U.DAB Launches UK’s Largest SSDAB Multiplex in North London

Key Points

• U.DAB North London, described as the largest small-scale DAB (SSDAB) multiplex in the United Kingdom, has officially launched with 26 stations broadcasting across North and Central London.
• The multiplex operated in trial mode for a decade, beginning as “Trial London” in 2015 with three transmitters, far exceeding its planned nine-month duration.
• U.DAB applied for the full-time North London licence in 2023 and received it in 2024 from regulator Ofcom.
• The full-time service relaunched in December 2025, expanding from three to six transmitter sites, now covering 4 million adults.
• Improved coverage promises a better listening experience for stations including community, commercial, and specialist music services.
• U.DAB Ltd is a consortium with shareholders such as Audessence, Sammy Jacob, Solar Broadcasting, Muxnet, and community stations Reprezent, Rinse, Resonance, Nagrecha Radio, The Beat, and Rainbow Radio.
• Small-scale DAB technology enables low-cost terrestrial digital radio broadcasts to small geographical areas, as defined by Ofcom.

North London Gains Largest SSDAB Multiplex with 26 Stations

U.DAB North London has launched as the United Kingdom’s largest small-scale digital audio broadcasting (DAB) multiplex, marking a significant milestone for local radio in the capital. The service, accessible via northlondondigitalradio.com, now features 26 stations serving North and Central London. This full-time operation follows years of trials and expands coverage to reach 4 million adults.

As detailed on the U.DAB website, the multiplex began as “Trial London” in 2015, intended as a nine-month proof-of-concept for small-scale DAB. “What was supposed to be nine months, ended up being 10 years,” the founders state directly on their site. The trial utilised three transmitters before transitioning to a permanent licence.

Ofcom, the communications regulator, describes small-scale DAB on its official website as “a technology intended to provide a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music services to broadcast on terrestrial digital radio to a relatively small geographical area.” U.DAB applied for the North London licence in 2023 and was awarded it in 2024, enabling the relaunch as a fully licensed multiplex in December 2025.

The expansion to six transmitter sites has dramatically enhanced signal reach. In their launch announcement, U.DAB representatives noted:

“The resulting improved coverage, and increased audience, will provide a far better listening experience for the wide range of radio stations carried on it.”

U.DAB Ltd operates as a consortium, with key shareholders including audio specialists Audessence, broadcaster Sammy Jacob, Solar Broadcasting, infrastructure provider Muxnet, and prominent community stations such as Reprezent, Rinse, Resonance, Nagrecha Radio, The Beat, and Rainbow Radio. This diverse ownership underscores the multiplex’s commitment to supporting niche and community voices.

What Triggered the 10-Year Delay in U.DAB’s Full Launch?

The journey from trial to full operation spanned a decade, transforming a short-term experiment into a robust service. Launched as “Trial London” in 2015 with just three transmitters, the project tested the viability of small-scale DAB for localised broadcasting. Founders on the U.DAB website reflect candidly: “What was supposed to be nine months, ended up being 10 years.”

Regulatory hurdles played a pivotal role. U.DAB submitted its application for the permanent North London licence in 2023, securing approval from Ofcom a year later in 2024. This timeline aligns with Ofcom’s rollout of small-scale DAB licensing, designed to democratise digital radio access. The trial phase allowed real-world refinement, building resilience before the December 2025 relaunch.

Expansion to six sites addressed coverage gaps, now blanketing North and Central London. As reported directly from the U.DAB announcement, this upgrade targets 4 million adults, elevating audio quality and reliability for listeners.

How Does Small-Scale DAB Benefit Local Stations in North London?

Small-scale DAB lowers barriers for broadcasters, enabling affordable entry into digital terrestrial radio. Ofcom’s website explains: it offers

“a low-cost route for local commercial, community and specialist music services to broadcast on terrestrial digital radio to a relatively small geographical area.”

For North London, U.DAB’s multiplex amplifies this potential. With 26 stations already onboard, it hosts a mix of genres from community-focused Reprezent and Rinse to specialist outlets like Resonance and Nagrecha Radio. Shareholders such as The Beat and Rainbow Radio exemplify the platform’s support for diverse voices.

