Regulator redraws map for future FM and DAB licences

It’s bad news if you were hoping for a new FM commercial radio licence in the future but good news if a better small-scale DAB mux is on your wish list.

Ofcom wants to prioritise small-scale DAB and community radio licensing in a new proposal.

The regulator has launched a consultation on its strategic approach to broadcast radio licensing as the UK rollout of small-scale DAB nears completion.

The proposals focus on requests for new small-scale DAB multiplex areas, further local DAB multiplexes where there is demand and available spectrum, and coverage improvements from existing small-scale operators.

Ofcom also suggests a more flexible approach to the 40% overlap rule for small-scale DAB where there is significant public benefit, while maintaining a general presumption against greater overlap.

New FM community radio licence rounds are under consideration, particularly in rural or underserved areas, alongside continued renewals and technical changes for existing analogue services.

However, Ofcom does not intend to offer new local commercial analogue licences and says there is no additional spectrum available for further national FM services or DAB multiplexes.

The consultation is open until 8 April 2026, with current licensing priorities remaining in place while responses are reviewed.

Ofcom says it wants to prioritise:

• requests to advertise new SSDAB multiplex areas;
• requests to advertise further local DAB multiplex licences in areas where there is both obvious demand and frequencies are available;
• applications from existing SSDAB multiplex licensees to improve or extend the coverage of the multiplex;
• a more flexible approach, where appropriate, in our application of the ‘40% ceiling’ regarding SSDAB;
• consideration of application rounds for new FM community radio licences;
• applications for renewals and extensions for commercial and community analogue licences;
• applications from existing commercial and community analogue licensees for technical changes;
• support for ongoing licensing programmes which are already being undertaken; and
• continuing to provide ongoing support for incumbent licensed services.