NTL To Create Digital Radio Network

NTL is to be responsible for building the national transmitter network for commercial digital radio, which will provide interactive services as well as musical content. NTL part owns Digital One (with Talk Radio and GWR), which was yesterday awarded the national digital radio license by the Radio Authority (see Newsline).

The group will provide all encoding, multiplexing, distribution and transmission for Digital One, with an initial 29 transmitters creating coverage of 70% of the UK ready for launch of the commercial digital multiplex in October 1999.

NTL’s managing director, Jeremy Thorpe, commented: “We’re delighted to be part of this successful team – it’s a major boost for digital radio, both national and local. People are only just beginning to realise the potential of digital broadcasting and we’re all set to bring technology and content together smoothly and seamlessly.”

NTL recently launched an interactive services business, which will provide content over a variety of digital platforms (see Newsline).

NTL: 01926 822 378