Ofcom DAB switchover coverage planning proposals

Ofcom has recently published some details of how the DAB network can be improved to match the coverage of the current FM network.

^{Brian Butterworth published on UK Free TV 30th June 2011 at 10:23}

The proposals cover the most pressing needs for the DAB network:

• provision of local radio DAB for those areas with no current coverage
• coverage of both homes and in-car use
• the addition of a new block (5A) that will allow the local radio blocks to expand to fill the "editorial" coverage areas to match the current FM areas
• the use of 99%/99% DAB prediction for indoor home reception, and normal car use.

Of particular interest are:

• FM current coverage maps and tables which show maps for the current BBC local radio and largest commercial local radio for each "editorial region".
• Local DAB build-out plans that show the expected coverage for each DAB area after various plans have been implemented.

Ofcom is asking for responses using this online form: Responding to the DAB Coverage Planning consultation by 5pm on 14 September 2011.