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Summary of submissions
May 2006
Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning
Resources and Networks Branch
ISBN 0-478-28476-4
Disclaimer
This document summarises key points made in submissions received on the Ministry's discussion document VHF-FM Broadcasting: Frequency Availability and Allocation (ISBN 0-478-28449-7). The Ministry does not guarantee, however, that views of submitters are accurately summarised.
Executive Summary
In September 2005, the Ministry of Economic Development published a discussion paper on frequency availability and allocation in the VHF-FM broadcasting band. The paper sought the views of industry and other stakeholders on the allocation of available licences and on the technical standards used for engineering further spectrum licences.
1. Purpose
This paper summarises the submissions received to assist the Ministry in its analysis and the dissemination of information resulting from the submission process. The details of individual submissions are available on the Ministry's website.
2. Background
The technical standards currently used for planning the VHF-FM broadcasting plan are largely those adopted in the early 1980s and are sourced from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Recent work suggests that new planning parameters can be adopted to increase the availability of licences. In addition, changes to the lower frequency limit of the overall band from 88 MHz to 87.5 MHz may be possible.
3. Summary of Submissions Received
The Ministry received 39 submissions from such interest groups as, commercial operators, non-commercial operators, site managers, LPFM operators, spectrum engineers and the Human Rights Commission.
4. Next Steps
The Ministry of Economic Development, in consultation with other Government departments, is considering the submissions received as part of the development of advice to government on implementation of the proposals in the discussion document.
Appendix A: LPFM Issues
Submissions from 10 respondents made additional suggestions as to how the management of the LPFM band could be improved. These issues are outlined in this appendix and will be considered in any future review of the LPFM GUL.
