In terms of population covered, it is the third most important transmitter in the UK, after Crystal Palace in London and Winter Hill near Bolton.

A new mast was built around 1983 to replace the original structure, primarily to support new mixed-polarisation FM antennas.

The transmitter broadcasts eight digital television multiplexes, as well as VHF or FM transmitters for the four BBC national stations; the BBC's local service BBC WM on FM and DAB; independent national station Classic FM and local commercial radio stations Hits Radio Birmingham, Heart West Midlands, Greatest Hits West Midlands (previously Kerrang 105.2 until June 2013, Planet Rock until September 2015, and Absolute Radio until December 2018) and Smooth West Midlands.

Thus mux 6 was transmitted slightly out of band on UHF Channel 55, though this would still be receivable on most B group aerials as this graph makes clear.

In July 2007, it was confirmed by Ofcom that Sutton Coldfield would return to an undisputed B group transmitter post-digital switchover; a process that was completed on 21 September 2011.

It was eventually replaced with a transmitter at the nearby Langley Mill MF site owned by Arqiva.

The transmitter is served by a set of 35 local relays, delivering signals to areas shaded from it by hills and the curve of the Earth.