BBC National DAB

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: DAB tuning information

See: Help Receiving TV And Radio (BBC)

 

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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