Ofcom, in a statement and consultation document to launch Phase 2 of ‘Radio - Preparing for the Future’ have proposed a new national DAB multiplex licence,

“Ofcom is persuaded that there are strong public policy reasons for making Band III spectrum available to complete the pattern of local multiplex licensing, and to ensure that additional services are available at national level. Ofcom therefore proposes to allocate three blocks in Band III to complete the gaps in local multiplex coverage, and one block for an additional national multiplex, all to be licensed under the Broadcasting Act. ”

During Phase 1 of the consultation there were signs that GCap (who hold the Digital One multiplex) may take legal action should Ofcom look to issue a second national DAB licence. However, there were suggestions in recent weeks that the two sides had reached some kind of compromise. I am sure that GCap are taking a close look at the detail of Ofcom’s proposals.

Naturally, the proposals have been welcomed by other players in the radio industry. AFX reports,

“UBC Media Group PLC said it welcomes the announcement this morning that, subject to consultation, industry regulator Ofcom would expect to begin advertising new national and local radio multiplexes in the UK under the Broadcasting Act in late 2006, for award in early 2007.

UBC has lobbied for this expansion of digital radio spectrum and particularly for its award to be under the Broadcasting Act, it said. The addition of a new national multiplex will add further momentum to the uptake of digital radio, creating an opportunity for new audio, video and data services and UBC said it stands well prepared to benefit from this expansion.”