U.K. communications regulator Ofcom began accepting license applications...

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom began accepting license applications Tuesday to run a second national digital audio broadcasting (DAB) “multiplex,” which will allow the launch of about 10 new national DAB services, the agency said. The first DAB multiplex, Digital One, has reached full capacity, as the number of DAB stations available nationally has risen to 14, from four in 2009, it said. It estimated more than a third of U.K. radio listening is done on a DAB radio. Applications will close Oct. 30, when they'll be posted on the Ofcom website for public comment, the agency said. Digital Radio UK, the industry group that promotes DAB adoption, hailed the Ofcom announcement. The new DAB multiplex will “increase the additional station choice on DAB and could lead to further innovation and creativity,” said Ford Ennals, the group’s CEO.