5. Summary of proposals and impacts

The requirement to implement changes to the VHF-FM broadcasting band to accommodate new broadcasting services and the roll-over of existing VHF-FM broadcasting licences to a new management right in 2011 has resulted in changes to a number of A band landmobile services and LPFM operations. Those changes require coordination with VHF-FM broadcasting services to ensure that harmful interference to those services is avoided and to complete the transition of the VHF-FM band in appropriate timeframes.

5.1 Changes to the Existing LPFM GURL

To ensure that the impact of the transition is minimised on current spectrum users MED has prepared proposals for changes to the existing LPFM GURL and to introduce a new temporary LPFM GUSL.

The long term impact of the changes to the LPFM GURL is to provide two additional frequencies for LPFM use throughout New Zealand and a further three frequencies in the Auckland region. The availability of those frequencies in many areas will be dependent on the continued operation of landmobile services until 1 October 2010.

5.2 Modifications to the GURL Conditions

In addition to the changes to LPFM regime required to meet adjustments to the VHF-FM broadcasting band, there is a need to modify the GURL terms, conditions and restrictions to:

1. Improve the protection of aeronautical navigational and voice communications services from harmful interference resulting from LPFM operations; and
2. Increase the LPFM permitted transmit power from 0.5 Watt to 1 Watt.

Attachment B – Proposed New LPFM GURL sets out the draft text of the proposed new GURL.

5.3 Introduction of a New (Temporary) LPFM GUSL

The impact of the proposed LPFM GUSL for the period 1 June 2010 to 2 April 2011 will make available a further 3 frequencies that can be used for LPFM services displaced by licensed VHF-FM services.

The availability of LPFM frequencies is identified in Attachment A - Available LPFM Frequencies during the Transition Period. Attachment C - Proposed LPFM GUSL sets out the proposed GUL for this period.

During the period of the GUSL operation, MED will consider whether continued use of the LPFM GUSL frequencies will result in an unacceptable potential for interference into licensed VHF-FM broadcasting services.

The LPFM exclusion zones to protect landmobile and aeronautical services during the transition period are proposed to last until the CAA mandate for ICAO 1998 receivers becomes effective. Others are longer term, such as the new requirements to better protect radio voice communications for low flying aircraft.

5.4 Next Steps

After analyzing the submissions on this consultation paper, MED will:

• Report to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology on the outcomes of the consultation process and recommend a preferred approach for integrating changes to the FMBC band, landmobile and LPFM bands, and changes required to the LPFM GURL;
• Publish the submissions and outcomes;
• Implement band changes and any revisions to the LPFM GURL; and
• Update the relevant MED documentation and web site information.
   

If agreed, MED will support any eventual changes by ensuring up-to-date information is available on the RSM web site during the LPFM transition period. This will include the provision of:

• Schedules of progress on the relocation of landmobile licensees in the 87.5 - 88.0 MHz band; and
• Maps showing LPFM exclusion zones that are required by the LPFM GUL.