The technology sidesteps the high costs of national DAB, focusing on hyper-local reach. U.DAB’s six transmitters ensure stable signals across urban densities, vital for areas like Barnet, Enfield, and Haringey. Launch statements from U.DAB highlight: “The fully licensed multiplex now covers 4 million adults across North and Central London,” promising “a far better listening experience.”

Who Are the Key Players Behind U.DAB North London?

U.DAB Ltd’s consortium model unites expertise and passion. Core shareholders include:

• Audessence: Audio production specialists contributing technical prowess.
• Sammy Jacob: Experienced broadcaster driving content strategy.
• Solar Broadcasting: Focused on innovative radio solutions.
• Muxnet: Handles multiplexing infrastructure.
• Community stations: Reprezent, Rinse, Resonance, Nagrecha Radio, The Beat, and Rainbow Radio, representing grassroots programming.

This lineup, as listed on the U.DAB site, fosters collaboration. Reprezent, known for youth empowerment, and Rinse, a pioneer in electronic music, gain wider terrestrial access. Resonance’s experimental ethos and Nagrecha Radio’s niche appeal thrive alongside The Beat’s rhythmic focus and Rainbow Radio’s multicultural offerings.

The structure ensures equitable carriage fees, benefiting smaller operators. No single entity dominates, maintaining neutrality in station selection.

What Coverage Improvements Does the Launch Bring to Listeners?

Pre-launch trials covered limited zones with three transmitters. The December 2025 expansion to six sites revolutionises this. U.DAB’s announcement states:

“The trial relaunched as the full-time North London multiplex in December 2025, expanding to six transmitter sites from the original three.”

This reaches 4 million adults, spanning North London boroughs like Camden, Islington, and Westminster fringes. Signal strength improves indoors and in motion, crucial for commuters. The U.DAB team emphasises:

“The resulting improved coverage, and increased audience, will provide a far better listening experience for the wide range of radio stations carried on it.”

Ofcom’s framework supports such growth, validating SSDAB’s role in filling FM/DAB gaps. Listeners now access 26 stations without streaming data costs, promoting digital inclusion.

Why Is U.DAB Described as the UK’s Largest SSDAB Multiplex?

Scale defines U.DAB’s primacy. Hosting 26 stations surpasses other small-scale efforts, per its own designation as “the largest SSDAB multiplex in the United Kingdom.” Coverage of 4 million adults—rivaling medium markets—sets it apart.

The decade-long trial honed capacity, unlike nascent multiplexes. Six transmitters optimise urban propagation, a feat unmatched elsewhere. Consortium backing from Audessence to Rainbow Radio enables this breadth.

Ofcom’s licensing prioritises viability; U.DAB’s 2024 award reflects rigorous vetting. As the service matures, it could influence national SSDAB policy.

Which Stations Can North London Residents Tune Into Now?

The 26-station lineup caters to varied tastes:

• Community heavyweights: Reprezent (youth and urban), Rinse (dance and electronic), Resonance (arts and experimentation).
• Specialist services: Nagrecha Radio (Asian beats), The Beat (reggae and soul), Rainbow Radio (multicultural).
• Commercial and niche: Additional slots for emerging voices, as per U.DAB’s carriage model.

All broadcast terrestrially via DAB receivers, free-to-air. The website lists full schedules, urging upgrades for non-digital sets.

What Lies Ahead for U.DAB and Small-Scale DAB?

Future phases may add capacity or sites. U.DAB eyes listener growth post-launch, potentially bidding for adjacent licences. Ofcom monitors SSDAB’s impact, with reviews shaping expansions.

Challenges persist: receiver adoption lags in some demographics. Yet, with 4 million in reach, U.DAB positions North London as a DAB vanguard. Founders’ perseverance—from 2015 trial to 2025 triumph—inspires similar ventures nationwide.

This launch revitalises local radio amid streaming dominance, preserving terrestrial heritage. As Sammy Jacob and partners steer ahead, North London’s airwaves pulse with fresh diversity.