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

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

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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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Cymraeg

HERO Rolling out small-scale DAB to four more areas

Rolling out small-scale DAB to four more areas

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

Published: 10 December 2025

Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for four 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, 82 multiplexes have launched broadcasting to listeners across all four nations of the UK. In total, the small-scale DAB programme will enable the launch of over 100 multiplexes.

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

Ely & March: licence awarded to Fen Radio Limited
Market Harborough: licence awarded to Creativity Media Services Limited
Wakefield and Castleford: licence awarded to Mid Yorkshire DAB Limited
Wellingborough: licence awarded to Steers Media Limited

Consulting on Cheshire-Mid frequency change

Separately, Ofcom is today consulting on a request by Niocast Digital Ltd to change the frequency upon which the Cheshire-Mid small-scale radio multiplex is broadcast.

We are minded to approve this request, subject to responses to our consultation, which must be submitted by Wednesday 14 January.

Related content

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

Ofcom has today awarded small-scale DAB multiplex licences for three more UK areas. We are also consulting on varying the licence to provide the Newcastle & Gateshead small-scale multiplex.

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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