Absolute Radio Extra has started testing on Digital 1 today with the title APX TEST, ahead of its first live event.
Content on the national multiplex is currently limited to a rolling preview promo trail, but will kick into action with Aston Villa Vs West Ham coverage next week.
Absolute Radio Extra uses half the bandwidth currently used by Absolute Radio on Digital 1, leaving the main music station with a lower quality service.
In addition to the 32 matches this forthcoming season, Absolute Radio Extra will broadcast full live sets form Paul Weller, Paolo Nutini, Madness and Kasabian from the V Festival on the 21st/22nd of August and Kings of Leon at a future date.
Absolute Radio Chief Operating Officer Clive Dickens said, “The further audience take-up of digital radio needs to be encouraged by exciting unique, exclusive content and appointments to listen. Football, comedy and music are a terrific embodiment of what Absolute Radio stands for – Absolute Radio Extra will offer an exclusive and dynamic national service to complement the existing family of Absolute Radio brands”.
Smooth Radio started broadcasting on the same multiplex earlier this week.