Minister switches on more of Suffolk to DAB
The Minister for Digital and Culture and Matt Hancock pushed the button to switch on four new digital radio transmitters that will expand DAB coverage in Suffolk.
Mr Hancock pressed the digital radio switch at 9:30 today (October 7) at a special event at Ixworth CEVC Primary School near Bury St. Edmunds. The new transmitters bring local DAB radio stations to over 425,000 Suffolk listeners for the first time, as well bringing a new station to the county, Suffolk First.
Mr Hancock said: “It’s great to see the continued rollout of DAB digital radio across the UK. Suffolk is served by a good variety of local stations, and I’m delighted that a further 425,000 listeners across Suffolk will now be able to hear these important and well-loved stations on digital radio.”
Robert Hughes, managing director of Hughes Electrical, added: “This is great news for digital radio listeners and as Suffolk’s leading electrical retailer, with 13 shops across the county, we’re ready to help our customers and make sure they can enjoy the local stations on DAB digital radio.”
The new transmitters will increase local coverage of DAB services to 82 per cent of Suffolk households. The Government, BBC and commercial radio are working to build a further 182 local DAB transmitters by the end of the year, which will extend coverage to more than 91 per cent of the population.
Ford Ennals, chief executive, Digital Radio UK, said: “Suffolk has a great variety of local digital stations, so it’s great news that a further 425,000 listeners will now be able to enjoy all their favourite local stations on DAB digital radio for the first time, as well as new stations broadening choice.”
- Pictured above L to R: Jessica Wood (student), Pip Whiteside (teacher), Ethan Doman (student), Minister Matt Hancock, Freya Lyddiat (student)
