A broadcast company has submitted an application to Ofcom to establish a new DAB multiplex, 24 hours before the deadline.

Cumbria.Digital's submission, made on July 17, included a series of documents and a license application fee.

The proposed DAB multiplex would serve Carlisle, Penrith, and surrounding areas.

If approved, the company aims to kickstart the platform by early 2025, using transmission sites in Carlisle and Penrith.

The new multiplex could offer up to 20 new radio stations for the area.

These could include community and local stations, as well as national and specialist stations.

In line with Ofcom's requirement that the company reserve capacity for a minimum of four community services, Cumbria.Digital plans to reserve capacity for up to six.

Jonathan Davies, director of Cumbria.Digital, said: "I would personally like to thank Eden FM, Cumberland Radio, Love Carlisle, and Penrith Town for their support.

"We look forward to working with them to bring their new and existing radio services to DAB in the local area, alongside other local, national and specialist stations hoping to join the Carlisle and Penrith community through Cumbria.Digital.

"This has been a five-year journey for us, awaiting legislative and regulatory developments to catch-up with our plans.

"With Ofcom's approval, Cumbria.Digital aims to unlock the potential of local digital radio capabilities to match other parts of the UK and also put us at the forefront of what DaB can do."

The company also shared plans to establish two media hubs containing studio facilities for community stations as well as collaborative broadcasting facilities.

It is hoped that the facilities will enable collaborations and partnerships to form with schools and universities, to create educational media opportunities for students.

Mr Davies said: "We believe this initiative could be a catalyst for further opportunities locally and across Cumbria.

"Radio has a rich history of driving innovation and economic growth, from the early days of regular programming in the Netherlands in 1919 to the BBC's launch in 1922.

"We aim to continue this tradition."

Cumbria.Digital's plans also involve exploring the additional data capabilities of DAB.

There is potential to work with local councils and service providers in applications such as real-time bus service updates at rural stops and in-car traffic information.