2. Scope

This paper discusses the issues, and potential options for changes to radio frequency allocations following the switch-over to fully digital television services. The date for the Digital Switch-Over (DSO) in New Zealand is not yet finalised but government’s expectation is that it will occur by 2015 at the latest.

The “digital dividend” (in spectrum terms) is the spectrum that is freed up through the implementation of digital television broadcasting using a technically efficient band plan, and ceasing all analogue television broadcasting. The frequency planning parameters for digital technology and greater efficiency of individual digital licences allows an increased number of programmes using less radio frequency spectrum.

This paper identifies the issues relating to the allocation of the digital dividend spectrum and provides proposed options for frequency use post-DSO. It also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the paper in order to inform the government of the viability of the proposed options and any potential alternatives.

A necessary part of dimensioning the digital dividend is to understand the future plans of existing broadcasters who have not yet commenced the transition to digital broadcasting. These include a number of broadcasters who operate only in a particular region of New Zealand, and the discussion document therefore includes a section which explores the options that might be adopted by such regional broadcasters. This may have implications for spectrum allocation and other government policies.