Arqiva completes DAB platform upgrade
August 7, 2026 12.32 Europe/London By Julian Clover


Arqiva has completed the migration of the UK’s commercial digital radio infrastructure onto its new Central Coding & Multiplexing System.

The multi-year programme covers all 62 DAB multiplexes and more than 1,000 radio services, creating a more centralised and resilient platform for commercial digital radio. So-called small-scaled DAB multiplexes are often run by community radio groups.

The new Arqica system consolidates infrastructure previously spread across 13 locations into two centralised sites. Arqiva says the CCMS estate now occupies seven equipment racks, reducing hardware, power and cooling requirements.

Annual electricity consumption has fallen from around 1,324 MWh to 168 MWh, an 87% reduction, while estimated carbon emissions have been cut from about 173 tonnes of CO2e to 22 tonnes. More than 300 studio encoders, over 200 decoders and more than 100 racks of legacy equipment are being decommissioned and recycled.

Dom Wedgwood, Chief Technology Officer at Arqiva, said: “Digital radio remains a critically important platform for broadcasters and listeners across the UK, and this programme represents one of the most significant transformations of our radio infrastructure in recent years.

“Completing the migration of all 62 multiplexes and more than 1,000 services onto our new platform strengthens the resilience and future-readiness of the UK’s DAB network, while delivering substantial improvements in efficiency and sustainability.”

The upgrade comes as digital listening continues to dominate UK radio consumption. According to RAJAR’s Q2 2026 figures, total digital platforms accounted for 75.5% of all radio listening hours, compared with 24.5% for AM/FM. DAB remained the largest single platform with a 42.7% share, while online listening accounted for 30.3%, including 18.7% via smart speakers and 11.6% through websites and apps. Total radio weekly reach stood at 51.1 million adults, or 86.6% of the UK adult population.