Cumbria.Digital has decided not to proceed with its Carlisle and Penrith small scale DAB multiplex after reviewing its long-term viability.
The company says significant economic, geopolitical and technological changes since it applied for the licence in July 2024 have changed the broadcasting environment, with the licence subsequently awarded by Ofcom in April 2025.
Cumbria.Digital says listener behaviour has also continued to evolve, with relatively low uptake of DAB+ devices locally and increasing use of smart speakers, mobile devices and online platforms.
The company had planned to use revenue from commercial stations carried on the multiplex to subsidise access for community broadcasters, including existing community stations in Carlisle and Penrith.
However, rising energy, business rates and broadcast equipment costs, combined with reduced demand from commercial broadcasters, have made the infrastructure financially unsustainable.
A spokesperson said: “This has been an extremely difficult decision for us. We invested a considerable amount of time and effort into developing the Carlisle and Penrith multiplex and genuinely believed that there was a sustainable future for small scale DAB in Cumbria when we submitted our application in 2024.”
The company says it is now putting its focus into developing its online broadcasting platform and launching its own station as an online service.
“We still believe there is a future for local digital broadcasting in Cumbria. We just believe that, at this point in time, the best way to build that future is online rather than through a DAB network,” the spokesperson added.
Cumbria.Digital says its online platform will provide a shared digital home for radio stations serving Cumbria, while encouraging new community led broadcasting initiatives.
The company will also continue monitoring emerging technologies, including the potential future role of 5G broadcasting.
