West Suffolk Multiplex
West Suffolk SSDAB
A proposed small-scale DAB+ multiplex bringing affordable digital radio to Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Mildenhall, Brandon, Lakenheath and surrounding West Suffolk communities.
Population
~136,640
Area
1,312 km²
Block
8B
Technology
DAB+
Proposed coverage map
The map below shows the predicted coverage footprint for the West Suffolk multiplex.
Proposed coverage only. Proposed coverage only. Coverage shown is predicted and indicative. It is subject to Ofcom licensing, final technical approval, and transmitter site agreements. Actual coverage may differ from that shown.
Why West Suffolk needs SSDAB
Bringing digital radio to rural and market town Suffolk
A large rural area with no local DAB
West Suffolk covers over 1,300 km² but has no small-scale DAB multiplex. Residents in Bury St Edmunds, Thetford and Mildenhall have no access to locally-produced digital radio content.
Diverse communities with distinct needs
From Thetford's Portuguese-speaking community to Mildenhall's US military base, West Suffolk has a uniquely varied population that would benefit from targeted local and multilingual radio services.
Supporting rural and market town voices
National and regional DAB stations rarely reflect the concerns of rural Suffolk. SSDAB would give local broadcasters a platform to serve communities that are currently invisible on digital radio.
Enabling new entrants to DAB
Small-scale DAB dramatically lowers the cost of digital broadcasting. For community groups, charities and independent stations in West Suffolk, SSDAB is the only realistic route onto DAB+.
Communities covered
Towns and areas within the footprint
Bury St Edmunds
West Suffolk's principal town, with a population of around 45,000. A historic market town with a thriving arts scene, Bury St Edmunds is the natural hub for a West Suffolk DAB multiplex and has no dedicated local DAB service today.
Thetford
A growing town of around 25,000 on the Norfolk–Suffolk border, with a large and diverse community including one of the highest proportions of Portuguese-speaking residents in the UK. SSDAB could support multilingual and specialist services here.
Mildenhall
Home to RAF Mildenhall and a significant American military community alongside its local Suffolk population. Mildenhall has a unique demographic that would benefit from targeted local and specialist radio content on DAB+.
Brandon
A small market town on the edge of Thetford Forest, serving a rural community in the Breckland area. Brandon sits within the proposed coverage footprint and would gain access to local DAB radio for the first time.
Lakenheath
Home to RAF Lakenheath, one of the largest US Air Force bases in Europe, alongside a local Suffolk community. Lakenheath falls within the proposed West Suffolk SSDAB coverage area.
Red Lodge & Ixworth
Growing villages within the West Suffolk coverage area. Red Lodge sits between Mildenhall and Newmarket; Ixworth is a large village north of Bury St Edmunds — both within the proposed footprint.
Thurston & Elmswell
Two of West Suffolk's fastest-growing villages, lying east of Bury St Edmunds along the A14 corridor. Both fall within the proposed West Suffolk SSDAB coverage area.
Newmarket
Newmarket sits outside the Ofcom advertised polygon but is shown on our coverage maps as a potential coverage addition, subject to technical feasibility and Ofcom approval. The global home of horse racing has a passionate and distinctive community. Final coverage will depend on transmitter site, power, antenna height, terrain and Ofcom approval.
Interested in broadcasting on West Suffolk DAB?
Register your interest now and we'll be in touch as the licensing process progresses. There's no commitment at this stage.