On March 11, 2024, the 50th small-scale DAB multiplex in the United Kingdom went on air from Clee Hill in Shropshire, England.
British broadcast regulator Ofcom began its first round of small-scale DAB licensing in April 2020; since then it has conducted five rounds of tenders with a sixth round planned for April 2024.
Muxnet UK, which works with local broadcasters and community groups to help them launch small-scale DAB multiplexes, marked the milestone 50th multiplex launch by noting the rapid pace of deployment of small-scale DAB over the past two years.
“I’m pleased that we’re realizing a belief and a commitment that digital radio could be done better, and more cost-effectively, without compromising existing services or technical quality,” stated Muxnet Technology Lead Nick Piggott. “Small-scale DAB has delivered more innovation in two years than the legacy approach has in the preceding 20. It really is a platform that is accessible to every kind of radio service.”
The Shropshire multiplex license was awarded in January 2023 to Murfin Media (Digital) Ltd. during Ofcom’s fourth round of small-scale DAB licensing. At launch, the multiplex is carrying Sunshine Radio Ludlow; however, other radio stations may join the multiplex. Murfin Media and Sunshine Radio have a common ownership. According to Sunshine Radio, the DAB signal serves listeners in Ludlow and Cleobury Mortimer in southeastern Shropshire, as well as in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.
Muxnet UK noted that the first small-scale DAB multiplex went on air in December 2021. Since then, new DAB multiplexes have been licensed across the country, ranging from large city-based multiplexes bringing tens of new radio stations to listeners to more rural multiplexes, like the one in Shropshire.
“The rate of licensing and build has exceeded the speed of previous licensing initiatives, meaning community and small stations can start their migration from analog to digital at a time where RAJAR shows analog listening decline is accelerating,” the organization stated.
