In an effort to boost demand for digital radio in Australia, the commercial radio networks have put up $7M at an auction to buy excess spectrum capacity.ADNews reports that in Sydney, with up to 12 new audio and data services up for grabs, the successful bidders were Austereo, Supernetwork and Australian Radio Network (ARN).

In Melbourne, Austereo and ARN were also successful, as well as Sport 927, while in Brisbane the successful bidders were Austereo, DMG and ARN. In Adelaide, the winning bidder was Austereo, and the Perth winning bidders were Grant/Capital Broadcasters and Austereo.

Commercial Radio Australia chief executive Joan Warner said the additional spectrum would allow more creative opportunities to introduce programming alternatives for listeners.

DAB+ digital-only commercial radio stations now broadcasting include Novanation, Koffee, Radar, Hot30 Countdown Jelli, Gorilla Super Digi, MY Perth Digital, Hot Country Perth Digital, Mix 102.3 Plus, WSFM Plus, Gold Plus, The EDGE Digital, and Sky Sports Radio 2, together with existing commercial stations simulcast on digital.