Executive summary

Following a 2006 consultation process on "VHF-FM Broadcasting, Frequency Availability and Allocation", the government agreed that the VHF-FM broadcast band be extended to provide for additional broadcasting services.

To accommodate this extension, the government also agreed to the modification of the adjacent landmobile A band and the relocation and extension of the Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcasting lower band.

The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) has now reviewed the requirements for these changes and prepared implementation plans to align the LPFM frequency band with changes required for the VHF-FM and landmobile bands.

MED has also reviewed interference issues experienced in the aeronautical band adjacent to the VHF-FM and LPFM bands, and now proposes new LPFM licensing requirements which will improve protection for the aeronautical, landmobile, VHF-FM broadcasting and LPFM bands.

The LPFM licensing implementation plans, outlined in this document, include:

1. A process for transitioning the Low Powered FM (LPFM) lower band from 88.0 - 88.8 MHz to 87.5 - 88.4 MHz;
2. Modifying the current General User Radio Licence conditions for LPFM Broadcasting Short Range Devices (LPFM GURL) by:
   1. Increasing the permitted transmit power level from 0.5 Watt to 1 Watt e.i.r.p.;
   2. Including new clauses that will reduce the potential for interference from LPFM services to services in the adjacent landmobile, aeronautical navigation and voice services bands; and
3. Introducing a temporary General User Spectrum Licence (LPFM GUSL) to cater for usage requirements during the transition period (1 June 2010 to 2 April 2011).
    

This document has been prepared to provide information on the proposed changes to the LPFM regime and their implementation, and to seek comments on these proposals from the public. Submissions close 23 April 2010.

MED will report to the Minister for Communications and Information Technology by 21 May 2010 on the submissions received and the LPFM licence and LPFM transition plans. Final outcomes, submissions, and Gazette Notices will then be published.