Ofcom have updated their list of future licences to be advertised. The only change is the addition of South Wales where another regional licence is on offer.
Using two FM frequencies, the new licence should cover the area inbetween, and including Cardiff and Swansea. Whilst coverage of Newport is expected to be very limited, it is not specifically excluded from this licence; however, no additional frequency will be available to enhance coverage of the city. RadioToday.co.uk predicts applications from most of the major players in UK Radio – including GCap Media as Xfm, GMG Radio as Smooth FM or RockTalk and Saga as, well, Saga.
The two new frequencies are expected to be 106.8 MHz FM for Cardiff and 107.3 MHz FM for Swansea. The licence will be advertised in August 2006 with an expected award date in early 2007.