Space available
Community stations (C-DSP)
We have room for eligible community services, and we’ll guide you through the Ofcom licence and our contract. Subject to licence, contract and technical checks.
Make a C-DSP enquiryBroadcast with us
What room there is, what it costs, and what we need from you.
Full, waiting list open
DSP stations
DSP capacity is full. Join the waiting list and we’ll be in touch when space becomes available. Subject to licence, contract and technical checks.
Join the waiting listWhat it costs
Carriage covers encoding, multiplexing and monitoring. Prices are plus VAT.
| Licence | Audio quality | Paid yearly | Paid monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-DSP | 32kbps | Not available | Not available |
| C-DSP | 40kbps | £2,400 | £200 |
| C-DSP | 48kbps | Not available | Not available |
| Local DSP | 32kbps | £5,616 | £520 |
| Local DSP | 40kbps | £5,724 | £530 |
| Local DSP | 48kbps | £6,804 | £630 |
| DSP | 32kbps | £6,696 | £620 |
| DSP | 40kbps | £6,804 | £630 |
| DSP | 48kbps | £8,164 | £756 |
All prices are plus VAT and subject to final contract. Monthly pricing is only available when you pay by Direct Debit. C-DSP means a service holding a C-DSP licence from Ofcom for the Manchester and Salford area. Local DSP means a service holding a DSP licence with a permanent studio in our transmission area, producing at least 50% of its content there. All other services pay the DSP rate. DSP services pay a one-month holding deposit, refunded at the end of the contract. Other rates and service types are available by agreement.
Licensing
To broadcast on a radio multiplex you need a licence from Ofcom. Two kinds apply to Manchester DAB:
- C-DSP licence, for community groups based in our coverage area. Ofcom's C-DSP guidance
- DSP licence, for commercially run services. Ofcom's DSP guidance
Both cost £250 to apply for, then £100 a year.
Technical requirements
We ask you to send a fully broadcast-ready audio stream to the input address we give you. If your stream needs work to meet our specification, there may be a charge, and a small administrative charge may also apply.
Our carriage rates cover encoding, multiplexing and monitoring. If your signal needs attention to meet our specification, we can supply a box for a one-off £200.
Why we stay independent
Manchester DAB is a provider of transmission, not a broadcaster. Staying independent means every station we carry is treated fairly and openly, and that's reflected in our trading policy.
Paying
We use GoCardless to collect Direct Debit payments. Once your contract is agreed, set up your Direct Debit mandate.
If you have a question about paying, get in touch.