Phase Three For Digital One

Digital One has announced the rollout of the third phase of its transmitter network and has expressed its hope that the BBC will match the commercial sector’s commitment to the success of the platform.

Twenty new transmitters will be added to the network during this phase, bringing coverage beyond the licence commitment of 85% to nearer 90% within four years. Coverage with the current 50 transmitters is around 80% (see Digital Radio Reaches 80% Coverage). The new areas covered will include Devon, East Anglia, Cambridge, parts of Essex and Scotland, Carlisle and Cornwall.

In contrast, the BBC’s national digital multiplex reaches only 60% of the population and is yet to announce plans regarding expansion.

Quentin Howard, chief executive of Digital One, said: “We have led by example with seven new and innovative digital radio stations, an aggressive transmitter coverage programme, and the development of low cost digital radio receivers because we believe wholeheartedly in the digital future of radio listening.”

If Tessa Jowell announces her decision on the BBC’s digital future at the Royal Television Society conference next week, as anticipated, she is expected to give the green light to five new national digital radio services.

Howard continues: “Should the DCMS award these new services to the BBC, I would welcome their renewed enthusiasm for digital radio. The BBC will soon have every reason unconditionally to promote digital radio to its analogue audience, and this, for the good of digital radio as a whole, has been a crucial missing piece in the jigsaw to date.”

Digital One: 020 7288 4600 www.ukdigitalradio.com

Subscribers can access ten years of media news and analysis in the Archive