British Media Group UBC says a trial of its digital radio music download service ended with 83% of participants saying they wanted to use a DAB mobile handset in the future.

At a presentation to analysts in Birmingham, UBC Media told the audience that participants in the trial bought seven tracks a week on average at 1.25 pounds per track.

There were 100 participants in the July trial involving DAB digital simulcasts of GCAP Media PLC unit Chrysalis Radio’s 100.7 Heart FM service.

UBC says 46% of the participants listened to the 100.7 Heart FM digital simulcast service for a least an hour a day, and 84% were very satisfied with ease of use and audio quality.

Approximately one quarter of the songs downloaded were current hits, with the remainder being classic oldies.

Digital radio downloading appealed strongly to women, especially those not used to downloading music.

UBC Media Group will announce plans for the full consumer launch of the service later this year.