Update on the Restack of Digital Television Services

1. Update on the Restack of Digital Television Services Chris Hose Executive Manager, Technical Planning and Evaluation Branch, ACMA

2. Overview Background Restack Objectives, Planning Approaches and Principles, Proposals and consultation Decisions Next steps

3. Background to Restack Clearance of 126 MHz (694-820 MHz) Repacking of television services within the remaining broadcasting spectrum while retaining a high quality broadcasting service Restack objectives and guidance: Government Decision Ministerial Direction

4. ‘Current’ – Analog/digital simulcast

5. Post switchover – Digital only

6. Post restack TBD

7. Example Block Plan

8. Example Minimum Moves Plan

9. Technical Policy Document(s) Restack Objectives High Level Channel Planning/ Implementation Schedule Restack Principles / Approaches Indicative High Power Channel Plan Indicative Restack Process Region 1 Channel Planning ? Implementation Region 2 Channel planning ? Implementation Region 3 Channel planning ? Implementation Region 4 Channel planning ? Implementation Region 5 Channel planning ? Implementation Region 6 Channel planning Time ? Implementation

10. Consultation Process ACMA Restack Discussion paper included proposals on: Restack Objectives Restack Channel Planning Approach Restack Planning Principles Queensland case study The ACMA’s preliminary view on block channel planning was influenced by a number of cost/timing comparisons which were dependent on the implementationmethod assumed Key purpose of the discussion paper was to test some of the ACMA’s assumptions prior to a final decision

11. Consultation Process 16 + 1 submissions received Generally supportive of objectives and principles Key learning: Implementation Method Retuning combiners on site not practical in the time available Impact on cost and timing analysis comparing planning approaches

12. Decision on Restack Objectives clear the digital dividend band of broadcasting services as soon as practicable* plan for six digital channels at each transmission site* plan for six VHF channels at all metropolitan main station sites* plan such that coverage of all six channels is similar maintain or improve digital television coverage simplify viewer reception of terrestrial digital television establish spectrum planning arrangements that support future needs retain 14 MHz of spectrum in VHF Band III for possible expansion of digital radio* comply with the legislated framework consistent with the minister’s direction, the ACMA should wherever possible:* minimise viewer costs and disruption minimise commercial and national broadcaster costs.

13. Restack Planning Approach Update to QLD case study cost/timing analysis comparison New implementation method: Hybrid temporary retune unit (TRU) - replacement of combiners, retuning of transmitters Case study analysis of hybrid TRU method: Little change in the modelled relative costs between planning approaches Minor change in modelled time to implement between planning approaches – however not enough to vary broad conclusions Little change to other conclusions re: viewer impact & block benefits

14. Restack Planning Approach In summary the ACMA : found little difference between planning approaches in terms of broadcaster costs and time to implement implications; found little difference between planning approaches in terms of viewer costs and disruption; found that the block planning approach has strong support from commercial broadcasters; and concluded the block planning approach has modest but real long-term benefits when compared to the minimum moves planning approach. The ACMA has therefore decided to adopt the block channel planning approach

15. Restack Principles 11 principles identified addressing: the core requirements of restack a digital radio (DAB+) sub-band the block planning approach channel assignment and block selection guidance future use of SFNs technical planning parameters transmission equalisation channel availability timing constraints

16. What’s next? Nationwide channel plan for key sites High level channel planning & implementation schedule Technical restack policy document Non-metro WA channel plan variation Area-by-area channel planning SA, Victoria, Queensland

17. Conclusion Major progress on restack channel planning: ‘block’ channel planning approach decided restack planning principles determined Detailed channel planning has commenced Success continues to require a highly collaborative public/private approach Time remains of the essence Stay tuned for further developments