What is DAB?
​DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. It is a digital radio service broadcast from a network of transmitters across the UK.
It uses digital technology which enables the packaging together of several radio stations in one frequency; this is called multiplexing. It's an efficient way to provide lots more radio stations using fewer radio frequencies.
History
DAB officially launched in the UK in 1990, and now accounts for 39% of listening. DAB is the platform with the biggest share of radio listening, higher than FM, AM, Smart Speakers and apps.
As analogue listening diminishes, the Government plan to turn off AM and FM services. At the moment, this is estimated to be around 2030. By that time, almost all listening will be digital, and radio stations will have transferred to DAB.
The UK has a network of transmitters covering nations and regions, but the cost of this network meant smaller stations could miss out on the technology. So, in 2015, Ofcom proposed small-scale DAB to cover much smaller geographical areas to help keep costs low for smaller broadcasters.
Trials of the technology have been running since 2015 and have been successful. Ofcom now plan to roll-out the technology across the UK, in areas such as East Manchester.
East Manchester DAB are licenced to provide a platform for broadcast in our approved area, which includes Rochdale, Oldham, Ashton, Denton, Royton, Chadderton, Miles Platting, Gorton, Shaw, Werneth, Heywood, Middleton, Dukinfield, Failsworth, and other major connurbations in East Manchester. A estimated population total of 506,464.