Small-Scale DAB Multiplex Launches in North London

Described as the largest SSDAB multiplex in the United Kingdom, U.DAB in North London has now launched with 26 stations.

The multiplex has been operating for years in a trial mode with three transmitters. Its founders started with “Trial London,” a test of the concept of a “small-scale” multiplex, in 2015.

“What was supposed to be nine months, ended up being 10 years,” they state on their website.

Small-scale DAB is a technology intended to provide a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music services to broadcast on terrestrial digital radio to a relatively small geographical area, according to the website of regulator Ofcom.

U.DAB applied for the full-time North London license in 2023 and was awarded it a year later.

“The trial relaunched as the full-time North London multiplex in December 2025, expanding to six transmitter sites from the original three.”

They said in the announcement that the fully licensed multiplex now covers 4 million adults across North and Central London. “The resulting improved coverage, and increased audience, will provide a far better listening experience for the wide range of radio stations carried on it.”

U.DAB Ltd. is a consortium whose shareholders include Audessence, Sammy Jacob, Solar Broadcasting, Muxnet and Community Stations Reprezent, Rinse, Resonance, Nagrecha Radio, The Beat and Rainbow Radio.

The organization said it has capacity to add a few more services. (Here’s a list of stations currently heard there.)

U.DAB says it seeks to give opportunities in particular to community and smaller broadcasters, who get “significant” discounts on the cost of participating.

“The scale of the multiplex, the largest of its kind in the country, means we also host commercial broadcasters keen to reach large numbers of listeners.”

Founder Martin Spencer was quoted in the announcement, “It has taken significant time and effort to finally achieve this, and the steady commitment of those many stations that have remained with us over the years is much appreciated.”

[See a U.DAB coverage map.]