Regional DAB radio services operated by MXR will start to switch off from July 2013.

According to a report in Radio Today, the regional DAB multiplexes will cease broadcasting next year:

• South Wales/Severn Estuary
• North East England
• West Midlands
• North West England

These regional multiplexes are operated by MXR, which is owned by Global Radio, Real and Smooth, and Arqiva. Shareholders in MXR have decided not to renew the licence to operate regional DAB services. Ofcom has confirm this, and it looks like these regional DAB services will go silent between July and September next year.19 services are currently offered on these multiplexes

We understand that the spectrum used by these services may be made available for additional local DAB services in the future, as part of preparations for the analogue radio switchoff.