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Engineering discussion paper on spectrum allocations for studio to transmitter Links: stage 2
December 2005
Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning
Resources and Networks Branch
ISBN: 0-478-28461-6
© Crown copyright
Permission to reproduce: the copyright owner authorises reproduction of this work, in whole or in part, so long as no charge is made for the supply of copies, and the integrity and attribution of the work as a publication of the Ministry of Economic Development is not interfered with in any way.
Executive Brief
In December 2004 the Ministry of Economic Development issued An Engineering Discussion Paper on Spectrum Allocations for Studio to Transmitter Links (STLs) in support of radio broadcasting. The discussion paper invited submissions on a range of issues which could contribute to better spectrum utilisation by STLs.
1. Purpose
In December 2004 the Ministry of Economic Development issued An Engineering Discussion Paper on Spectrum Allocations for Studio to Transmitter Links in support of radio broadcasting. The industry was invited to comment on the current spectrum allocations and band arrangements for issuing Studio to Transmitter Link (STL) licenses and how the utilisation of this spectrum may be improved to accommodate the anticipated growth in demand.
2. Accommodating Growth
As more FMBC licences become available in the 100 to 108 MHz band this is creating an additional demand for STL licences. Nationwide there are currently 648 licences for FMBC transmitters and the additional spectrum allows for around a 50% increase in licences.
3. Sharing with New SRD Services
The band 918 to 921 MHz is currently allocated to STL and shared with low power (3 mW) Short Range Devices (SRDs) in New Zealand. This band is allocated to higher power (4 W) SRDs in North and South America and 1 Watt SRD in Australia. As a result the majority of the SRD equipment available internationally for operation in this band uses higher power than that currently permitted in New Zealand.
4. Other Issues
In the course of preparing submissions to this discussion paper other issues related to the operation and licensing of STLs may become apparent. The Ministry wishes to learn what these issues are.
5. Summary of Issues
The following issues have been raised in this paper. Submitters are invited to provide comment on all of these issues and any other matter which they consider relevant.
6. Next Steps
If the submissions show the industry is in broad agreement with the proposals set out in this paper then a final frequency band arrangements will be prepared. These final frequency band arrangements will also form the basis of a report back to the Minister of Communications and the Minister of Broadcasting.
7. Submissions
If you wish to respond to the questions posed in this paper please provide your comments by Friday 17 February 2006 to:
Appendix C: Optimising Congested Sites
A study has been undertaken on how to optimise the spectrum use at the major broadcast transmitter sites. The objective was to migrate licences out of the band 915 to 921 MHz and maximise the use of the bands 849 to 851 MHz and 929 to 935 MHz.
