Questions and answers

Why isn’t [certain station] available on this multiplex?
NOW Digital operates like a landlord owning a house and renting out the rooms to other people. The ‘tenants’ – the service providers, or radio stations, pay the landlord, the multiplex operator, to broadcast their services.

NOW Digital tries to offer a range of services to that provide listeners significant choice, and cater for different tastes and interests. We also try to ‘simulcast’ existing FM and AM stations that broadcast in local areas. NOW Digital, cannot however force stations to join the multiplexes, it is up to them whether they decide to broadcast on DAB. If there is a station that you would like to hear on a local multiplex, we suggest contacting that station directly and asking why they are not broadcasting to this area on DAB Digital Radio. If they see that there is a demand for their service it may encourage them to join the local multiplex.

Can I receive your multiplex, my postcode is [x]?
The coverage maps on this website will enable you to see if you are within our predicted coverage area. The best way to check what you can receive is to use the postcode checker at www.getdigitalradio.com. NOW Digital cannot guarantee coverage, and local geography can make a difference. Try moving your radio around your house and ensure your aerial is configured in the correct manner. If you are on the edges of the coverage area, a fixed external aerial may help your reception.

Why are some stations at different bitrates to others?
It is the decision of the radio station how much capacity they wish to purchase from NOW Digital, subject to there being enough capacity available. Most UK stations are at 128k joint stereo.

Who owns NOW Digital?
The NOW Digital multiplexes are wholly owned by Arqiva with a few exceptions, where Arqiva are the majority shareholder. The Plymouth and Cornwall DAB multiplexes are owned by South West Digital Radio, a joint venture with UKRD. The Nottingham and Leicester multiplexes (as well as the yet to launch Derbyshire multiplex) are owned by NOW Digital (East Midlands), a joint venture with Sabras Radio and Global Radio. The yet to launch Oxfordshire multiplex is owned by NOW Digital (Oxford), a joint venture with ARI Consultancy.

I have a radio station/internet radio station/RSL/broadcast project - how do I get on a multiplex?
Send us a detailed proposal of your service, with any history and details of the areas you are interested in. The more notice we are given for special events and RSLs, the more likely it is we will be able to help. For more information please visit our 'potential clients' page.

How much does it cost to buy capacity?
It depends on the coverage and the area. We sell capacity on a ratecard system so 128kbps joint stereo will be double the price of a 64kbps mono service, as the 128kbps service will use double the amount of space. For more information please visit our 'potential clients' page. Please note that NOW Digital will not discuss financial or other terms without having first had sight of a completed questionnaire (available from the potential clients page).

Some multiplexes don't have very many (new) services - when will there be more choice?
We would much prefer to operate full multiplexes with loads of new services - sometimes this is what happens. The reality is that sometimes we launch with a small line-up and other services join over the subsequent months. Radio companies often need time to consider the investment of launching in a new area.

As above, we can't force people to join the multiplexes, but we are always happy to talk to potential service providers. If there are any services you would like to hear in a given area, we suggest you contact them directly. If they see there is a demand for their service it may encourage them to join up.

When are you adding the new transmitter in [x] area?
In our licence applications we lay out our transmitter plans for each area, and where we have made commitments to add transmitters, Ofcom will hold us to deliver. Often plans do change: In several cases we have not actually launched with the original planned transmitters, due to planning issues or other obstacles and this can affect what our future plans are. In every instance we are in constant contact with Ofcom and have to gain their agreement before making any changes.

Why can't I get Radio 1/Planet Rock/Classic FM/BBC7/BFBS/ANother?
We only operate the local digital multiplexes in the areas listed on the navigation - if you have queries about national services you'll need to get in touch with either Digital One for national commercial stations and the BBC for national BBC Channels. The postcode checker at www.getdigitalradio.com will be able to provide a list of services available in your area.