 In the United Kingdom , the roll @-@ out of digital radio is proceeding since engineering test transmissions were started by the BBC in 1990 followed by a public launch in September 1995 . The UK currently has the world 's biggest digital radio network , with 103 transmitters , two national DAB ensembles and 48 local and regional DAB ensembles broadcasting over 250 commercial and 34 BBC radio stations across the UK . In the capital , London there are already more than 64 different digital stations available . In addition to DAB , radio stations are also broadcast on digital television platform as well as internet radio in the UK . Between April 2007 and April 2008 the BBC trialled Digital Radio Mondiale on mediumwave and shortwave frequencies . Digital radio ensemble operators and stations need a broadcasting licence from the UK 's media regulator Ofcom to broadcast . 
