Ofcom is to advertise two new local DAB multiplexes to cover Cumbria and North Lancashire. One is designed to cover the Morecambe Bay area, with the second to cover North & West Cumbria and Southwest Scotland.
No indication has yet to been given as to which stations will be carried, but capacity is likely to be reserved on both for BBC Radio Cumbria. Heart North Lancs is also likely to be carried on the Morecambe license, along with Smooth Lake District. The North Cumbria/South West Scotland is likely to carry CFM, and may also carry Westsound FM and BBC Radio Scotland.
This step gives an indication that there are plans for a digital switchover for radio, as Cumbria is one of the last areas to gain a local DAB multiplex.