAB licensing

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Ofcom invites applications for seventh round of small-scale DAB licences

Applications have opened for the seventh round of small-scale DAB radio multiplex licences for 29 areas across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Hundreds of new local stations take to the digital airwaves

Ofcom has today published a progress update on its small-scale DAB roll-out across the UK over the past 3 years, with 115 licences awarded and 64 new multiplexes so far launched.

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