Arqiva Completes Major Transformation of UK Digital Radio Infrastructure

Arqiva has completed a major transformation of the infrastructure supporting commercial digital radio across the UK, migrating all 62 DAB multiplexes and more than 1,000 radio services onto its new Central Coding & Multiplexing System (CCMS).

The new platform is designed to provide a more resilient, efficient and future-ready foundation for digital radio, while reducing operational risk and supporting the development of new services. The project has consolidated infrastructure previously spread across 13 locations into just two centralised sites.

The transformation has also delivered significant efficiency and sustainability benefits. The new CCMS estate occupies just seven equipment racks, reducing hardware, power and cooling requirements. Annual electricity consumption has fallen from approximately 1,324 MWh to 168 MWh, representing an 87% reduction, while estimated carbon emissions have dropped from around 173 tonnes of CO₂e to 22 tonnes.

As part of the programme, more than 300 studio encoders across 75 sites and more than 200 decoders across over 100 network distribution sites are being decommissioned and recycled through certified partners. More than 100 racks of legacy equipment are also being removed.

Arqiva said the investment strengthens the resilience and future-readiness of the UK's DAB network while creating a more robust platform for the radio services relied upon by broadcasters and listeners across the country.