Capital Radio, Chrysalis Radio and UBC Media Group are set to launch the world's first electronic programme guide on Monday.

It can be used free of charge by owners of digital radio sets, which are equipped with small screens traditionally providing basic information such as the name of a song currently playing.

The electronic programme guide will give consumers a rich experience which will completely transform radio listening

Simon Cole, UBC Media chief executive

But the new guide will allow the screens to reveal much more.

Listeners will be able to browse programming schedules, choose which programmes to listen to or record and read extra information about artists and concerts.

UBC spent 18 months developing the guide. Other broadcasters who want their programme details listed will have to buy a licence from UBC.

The service has a potential audience of 22.5 million, which includes the current number of people in the UK with access to digital radio and those who intend to get it.

UBC Media chief executive Simon Cole said the new programme will provide listeners with "a rich experience which will completely transform radio listening".

Better sound

Digital radio provides improved sound quality and a more extensive selection of programmes.

It is far easier to use than traditional radio, does not suffer from interference and as you travel around in a car there is no need to keep retuning.

The screen of the Evoke radio is too small for the new guide

It is considered the future of radio in the UK because the government plans to switch off the current system.

But the high price of digital sets has slowed the technology's spread.

Last year saw high street prices range from around �349 to �1200 for in-car and �450 to �2300 for hi-fi systems.

The launch earlier this year of a �99 model has seen it grow. There are now 28,000 back orders for the Evoke set.

The Evoke will not, however, be able to use the new electronic programme guide because its screen is too small.