BBC National DAB is a digital audio broadcasting multiplex in the UK, for a number of radio stations which have UK wide coverage.
The multiplex is owned and operated by the BBC and is transmitted from a number of transmitter sites across the country; it only carries BBC radio stations.
As of the end of 2017, more than 97% of the UK’s population are within reach of the multiplex following the completion of the switching on of a fourth set of new transmitters over the previous two years which had seen the reach increase from 93%. Any further expansion of DAB radio is awaiting a decision by Government on any possible digital radio switchover.
There is currently no information on when or if BBC National DAB will change to DAB+.
Part-Time Services
The BBC National DAB multiplex makes extensive use of dynamic ensemble reconfiguration to allow a number of part-time services to broadcast. While these additional services are on air the bitrates of (one or more of) BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, and data services are reduced.
BBC Data Services
Digital radio text is the scrolling information that is broadcast along with the audio content on DAB. This can be dynamic programme information, an email address or phone number for a particular show, news headlines and sports results – and on some music networks ‘now playing’ track information. Some of the latest DAB products can pick up a broadcast EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) which provides free, useful information programme information for up to 7 days in advance prior to broadcast, allowing users to record a particular show automatically – or even an entire series of programmes.
BBC National DAB Transmitters
The link below lists information on all of the transmitter sites that broadcast the BBC’s UK-wide digital radio multiplex.
BBC National DAB includes radio services such as BBC Radios 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Live, and digital-only services like BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 4 Extra, BBC Radio 1Xtra.
Please note that BBC Local Radio services in England and services for the Nations (Radio Wales, Radio Scotland, Radio nan Gàidheal, Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle) are not carried on BBC National DAB, and instead can be found on local multiplexes around the UK.
See: Help Receiving TV And Radio (BBC)
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| BBC National DAB Mux | ||||
| Updated: 26 February 2020 | ||||
| Station | Service ID | Bitrate | Audio | Audio Quality on DAB |
| BBC Radio 1 | C221 | 112-128 kbps | Joint-Stereo | Lower audio quality than on FM |
| BBC Radio 2 | C222 | 112-128 kbps | Joint-Stereo | Lower audio quality than on FM |
| BBC Radio 3 | C223 | 160-192 kbps | Joint-Stereo | Similar to FM quality |
| BBC Radio 4 | C224 | 80-128 kbps | Joint-Stereo & Mono | Lower audio quality than on FM |
| BBC Radio 5 Live | C225 | 64-80 kbps | Mono | Much lower than FM-quality |
| BBC 6 Music | C22B | 112-128 kbps | Joint-Stereo | Lower audio quality than on FM |
| BBC 1Xtra | C22A | 112-128 kbps | Joint-Stereo | Lower audio quality than on FM |
| BBC Radio 4 Extra | C22A | 80 kbps | Mono | Much lower than FM-quality |
| BBC Asian Network | C236 | 64 kbps | Mono | Much lower than FM-quality |
| BBC World Service | C238 | 64 kbps | Mono | Much lower than FM-quality |
| BBC Guide | E1C79E5E | 16-32 kbps | Data | N/A |
| Block 12B: 225.648 MHz Allotment: G__90001 UK BBC Operator: BBC Coverage: National |
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