Ofcom delays national DAB multiplex licence process

From a press release to news@media.info
Posted 3 October 2014, 1.15pm bst

UK media regulator Ofcom has today announced that the closing date for applications for the national radio multiplex licence is now 29 January 2015.

The new national digital multiplex – the airwaves needed to broadcast radio stations – will allow around 10 new national Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio services to broadcast to UK listeners.

This change in the closing date for applications, from 30 October 2014, is to allow a prospective licence applicant sufficient time to obtain information from Arqiva, which owns many DAB transmitter sites.

This is in line with Ofcom’s previous statement that stated that we would consider postponing the closing date to allow sufficient time for an applicant to obtain a Network Access-only reference offer from Arqiva.

A Network Access-only reference offer will provide a price specifically for access to structural components provided by Arqiva – such as sites, structures, buildings, power and antenna systems.

The revised closing date for applications is 5pm on 29 January 2015. The amended notice of advertisement for the licence is published on Ofcom’s website.