6.3.3 Satellite transmission

Satellite transmission is provided via the Optus D1 satellite on which New Zealand broadcasters lease transponder space. Seven of the eight dedicated New Zealand transponders are leased to SKY Television, and one to Kordia. Kordia subleases transponder space to TVNZ (half the capacity), MediaWorks (a quarter) and the remaining capacity to other free-to-air broadcasters.

Satellite transmission has the advantage of being technically available to all of New Zealand, as its transmission is nationwide. The satellite signal cannot be regionalised, however.

Satellite transponder capacity is also an issue. Kordia has limited available capacity on its transponder. While additional capacity could be secured, it would be likely to require transponders which operate on a different polarisation²⁰ of transmission. Kordia might consider leasing a second transponder, but it would need to do so on the basis of commercial viability and provide viewer and installation information on use of the different polarisation.

SKY has long term commitments to a significant proportion of the available satellite transponder space and already transmits some “non-SKY” programming for free to air reception. Regional broadcasters wishing to include their services on this platform would need to negotiate terms and conditions with SKY.

Finally, the costs of satellite transmission giving national coverage are two to three times higher than regional terrestrial transmission, but satellite transmission is the only current option for those outside the existing terrestrial coverage. Satellite costs include the annual uplink costs to the transponder and backhaul costs to link the regional broadcast to the uplink location. As with terrestrial transmission additional costs may also be incurred in relation to inclusion on a digital platform and related electronic programme guide.

Question 28

Is satellite transmission a feasible option for regional broadcasting?

Why or why not?

Footnote

²⁰ The different polarisation allows added capacity in the same frequency band. Reception is achieved by electronically switching dish receive polarisation (existing dishes include this facility), but if two set top boxes are required on a single dish a more complex installation (or a separate dish) is required.