Ofcom approves 4Digital launch delay

Ofcom has approved a delay in the launch of the second national commercial DAB multiplex.

The 4Digital Group has been told to provide new plans to the regulator by the end of the summer. The operator's original licence terms committed it to launching at least eight stations by early July.

"Ofcom has allowed 4Digital Group to delay the launch of its national radio multiplex licence beyond the original July 2008 launch date," Ofcom said.

"However, Ofcom has not yet agreed a revised launch date and has asked 4Digital Group to provide updated plans, including new timings, by the end of the summer for Ofcom's approval."

An apparent lack of demand for carriage on the existing Digital One national commercial multiplex is thought to have made Channel 4 and other partners wary.

They are said to be looking at initially broadcasting some of the stations planned by 4Digital, including Channel 4's E4 Radio, on Digital One.