BFBS Radio, one of the radio services operated by the British Forces Broadcasting Service, will be added to the Digital One national commercial digital radio multiplex on a trial basis. The music based service is aimed at both service personnel and their families, and the idea of having it on the national digital radio network is that many of those people are actually UK based.
Station controller Charles Foster told reporters: "Our overseas programmes remain a priority for BFBS Radio. But the majority of servicemen and women now have their home base in the United Kingdom, even if they are on regular deployment to operational areas. Our new DAB digital radio service means they'll always be able to keep in touch with family and friends back in the UK wherever they are in the world".
Digital One chief executive Quentin Howard added: "We are delighted to be helping to connect British Forces personnel, their families and other listeners across the country who may share past and present links with the Forces. If this trial proves popular and successful we would hope to be able to make the service permanent".
It is not clear how long the trial is expected to last.