[cma-l] Extension of 10 small-scale DAB radio trials

[CMA-L]

Ofcom has proposed to further extend the licences of the 10 trial
small-scale DAB multiplexes.

The trials, which started in 2015, have proven to be successful. There are
currently around 150 community and small commercial radio services
broadcasting digitally on the 10 trial multiplexes. By further extending
the trials, these radio services will continue to be available to listeners.

Ofcom will also be able to continue gathering useful information from the
trials, to help inform the development of a framework to enable small-scale
DAB multiplexes and services to be licensed throughout the UK under a new
licensing regime, on a non-trial basis.

All the current trial small-scale DAB multiplex licences will eventually be
replaced by competitively awarded licences under the new licensing
framework. Ofcom expects that interested parties will have the opportunity
to apply for a small-scale DAB multiplex licence in 2019, depending on the
timeframe of the new legislation. At that stage, all interested parties,
including the current trial licensees and those not taking part in the
trial, will be invited to apply and demonstrate how they think they meet
the statutory criteria for this new framework.

Ofcom proposes to extend the trial licences until 31 March 2020, but with
the option to terminate the licences at an earlier date in the event that a
non-trial licence in the same area has been awarded and the service is
ready to launch. During this period, no new trial licences will be awarded.

Ofcom has started the licence variation process with the individual trial
multiplex licensees. Their current licences will expire between 30 April
and 29 August 2018 if they are not extended. There is no new funding from
Government or Ofcom to support trial licensees with on-going running costs.

If you have any questions, please contact smallscaleDAB at ofcom.org.uk.

DCMS letter requesting extension of trials (1 March 2018) (PDF, 164.3 KB)
<https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/111894/DCMS-letter-requesting-extension-of-small-scale-DAB-trials.pdf>

Source
<https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radio-broadcast-licensing/small-scale-trial-multiplex-licensing>
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Community Media Association
http://www.commedia.org.uk/
http://twitter.com/community_media
https://www.facebook.com/CommunityMediaAssociation

Canstream Internet Radio & Video
http://www.canstream.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/canstream
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