LPFM GUL consultation 2010

Low Power FM Broadcasting – General User Licence Consultation

In 2006, the Government agreed to the extension of the VHF-FM broadcast band and associated changes to the adjacent landmobile A band and the Low Power FM broadcasting (LPFM) band between those services.

The Ministry invited submissions from LPFM operators, broadcasters, landmobile operators and other interested parties on proposals for changes required to the LPFM regime.

The Ministry has now released a report on consulation submissions and conclusions.

The new published General User licence and Additional information on the operation of broadcasting stations under the LPFM General User Licence (Draft version only) is also available here.

Proposals

The proposals for changes to the LPFM regime included the:

• Relocation of the frequency band of the LPFM lower band from 88.0 MHz - 88.8 MHz to 87.5 MHz - 88.4 MHz;
• A transition plan for the band changes that include a temporary General User Spectrum Licence (GUSL) to provide capacity for LPFM services during that transition period;
• Provision of additional protection for aeronautical navigation and voice services; and,
• An increase the permitted LPFM transmit power to 1 Watt e.i.r.p.
   

The proposals are discussed in the consultation document, Low Power FM Broadcasting – General User Licence Requirements, (link below).

The revised GUL will be in operation from 1 June 2010 until late 2011, or early 2012, when LPFM requirements will again be reviewed to reflect less stringent coordination requirements for aeronautical navigational services.