Frequently Asked Questions

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There are two main types of Ofcom licence used on SSDAB multiplexes:

• DSP (Digital Sound Programme) Licence
   
  • For commercial and larger-scale services.
     
  • Allows you to broadcast on any DAB or SSDAB multiplex in the UK.
     
  • Typically used by stations operating on a for-profit basis or aiming for wider distribution.
     
  • Subject to Ofcom’s standard broadcast regulations and fees.
     
• C-DSP (Community Digital Sound Programme) Licence
   
  • Designed for community radio stations operating on a not-for-profit basis.
     
  • Can only be carried on the local SSDAB multiplex that covers the community the station serves.
     
  • Usually comes with reduced licence fees compared to DSP.
     
  • Services must meet Ofcom’s requirements for community benefit, accountability, and local focus.
     

In short:

• DSP = flexibility and wider reach (commercial or larger operations).
   
• C-DSP = local, community-focused, not-for-profit services.
   

If you’re unsure which licence is right for your service, we recommend reviewing Ofcom’s guidance or speaking to us directly for advice before applying.

Bitrate (kbps) is the amount of data your station uses — higher bitrates mean better sound quality. Capacity Units (CU) are how space is measured on the multiplex.

• 32 kbps (24 CU): efficient, good for speech or mixed content
   
• 40 kbps (30 CU): balanced quality, popular with music stations
   
• 48 kbps (36 CU): higher quality, ideal for music-heavy stations
   

In short: the higher the bitrate, the better the audio, but it uses more multiplex space.

For information please visit the OFCOM website

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/digital-radio/advertisements/

Yes. We have helped write and secure licences for services. Please email us for more information.

- Please fill out the carriage application form (available to download) via the link in the menu.

- Email completed form to info@dabbroadcast.com making sure you enter Radio service Name and name of multiplex you are applying for in the subject field. If the form is not completed correctly the form will automatically discarded.

- If and when your application is successful we will be in touch

- Once successful the carriage agreement will be sent for signature

- Once carriage agreement is signed, the technical form will need to be completed and any payments outstanding made

- Once all relevant documents and payments are received, we aim to onboard the service within 5 working days. Although we cannot guarantee a specific onboarding date, if you have a specific date in mind please let us know.

There is due process that needs to be followed (which may vary multiplex to multiplex). Carriage on a multiplex may take up to 15 days on average (subject to thresholds being met, all appropriate forms being signed / completed and payments made) Capacity available on the multiplex does not mean guaranteed carriage. 

We are unable to complete the form on your behalf. Please communicate with a responsible manager/ IT department in your organisation if you are unable to complete.  

A Service Identifier Data code is a unique code assigned to your station by Ofcom. As the multiplex operator we are able to request this from Ofcom on your behalf. 

Late payment charges are as per contract. Please ensure payment is made by the due date on the invoice to avoid late payment fees/charges. All payments are allocated to the oldest outstanding invoice.

We do not currently offer this facility. Payments should be made via transfer / standing order before the due date displayed on the invoice to avoid late payment charges.

No — none of the multiplexes listed on our website are VAT registered, which means VAT is not added to any carriage fees or service charges. The price you see is the price you pay.

This makes carriage more cost-effective for programme providers, as there’s no additional VAT to factor in on top of the agreed fee.

If the VAT status of any listed multiplex changes in the future, we’ll ensure service providers are notified promptly.

The logo should be provided in high resolution 600x600pxl format. 

A logo is a design or symbol representing and making it easy for customers recognition of a company. The definition of a logo does not include contact information, however we will accept as a general rule, a website address and/or frequency details.

Please resubmit a new technical data form.

SSDAB (Small-Scale DAB) services are designed to cover specific licensed areas. Within those areas, reception quality can vary depending on a number of local factors such as terrain, building density, receiver quality, and whether you are listening indoors, outdoors, or in a moving vehicle.

We regularly monitor our transmission networks to ensure they are performing in line with Ofcom’s licensed coverage obligations. However, it’s normal to find that reception may be stronger in some parts of the licensed area than others.

If you experience reception issues, we recommend:

• Checking that your radio is DAB+ compatible and fully up to date.
   
• Performing a full rescan on your receiver to ensure you are tuned correctly.
   
• Trying reception near a window or at a higher point in your home.
   
• Using an external aerial if your receiver supports one, especially in cars or built-up areas.
   

As SSDAB is a developing platform, coverage areas may evolve and improve over time. We always welcome listener feedback to help us monitor performance and identify potential areas for optimisation.

Yes — and it’s one of the smartest moves you can make as a small-scale DAB (SS-DAB) multiplex operator. By joining our platform, your multiplex is instantly visible to broadcasters and service providers looking for carriage opportunities — without the hassle and cost of setting up your own website.

We offer a simple option to suit your needs:

• Listing Only – Your multiplex is added to our site alongside others, giving you instant visibility. All enquiries come directly to you, keeping you in control while saving you time and money.
   

Why use our website instead of building your own?

Ofcom requires SS-DAB multiplex operators to publish:

• A current rate card of your carriage fees.
   
• An up-to-date list of services (DSP and C-DSP) carried on your multiplex.
   
• Public contact details for your licence holder.
   

Most operators pay for web hosting, design, and maintenance just to meet these obligations. By listing with us, you meet these requirements at a fraction of the cost — no website build, no hosting fees, and no technical headaches.

With us, you get compliance, visibility, and credibility in one place — all while saving money and freeing up your time.

We are sorry to hear you are considering this. Please refer to the signed carriage agreement/ cancellation clause for the respective multiplex.