Executive Brief

In December 2004 The Ministry of Economic Development issued an Engineering Discussion Paper on Spectrum Allocations for Studio to Transmitter Links (STL). The discussion paper invited submissions on a range of issues which could contribute to better spectrum utilisation by STLs. This paper summarises the submissions received and identifies the actions to be taken by the Ministry.

A range of submissions were received from seven organisations within the broadcasting industry and two submissions from interested parties outside the industry. There was a considerable amount of consensus in the submissions which has helped the Ministry to identify where further study is required to resolve outstanding issues.

The key outcomes from this review are to:

1. Provide further publicity on the current policy for issuing 400 MHz STL licences.
2. Review the current 900 MHz licences to determine whether there are any which would be more appropriately assigned in the 400 MHz band or should be cancelled.
3. Undertake a technical/economic study into optimising the use of current spectrum allocations and installed equipment by considering:
   • Reviewing and optimising the channel assignments at major transmitter sites;
   • reducing the maximum radiated power (e.i.r.p.) on short paths to being just sufficient;
   • implementing alternative antenna types where they improve spectrum utilisation.
4. Provide protection to STL from higher power SRD by studying the potential interference in more detail and proposing resolutions where required.
5. Consider the implications of using alternative technologies such as digital STL, higher frequency microwave bands and leasing capacity from existing network operators to relieve congestion on STL spectrum.
6. Report the outcome of these studies back to Industry.