3.2.2 Current digital licences

Three sets of digital licences⁶ containing 18 licences each and covering approximately 75 per cent of the population have been created and allocated for the transition of existing television services having near national coverage. The licences were allocated primarily to allow for the transition of existing programmes through simulcasting, however they are also able to, and in some cases required to, accommodate new programmes. The technology also facilitates high definition (HD) transmissions, but these use significantly more capacity (i.e. bandwidth) and are neither possible nor expected for all programmes.

Licences have been planned to enable geographic expansion of digital terrestrial television to up to 80 per cent population coverage, but the commercial viability of further expansion is a matter for the present licence holders to decide. The current digital licences, and any further geographic expansion, are subject to contractual arrangements with the licence holders. Further licences to increase digital programme capacity have also been planned in most geographic areas. Government will need to develop policies on whether and how these might be allocated.

Footnote

⁶ A licence set allows for comprehensive coverage in the area concerned. The specific licences will typically be on different frequencies in each area.