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

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

Background to Restack >Clearance of 126 MHz ( 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

‘Current’ – Analog/digital simulcast

Post switchover – Digital only

Post restack TBD

Example Block Plan

Example Minimum Moves Plan

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

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 implementation method assumed >Key purpose of the discussion paper was to test some of the ACMA’s assumptions prior to a final decision

Consultation Process > 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

Decision on Restack Objectives 1.clear the digital dividend band of broadcasting services as soon as practicable* 2.plan for six digital channels at each transmission site* 3.plan for six VHF channels at all metropolitan main station sites* 4.plan such that coverage of all six channels is similar 5.maintain or improve digital television coverage 6.simplify viewer reception of terrestrial digital television 7.establish spectrum planning arrangements that support future needs 8.retain 14 MHz of spectrum in VHF Band III for possible expansion of digital radio* 9.comply with the legislated framework 10.consistent with the minister’s direction, the ACMA should wherever possible:* minimise viewer costs and disruption minimise commercial and national broadcaster costs.

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

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

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

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

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