Ofcom is inviting applications for a fifth HD channel on Freeview which could appear by April 1 next year.

The regulator said capacity for a new channel has been made avsilable following a reshuffle of TV services and the switch to DVB-T2 and MPEG-4.

The invitation is open to public service broadcasters and the deadline for applications is October 17.  Ofcom said its decision to award a licence will be based on ‘an assessment of how the new capacity will contribute to enhancing the range and diversity of high quality television services available on DTT’.