5.2.2 Geographic mixed-use potential - Blocks B and C

In addition to the proposed core reservation for digital television (up to 12 RF channels), there are commitments to provide new analogue licences after 2010 and to allow for potential conversion of such licences to digital technology which require a total of 22 RF channels (approximately another 1/3rd of the band) in some geographic areas. These areas typically include the main urban areas covered by the present Freeview terrestrial 75 per cent population coverage, but do extend significantly beyond this to all the provincial centres. Whether or not, and in what time frame, these contractual commitments will actually result in digital service implementation is a commercial issue for those concerned, but they do need to be provided for at this stage.

However in areas beyond these commitments there is potential for the spectrum to be used for other alternative types of service. The areas¹² are typically lightly populated, but do include some provincial centres. In these areas there may be needs for services such as broadband which might be more economically provided if radio technology was incorporated into such networks. It would be expected that any rural area television use would be readily accommodated within Block A and this would also be preferable for technical compatibility reasons. There may also be geographic areas where Iwi have a specific interest in using the radio spectrum. The extent and benefit that radio spectrum might be desirable for these or other uses in these less populous areas is not clearly understood by the Ministry. Neither is the availability of suitable equipment, but it is expected that such equipment would be available for at least the relevant DVB technology standards for data and IP-based services. However at this time it is considered important to better understand the interest that may exist for such use and the parties, including Iwi in such areas, that might wish to use the spectrum.

Question 6

Do you agree with approximately 1/3rd of band being allocated on a geographic basis to meet television licence commitments in urban areas, and to allow new uses in other areas? If not, what would you prefer and why?

Question 7

What specific types of service do you think are desirable as new uses in areas outside of areas where there are digital television licence commitments? Do you have any views on how access to the licences necessary for such usage should be managed?

Footnote

¹² These areas are generally outside of the main cities and include both provincial centres and surrounding areas of low population density in Northland, Eastland, Westland, Southland, Central North Island and Nelson/Marlborough.