The winners of the small-scale DAB licence in Banbury have shelved plans to launch saying the world has moved on and the licence would not be financially viable.
The board of NOxDAB wrote to Ofcom on August 30th 2024 to inform them we will not be progressing plans to launch a DAB multiplex for Banbury, Brackley and Bicester.
The company assessed other operator’s experiences, alongside considering the financial viability of small-scale DAB now in 2024.
They said: “It is clear to us (and evidenced by other multiplexes) there is now far less interest in carriage than there was three years ago, particularly in smaller, more rural areas.
“The chances of a project “washing its face” appear directly linked to maximising the population covered using the smallest number of transmitters. In our area power levels, interference rules and the lie of the land led us to a three transmitter solution which would achieve a population level deemed too low to be attractive to most broadcasters, at the carriage rate which would be required to cover the costs.
“We are also aware that other operators – particularly rural operators – are finding SSDAB not technically robust. Drop-outs within a polygon whilst driving between transmitters is fairly common due to power and height limitations.”
NOXDAB adds that IP listening will probably takeover overtake traditional listening as another reason to hand back its licence.
The statement on noxdab.com adds: “We would like to thank Ofcom for giving us the opportunity.”
Ofcom has confirmed the licence, which was awarded in Round 4, has been revoked, and will consider whether to re-advertise it based on any future expressions of interest.