Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions that should help you if you have any problems listening to 973FM. If you have a problem and you can't find the answer, please contact us using the details provided here.
What software do I need to listen to 973FM on my computer?
Any media player that supports AAC+ streaming media (or uses the FFmpeg/FAAD2 decoder) will work.
Popular media players capable of AAC+ playback include:
Foobar 2000 (Windows), iTunes (Windows, Mac), Media Player Classic - HC (Windows), VLC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Winamp (Windows) & many more!
Popular media players capable of AAC+ playback include:
Foobar 2000 (Windows), iTunes (Windows, Mac), Media Player Classic - HC (Windows), VLC (Windows, Mac, Linux), Winamp (Windows) & many more!
Can I listen to 973FM using my smartphone?
Yes. We suggest using OnlineRadioBox, XiiaLive, or TuneIn Radio for all major mobile platforms - just search for '973FM' on the respective directories.
973FM has also been tested on the following radio apps. (listen by adding a custom URL)
iOS: FStream (Free), StreamItAll Radio , HighStereo Player , Tunemark (Paid), Internet Radio Box (Paid)
Android: VRadio, Replaio Radio, ServeStream (Free), Internet Radio Player - mUserTech (Free), Internet Radio Player - VladimirMi (Free), Mini Stream Player (Free)
973FM has also been tested on the following radio apps. (listen by adding a custom URL)
iOS: FStream (Free), StreamItAll Radio , HighStereo Player , Tunemark (Paid), Internet Radio Box (Paid)
Android: VRadio, Replaio Radio, ServeStream (Free), Internet Radio Player - mUserTech (Free), Internet Radio Player - VladimirMi (Free), Mini Stream Player (Free)
Can I record 973FM's stream to listen later?
Yes. Please be considerate and don't hog the stream all-day though, bandwidth costs money.
Here are some programs that allow you record streams: streamWriter (Windows; Free), VLC (Windows, Mac, Linux; Free), RarmaRadio (Windows; Paid), Snowtape (Mac; Paid), Radio Recorder (Mac; Paid) & many more!
Here are some programs that allow you record streams: streamWriter (Windows; Free), VLC (Windows, Mac, Linux; Free), RarmaRadio (Windows; Paid), Snowtape (Mac; Paid), Radio Recorder (Mac; Paid) & many more!
How do I find out the title of the current song playing?
The 'Now Playing' song info is provided on the 973FM home page, and on 973FM's station page on OnlineRadioBox.
How fast an internet connection do I need to listen?
973FM offers a high quality 48kbps AAC+ stream to listeners, powered by the open-source streaming media server Icecast. The AAC+ audio codec provides good sound quality at low bitrates (≤ 128kbps), and is supported by modern devices running Windows, Android, macOS, iOS.
For 1 hour of listening, a 128kbps stream consumes ~56MB of data, a 64kbps stream consumes ~28MB of data, while a 48kbps stream consumes ~21MB of data. If you are listening on a smartphone, you are recommended to use a Wi-Fi connection unless you have a large data plan.
For 1 hour of listening, a 128kbps stream consumes ~56MB of data, a 64kbps stream consumes ~28MB of data, while a 48kbps stream consumes ~21MB of data. If you are listening on a smartphone, you are recommended to use a Wi-Fi connection unless you have a large data plan.
Why doesn't 973FM work when I try to listen?
Sometimes it's not possible to listen due to a number of reasons, the most common being a full server or server outage at our hosting provider.
If you cannot listen even when the server is online with free slots, ensure ports 8115 & 18115 are not blocked on your firewall. You may find this is an issue when online via a school or workplace connection, with security policies in place.
If you are still unsure as to why you are having issues you can contact us for assistance using the details provided here.
If you cannot listen even when the server is online with free slots, ensure ports 8115 & 18115 are not blocked on your firewall. You may find this is an issue when online via a school or workplace connection, with security policies in place.
If you are still unsure as to why you are having issues you can contact us for assistance using the details provided here.
Why is the server sometimes full?
Server capacity costs money so we're careful not to waste money on resources we don't require. If the server is often full then we will invest extra money to increase capacity as the site grows. Please bear in mind that 973FM is supported only by user donations, if you would like to make a donation, please contact us.
How do I request music?
You can easily request music by leaving a message on our social media platforms.
Missed your favourite programmes?
No worries, you can download them here! Shows are usually available up to 24 hours after their air time.