Ofcom, the UK media regulator, announced that it will conduct trials of small-scale DAB technology with about 60 stations around the country this summer. The regulator granted 10 trial licenses to radio multiplexes around the UK for the nine-month tests.
The small-scale DAB technology was developed by one of Ofcom’s senior engineers, and it could reduce the financial burden of digital broadcasting by relying on open-source software rather than expensive programs. “Ofcom is helping unlock the potential of this new approach and, if it proves successful, millions of radio listeners could benefit right across the UK,” said Peter Davies, Ofcom’s director of content policy.