BBC National DAB

This page was last updated on 26-03-2026

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 can be found on block 12B.

BBC Local and Nations radio services on DAB radio are transmitted by commercial broadcasting operators. In some areas there is not yet a local DAB service on air, so not every BBC station is currently available on this platform. This is because the BBC’s digital multiplex is already used to full capacity for BBC Network services.

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.

DAB+

The BBC launched its first ever DAB+ music stations, marking a significant milestone in the history of BBC Radio. The three new station extensions from Radio 1 and Radio 3 are the first to be added to the BBC’s music portfolio since 2002 – when the BBC launched 6 Music, 1Xtra and Asian Network. Radio 1 Anthems, Radio 1 Dance and Radio 3 Unwind successfully launched as streams on BBC Sounds, attracting new and loyal audiences, and are now available to listen to on DAB+ radio.

BBC Radio 1 Dance: 24/7 Dance Music from the World’s Biggest DJs
BBC Radio 1 Anthems: All day Anthems from the 00s to Now
BBC Radio 3 Unwind: Classical Music to Unwind Your Mind

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: DAB tuning information

See: Help Receiving TV And Radio (BBC)