There are a number of costs that a service provider will incur to broadcast on a DAB multiplex.
Multiplex Capacity
Multiplex capacity fees vary from multiplex to multiplex. These depend on the operator, the coverage area and the demand for capacity.
Potential stations choose the capacity level that they wish to use to broadcast.
There are two types of ways to broadcast – DAB or DAB+. Historically in the UK stations broadcast using the regular flavour DAB, this meant that stations that broadcast in stereo used 112k/bits or 128 kbit/s and stations in mono used 80kbit/s or 64kbit/s. Today you often see heritage commercial broadcasters and the BBC using this regular flavour DAB.
The newer flavour DAB+ allows you to use less space to broadcast a similar sounding radio station. Most DAB+ stations in the UK now used 32kbit/s, though you will see some at 40kbit/s or 48kbit/s and a few at 24kbit/s.
In the UK, digital radio started quite early, so some radios (including the famous Pure Evoke 1) can only pick up regular flavour DAB, whilst most radios from the past 15 years and nearly all car radios can pick up both DAB and DAB+.
This is the reason that some of the heritage stations continue to use regular flavour DAB – they want to ensure that all radios can pick them up. Generally when new stations launch nowadays they used DAB+. Also in places where there’s a lot of demand – like the national multiplexes – we’ve seen most stations convert from DAB DAB+. This means the cost can be cheaper for the station, but also the multiplex can squeeze more stations in.
Multiplex operators generally set their pricing based on the capacity that you require – so 48kbit/s would cost around double that of 24kbit/s.
Pricing
Each multiplex sets their own pricing. It is up to them what they charge, but they have to charge each potential customer a similar amount for a similar service.
Small scale multiplexes have to, by law, publish a rate card on their website. It’s expected that the commercial multiplexes will have to do this later in 2026. One commercial operator, MuxCo, already publishes its pricing on its website.
Music Licensing
A multiplex operator will expect you to have the right music licences for your station.
PRS for Music licenses the musical composition side of music. That covers songwriters, composers and music publishers.
For a radio station, PRS licensing covers:
- Songs you play on air
- Theme music, jingles and beds
- Music used in features or programmes
- Music simulcast online with your DAB output
PPL licenses the sound recording itself. This pays record labels and performers for the specific recording you play. More on the PPL licence.
PRS and PPL work together, but they represent different rights. You need both if you broadcast recorded music.
Other Costs
There is a one off application fee of £250 to apply for a DSP licence from Ofcom, and an annual licence fee of £100.
Getting on DAB Digital Radio: Background – The Stages – The Costs