Digital radio boost for Shropshire as Ofcom greenlights new Wrekin transmitter

This move marks a major milestone in the rollout of small-scale DAB technology, which is designed to provide a more affordable route for local and community-focused stations to reach listeners on digital platforms.

The Wrekin transmitter, a prominent landmark that already serves as a critical telecommunications hub, will host the new equipment to ensure robust signal coverage across the heart of the county.

The new transmitter will see a new broadcast aerial mounted on the existing mast, and will provide high-quality digital reception to Telford, Shrewsbury and surrounding areas.

Professional Wireless Communications company Maxxwave Ltd has been licensed by Ofcom to run the new transmitter. The company already owns and operates other DAB transmitters across the country.

Wrekin transmitter set to expand local radio choice

Shropshire Live is among the key broadcasters proposing to use the new transmitter to reach its audience. By securing a presence on this new multiplex, Shropshire Live aims to solidify its position as a dedicated local voice, offering news, entertainment, and information tailored specifically to the people living and working in the area.

Small-scale DAB differs from national or regional multiplexes by using innovative, lower-cost technology to cluster smaller radio stations together. This approach has been widely praised by industry experts, allowing independent broadcasters that might otherwise be priced out of the market to compete alongside larger commercial networks.

For listeners in Telford, Shrewsbury and surrounding areas, the arrival of the new Wrekin transmitter promises a much wider variety of choice on portable and car radios.

Work on the installation is expected to progress over the coming months as the multiplex operator Maxxwave coordinates with Ofcom and the existing site infrastructure.