Tower DAB to apply for four multiplex licences in Scotland

Tower DAB is setting its sights on four small-scale DAB multiplexes in Scotland following its bid for one in Blackpool earlier this year.

The company, run by Spencer Pryor, will submit applications for East Fife; Berwickshire and Roxburgh (Scottish Borders), Inverclyde and Stirling & Falkirk.

All four bids will be made in conjunction with local partners.

Spencer Pryor, MD of Tower DAB commented to Radio Today: “Each of these areas has its own unique merits and we aim to bring robust and realistic transmission plans to each of the areas from the smallest and simplest, East Fife to the technically challenging huge area of the Scottish Borders which will require a large Single Frequency Network.

“As the previous licencee of YOUR Radio whose FM licences are the basis for the Inverclyde polygon, we have had plans in place for Inverclyde since 2019. However, at the time of the first round applications all of my team were under contract to Nation Broadcasting and we were not able to submit an application.

“When the licence for Inverclyde was surrendered by Nation Broadcasting we immediately expressed our interest to OFCOM to get the licence readvertised as we believe we have very workable proposals to bring DAB radio to Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde and the Cowal.

“Regarding the Scottish Borders, I was the person that mooted a Scottish Borders licence to OFCOM during the consultation period and whilst I was on the Trial Multiplexes working parties we looked at this area as one of the last major ‘white areas’ on the DAB map of the UK. Even though there are three major A roads running through the large area, there at present is just nothing to listen to!”

Plans are well advanced, however if any potential DSP stations want to be considered for carriage on any of the multiplexes then contact Tower DAB through their website before Sunday 9th October.