[LINK] ACMA embargoes spectrum to plan for Digital Radio Mondiale

[Antony Barry]

28 September 2006

MR 103/2006

ACMA embargoes spectrum to plan for Digital Radio Mondiale

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has placed an  
embargo on frequency bands potentially suitable for use by  
broadcasting services using Digital Radio Mondiale. These bands are  
outside the broadcasting services bands used by traditional  
broadcasting services.

Digital Radio Mondiale is a digital broadcasting technology that is  
being trialled internationally and in which there is interest in  
Australia.

‘ACMA intends to plan for the introduction of Digital Radio Mondiale  
but is also aware that international arrangements are still evolving  
and that Australia is influenced by these arrangements,’ said Giles  
Tanner, General Manager of ACMA’s Inputs to Industry Division.

‘ACMA believes that a greater public benefit should be realised if  
its introduction is planned rather than introduced prematurely while  
international developments are still occurring. ACMA’s use of  
embargoes and planning is intended to avoid the premature  
introduction of unplanned services that may compromise the benefits  
to the public that would otherwise result from the delivery of  
comprehensively planned Digital Radio Mondiale bands.’

The frequency bands involved are 5950–6200, 7100–7300, 9500–9900,  
11650–12050, 13600–13800, 15100–15600, 17550–17900, 21450–21850 and  
25670–26100 kHz. It is intended that no new frequency assignments in  
these bands will be authorised except for certain purposes.

ACMA will consider applications for the licensing of trials to  
investigate the use of the bands for Digital Radio Mondiale.

Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on (02) 93


phone : 02 6241 7659 | mailto:me at Tony-Barry.emu.id.au
mobile: 04 1242 0397 | mailto:tony.barry at alianet.alia.org.au
http://tony-barry.emu.id.au