MUMBAI: The next phase of the BBC's digital radio network expansion plan will bring a further two million people into the coverage area with an additional 162 transmitters.

This will extend and improve coverage of the BBC's national radio stations on DAB from 93 per cent to 97per cent of the UK population by the end of 2015.

The latest transmitters to launch bring digital radio to Church Stretton in Shropshire, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge and Birch Vale in Derbyshire and Machynlleth in North West Wales. Thanks to the improvements in the Church Stretton area, listeners will also enjoy improved coverage of the A49.

These transmitters bring 16,000 households into the BBC's national coverage area and improves digital radio reception for a further 42,000 households.

Digital radio listeners can tune into the BBC's portfolio of digital only stations including 1Xtra, 5 live sports extra, 6 Music, Radio 4 Extra and the Asian Network as well as the BBC's existing national radio stations - Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5 live and the World Service – and enjoy the benefits of digital radio with more choice and improved sound quality.

Garazi Goia, the BBC's Acting Director of Distribution, says: "The BBC has been committed to digital radio since its launch and we are delighted to announce the continuing build out of our next phase of coverage giving listeners the opportunity to enjoy improved coverage".

DAB digital radio brings the listener more choice, improved sound quality, no re-tuning and extra information on broadcasts. To receive the BBC's digital radio services, listeners will need a DAB digital radio and have to live within the DAB coverage area.