Four regional DAB multiplexes to close in 2013 to allow for better local DAB

As part of the plan to upgrade DAB system, the operator of four regional radio multiplexes plans to close them next year, to release the frequencies for conventional radio coverage areas.

^{Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV 24th July 2013 at 00:00}

The government's radio switchover strategy incorporates a plan to match the DAB coverage of local radio stations (both BBC and commercial - see Ofcom - Annex B. Local DAB build-out plans) with that currently provided on FM (see Ofcom - Maps).

To do this, the regional multiplexes will be closed and their frequencies used to do a large-scale replanning, incorporating a new one called 5A.



MXR will close the following multiplexes:

• 29 July 2013: 12C/Severn Estuary DAB multiplex
• 29 July 2013: 12C/North East DAB multiplex
• 27 August 2013: 12A/West Midlands DAB multiplex
• 24 September 2013: 12C/North West DAB multiplex

When complete, the new plan looks like:



Diagram from Ofcom - An approach to DAB coverage planning.

Originally published on 26th September 2012 at 16:24