Low Power Broadcasting
Adjacent Spectrum
37. The spectrum adjacent to the 100-108 MHz band (i.e. 108-137 MHz) is used for aeronautical navigation and communications services and is generally referred to as the VHF Aeronautical band. It is used for the following services:
- 108 to 112 MHz - Instrument Landing System (ILS);
- 112 to 118 MHz - VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR); and
- 118 to 136 MHz - Voice Communications.
38. It is generally acknowledged that aeronautical services in the VHF Aeronautical band will suffer from interference if high power FM broadcast services are operated immediately adjacent at the upper end of the 100-108 MHz band. The Radiocommunications Amendment Act 2000, which will come into force later this year, provides additional protection for radio licences, including aeronautical services, from interference caused by the operation of spectrum licences.
39. In order to ensure that use of the 100-108 MHz band does not cause interference to services in the VHF Aeronautical band, it is proposed that the band from 106.6 MHz to 108.0 MHz be used for services where the power output is limited. These services are discussed below.
Low Power Spectrum Use
Restricted Radiation Devices6
40. Under the Radiocommunications (Radio) Regulations 1993, the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Economic Development is able to exempt certain radio apparatus from the requirement to be licensed. For some years the Ministry has issued exemptions for certain low powered apparatus, such as wireless microphones and tourist information services operating in the band 100.2 MHz to 100.8 MHz. As this band is to be used for broadcasting purposes, the current exemptions will be revoked during 2002.
41. It is recognised that there is a continuing demand for the operation of low powered devices. To enable the continued operation of these devices in New Zealand, a new allocation in the frequency range 107.4 MHz to 108.0 MHz is proposed to replace 100.2 MHz to 100.8 MHz. Rather than operating under an exemption from licensing, devices operating in this band will be included in a General User Radio Licence for Short Range Devices (SRDs).
Fixed Public Address Systems
42. Low power FM broadcasting in the past has been limited to specific bands on a short term basis to provide radio and public address coverage at large public gatherings such as sports events, A&P shows, airshows, and so on, where a cable based public address system could be impractical. The concept to date has been to limit the licensing for the period of the event.
43. Although there will be a need to ensure aeronautical services remain unaffected by their operation, there are no proposals to alter the current policies for the short term licensing of fixed public address systems, other than to utilise the higher frequency range from 107.4 MHz to 108.0 MHz.
Low Power FM Broadcasting
44. Low power FM broadcasting is an expanding area of radio broadcasting internationally. In some countries, such as the United States of America, there are specific licensing arrangements for stations with power levels up to 100 watts (20dBW) effective radiated power (erp). In other countries, low power (less than 1 watt) stations do not require specific licensing.
45. The alternatives that have so far been identified for this type of licensed operation are:
- utilisation for "in-fill" coverage in order to expand the coverage of high and medium power FM broadcasting in some areas;
- for "very modest" non-commercial broadcasting. The low power could ensure a true "local" flavour at a low cost;
- operation of a "very modest" commercial broadcasting service on a localised basis. Again, the low entry cost could be attractive to small-scale broadcasters.
46. It is proposed to use the band 106.6 MHz to 107.4 MHz to meet the low power FM radio needs in the future. Again, there will be a continuing need to ensure that the operation of aeronautical services remains unaffected by the provision of these licences. Further work is required to determine how many licences would be available and under what conditions (for example, whether these licences would be auctioned).
| Key Questions: |
| 5.1 | Do you have any views on the above proposals for using 106.6 MHz to 108 MHz for low power broadcasting? |
| 5.2 | What conditions do you consider should be attached to licences for low power FM Broadcasting and how should such licences be allocated? |
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