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UK regulator Ofcom said a trial of small-scale DAB radio stations and has proven successful. Local and community stations can transition from AM and F< to digital radio by using freely-available software and equipment costing from GBP 9,000. Ofcom has been testing small-scale DAB since June 2015, with 70 local stations broadcasting on trial licences around the UK.

Hundreds of local digital radio stations could start broadcasting across the UK in future, after Ofcom completed successful trials of a ground-breaking technology. The new technique, known as ‘small-scale DAB’, allows local and community stations to hit the airwaves using freely-available software and equipment costing from £9,000.

Local radio stations could begin broadcasting nationwide after Ofcom completed “highly successful” trials of a low-cost DAB system. The regulator’s director of broadcast licensing Neil Stock said: “This technology could open up a new, local dimension in digital radio. We’re confident that a UK wide roll-out of these stations would be technically possible and commercially viable.

The new Minister of state for Digital and Culture, Matt Hancock, has told delegates at the Radio Festival that proposals for deregulation of radio will be put forward before the end of the year. Mr Hancock said: “There are multiple opportunities for deregulation, balanced with the continued need for provision of news and locally-focussed content. It’s essential listeners can get these services on these new platforms.”

At the IBC in Amsterdam a few weeks ago, something was announced that could change all that - which rejoices in the acronym OMRI. OMRI - the Open Mobile Radio Interface - is intended to be a standard way for app developers to be able to communicate with an FM, or DAB+, chip inside the phone. It’s a standard API, and it opens up the possibility of radio apps being much smarter.

This is a great, simple, radio with unfussy and easy controls. It looks great and feels well-built. It's probably the best budget radio that Pure have ever built in terms of simplicity and ease of use. The colour screen offers much potential. For its current Argos price of £49, it's unbeatable value.

The Numan Two 2.1 internet radio comes with CD player, USB port, Bluetooth and WiFi module and DAB+ tuner. The DAB+ tuner also ensures a good, rich sound.

FM-only radio receivers could be taken off the shelves entirely in Germany after 2019, if the Culture Committee of the Federal Council’s recommendation is taken into effect. The Culture Center wants the sales of FM only radios to be stopped after 2019 to increase the uptake of DAB/DAB+ radios.

DAB+ launched in Germany 5 years ago and Ralf Reynolds, Head of Sales, Germany, at Roberts Radio reflects on the growth of digital radio. He said " We see DAB + as a continuation of a great history and at the same time as a trigger for even more variety and flexibility. In the future, people can individually use their radio and put together their own personal soundtrack from regional, national or international channels, podcasts, and streaming music."

The infotainment system is upgraded in this model to the Uconnect NAV with an integrated navigation system and a seven inches (17.8 cm) large touch screen that receives DAB+ digital radio channels.