Internet users will soon be given an opportunity to avail as many as 500 different networks on a single website by the radio industry.

In negotiation, BBC and the commercial sector are on the verge of developing a model for testing around Christmas. However, the product will be out in the market in the second quarter of 2009.

At present, BBC's Radioplayer service offers users the 10 BBC UK-wide networks, plus the World Service and 46 regional stations.

Andrew Harrison, chief executive of RadioCentre, which represents the commercial sector of the industry, said, "I think it's going to be quite a breakthrough project. The (commercial) sector wants it to happen and we are working in a cross-industry team. I'd hope we would have something ready to test shortly, before Christmas".

However, experts are of an opinion that the expansion of the broadband enabled phones, have limited the scope of the radio industry. But with this, they feel that the radio is essential for the future. Moreover, they feel, there is a sense of urgency to the project because of the pace of technological change.