This section reflects some of the questions that we get asked most regularly about DAB digital radio. We've designed the website to be a comprehensive source of information, but if you're looking for a quick answer to a specific question, we hope you'll find it listed below.

Coverage

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• How can I get better reception?

  We suggest you try our top tips for reception.

• Can I use my DAB digital radio abroad?

  Countries have their own policies about the development of DAB digital radio, and you can find out more about the status of each country by visiting the website for WorldDMB.
  
  However, digital radio can be broadcast on two different bands: Band 3 (used in the UK) or L band (used in some other countries). Most radios sold in the UK only allow you to pick up Band 3 and so would not pick up foreign stations in countries using only L band to broadcast, although it is possible to buy a radio that can receive both Band 3 and L band. But, even if your digital radio works abroad, you won't be able to pick up UK stations there.

• Can I listen to UK stations abroad?

  Unfortunately your digital radio will not be able to receive UK stations abroad. DAB digital radio uses land-based transmission and so signals from the UK do not reach other countries. UK stations are also licensed to broadcast on DAB digital radio in the UK only and therefore not able to broadcast abroad.

• Can I pick up stations from outside my local area?

  By entering your postcode in our coverage checker, you will get a list of stations that you should be able to receive in your area. Some local stations broadcast in several parts of the country but normally they will only be licensed to broadcast in their local area, so Newcastle radio will not be available in London.
  
  Your local retailer should also be able to provide you with further information about the digital radio stations available in your area.
  

• My area soon switches to digital TV. Does radio switch at the same time?

  No. The government programme switching everybody to digital TV will not stop analogue radio broadcasting as normal. For details about how the work required for TV switchover is affecting radio please click here
  
  The Government has recently started considering a switchover for radio. Read more about it in our article here.

• When will analogue radio be switched off?

  The Government has just started considering plans for a radio switchover, which could be completed by the end of 2015. Find out more about it by clicking here.

• Will I need a new aerial?

  Most DAB digital radios come with an aerial, but it's wise to check before you buy.
  
  Handheld digital radios usually feature either a standard telescopic aerial or the aerial will be built-in to the headphones.
  
  In-home digital radios usually feature a telescopic or wire aerial - if you live within the coverage aera then this is usually sufficent to pick up a signal. If you are receiving a clear signal then there's no need to install an external aerial.
  
  In-car receivers usually come with a whip aerial (which is in addition to any FM/AM aerial you may need).

• How can I get better reception on my handheld DAB digital radio?

  Generally, handheld DAB digital radios require a more robust signal to perform as well as an in-home receiver.
  
  Getting good reception on small personal products is still a significant challenge as this type of product usually has to have the aerial concealed within the headphone cable. As such, the products often need a strong signal in order for them to work reliably.
  
  Keeping the headphone untangled and fully extended and holding it slightly away from your body helps the aerial in the headphone cable and can help improve your reception.

• What should I do if I live in an area with marginal coverage?

  Reception in-home can be improved by installing external or loft mounted aerials. Prices for these start from approx £20, but they do need to be installed by an expert.
  
  For more information, contact the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd) - 01923 803030.

• Why have I had poor reception at specific times?

  Occasionally transmission is affected by planned maintenance work that is carried out at transmitter sites. You may notice that a service is temporarily lost or signal strength is reduced for a short time. We list details of all the planned work for our network on our website.
  
  Additionally, the preparation work for digital TV switchover is impacting on digital radio transmission, for more information click here.

• Will you improve coverage in my area?

  We are responsible for broadcasting the national commercial digital radio stations, which are currently available to over 90% of the population. We are continuing to increase our coverage and you can see details of our current transmitters and future transmitters in this phase of our development.
  
  The BBC has its own network of transmitters for broadcasting national services and this currently reaches about 85% of the UK population. If you have a query about their coverage, please call their helpline on 08700 100 789 or visit their website.
  

• Why are some DAB digital radio stations broadcast in stereo and others in mono?

  Sometimes it's to allow more services to be broadcast. But it can also be a commercial decision, as capacity for a mono channel costs less than a stereo station.

• Where can I find information about DAB digital radio frequencies?

  Most DAB digital radios automatically scan and store the stations that are available, so you shouldn't really need to use the manual tune. In most cases, the manufacturers include that facility for consumers living on the very edge of a coverage area, in case they wish to manually tune whilst trying to position an external aerial.
  
  Entering your postcode in our coverage checker will give you a list of the stations that are available in your area.
  
  Should you require further information about licensed areas for DAB digital radio, the regulator, Ofcom, should be able to help you on 020 7981 3040 or visit their website.

• Where can I find out more about aerials?

  For more information about installing external aerials please call the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) on 01923 803030.

• Why is there a time delay between digital radio and analogue radio?

  Digital broadcasts lag behind those on FM because the processes used in sending information are different. Some stations such as Classic FM have made a special effort to delay their analogue signal to make any time delay less noticeable.
  
  There is also a difference between some digital radios - some take longer to process the signal, particularly those that can rewind.