[cma-l] Ofcom announces trials to help small stations join digitalradio

David Duffy david at theradiopeople.co.uk
Wed Feb 25 01:23:03 GMT 2015 

Hi Nick et al

Re your initial clutch of questions.  I’ve been looking at this today as we’ve already been contacted by a group with similar questions who want us to write their licence application.  

The trial is open to community, commercial, internet services and 'potentially new entrants to the market'.  Ofcom’s assessment criteria however is quite clear; 'we will favour those applications that include a range of services, for example, a mix of community and commercial services’. So prepare to buddy-up!

As for what constitutes a community service? 

Ofcom’s definition is 'any service provided by a licensed community radio broadcaster, whether that is a simulcast or another type of service; and any service provided by a not- for-profit internet-only broadcaster.’ All other services are considered ‘commercial’ services, including: services provided by a licensed commercial broadcaster; and any service provided by an internet-only broadcaster that is profit-distributing.

However, remember you will need to apply for and pay for a DSPS or DAS licence (£250+£100).


David Duffy
The Radio People



Email:        david at theradiopeople.co.uk <mailto:david at theradiopeople.co.uk>

Website:    www.theradiopeople.co.uk <http://theradiopeople.co.uk/>

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> On 24 Feb 2015, at 17:44, Canalside's The Thread <office at thethread.org.uk> wrote:
> 
> Sorry about this chaps …. I did say I would rest for a week, but I have just seen this. We wouldn’t mind avin’ a dabble here.
> Is this open to Community Radio as in small Local or does small Local include whoever wishes to call themselves small local ?   and, is it now a free-for-all for anyone wanting to have a go ?    ie:- internet Stations who are not on FM ……will they get preference or will existing Community licence holders get a chance to go digital.
>  
> Also, if everyone does end up on DAB, does that not open the door for the DCMS to flick the FM switch to ‘off’  ??   or will this never happen ?
>  
> I’m not rocking Boats here, I’m just looking for some clarification.
>  
> How much is low cost ?              come on tecky chaps, we’re in your ball park area now.
>  
>  
>  
> I did however fall off my chair laughing when I read the next bit                         see below
>  
>  
>  
>  Radio interference
> 
> Since the operation of a new system may cause interference to existing users, you or your supplier may consider it necessary to carry out compatibility tests before you apply for your licence. Once installed and operating, your system must not cause undue interference to any other wireless telegraphy equipment. If it does, you may need to stop operating until the cause of the interference has been rectified. Ofcom cannot offer any protection against interference radiated by other authorised services, or by industrial, scientific and medical equipment; however, if you do experience interference, please contact the Ofcom Licensing Centre on 0300 123 1000        
>  
> the last bit should read        ‘’However, if you do experience interference, please contact the Ofcom Licensing Centre on 0300 123 1000 and they firstly tell you what you already know, not give you a logical explanation as to why it can’t be tweaked and will do absolutely sod all about it’’      J       LOL
>  
> Tongue in cheek of course ……………funny though, If we didn’t laugh, we’d go nuts
>  
> Please advise … is anyone else having a DABble ?   pardon the pun
>  
> Nick
>  
>  
> From: cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk <mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk> [mailto: <mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk>cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk <mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk>] On Behalf Of CMA-L
> Sent: 24 February 2015 10:11
> To: cma-l at commedia.org.uk <mailto:cma-l at commedia.org.uk>
> Subject: [cma-l] Ofcom announces trials to help small stations join digitalradio
>  
> Ofcom has today confirmed plans <http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/consultations/small-scale-dab/statement/Small_scale_DAB_trials_statement.pdf> for trials of a new technology that could provide small radio stations across the UK with an affordable way to broadcast on DAB digital radio.
> 
> Known as ‘small scale DAB’, the new approach is best suited for broadcasting to small geographic areas, ideal for community and local radio stations.
> 
> Small scale DAB is cheaper than current systems because it is uses software freely available from opendigitalradio.org <http://opendigitalradio.org/>, rather than relying on often expensive hardware equipment.
> 
> Ofcom is planning up to ten UK trials which will help inform Ofcom’s work on identifying suitable frequencies for broadcasting smaller digital stations and help understand how these services could be licensed.
> 
> The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is funding Ofcom’s work on how small stations could access DAB digital radio.
> 
> Ofcom is today inviting applications <http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/radio/digital/small-scale-trial-multiplex-licensing/Application_form.rtf> to take part in the trials, which are expected to run for nine months. The deadline for applications is 3pm on 7 April 2015.
> 
> A news release <http://media.ofcom.org.uk/news/2015/small-scale-dabradio/> is available on Ofcom’s website.
> 
> \\
> 
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