Switchdigital Appoints VDL as its new Transmission Services Provider

Switchdigital has agreed a deal with VDL to provide transmission services for the London 2 DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) multiplex for a period of 12 years from June 2012.

London 2 is London's largest DAB multiplex broadcasting a diverse range of digital radio services to more than 11 million people.  Included in the agreement with VDL is an extension of coverage, with the installation of a new transmitter at the BT Tower, which will provide improved indoor reception for DAB radio listeners in Central London.

The Switchdigital London decision to move to VDL’s transmission services provision for its second 12-year licence period introduces competition to the DAB transmission market at a time when a number of multiplex operators are considering licence renewals, the launch of new multiplexes and the expansion of coverage in preparation for analogue switch-off.  Signing the agreement at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (The IET), Savoy Place, London, on 23rd January 2012, Piers Collins, Director, Switchdigital London, said: “We have been very impressed with VDL’s fresh approach, value for money and desire to work with Switchdigital as a strategic partner.”

Yannick Andre-Masse, VDL’s CEO: “For VDL, the establishment of a presence in the UK digital radio transmission market represents an important strategic extension of the company’s existing FM and digital transmission network operations in France and Belgium.”