The process, launched with an ad in the national press today (19 January), invites established and new radio brands to launch on the Digital One multiplex.
Currently, Planet Rock is the only national commercial DAB-only station. Last year, commercial DAB was hit by the closure of a host of digital stations, such as theJazz, The Arrow and Channel 4's planned DAB venture.
Last December, the Digital Radio Working Group mapped out the future provision of digital radio in the UK. And a reorganisation of the way DAB radio is licensed is expected.
Digital One said that DAB capacity is available on its multiplex for mainstream stations, as well as more specialist channels. For example, it said proposals based on plays, books and comedy content "would be welcome", as well as other speech or music formats with consumer appeal.
It is also reviewing its charges for DAB capacity to lure in new DAB stations.
Glyn Jones, Digital One acting chief executive, said the company is "looking hard" at how Digital One can offer lower carriage costs.
He said: "We're expecting that prices will initially be set below Digital One's 2008 rate card. One reason for that is to help provide an incentive for people to invest in high- quality services."
Although he stressed that, over time, companies providing new services will be expected to contribute to costs.
He added: "In turn, we're expecting that [industry players] with the ambition to launch new national radio stations in 2009, will step up and engage with a view to adding compelling new choice for consumers."
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