Broadcasting Services (Technical Planning) Guidelines 2007
Relationship between the TPGs, FAP, LAPsRelationship between the TPGs, FAP, LAPs, the Broadcasting Services Act and the Radiocommunications Act
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Relationship between the TPGs, FAP, LAPs, the Broadcasting Services Act and the Radiocommunications Act
Technical planning guidelines
The Broadcasting Services Act requires ACMA to develop technical planning guidelines (TPGs) for the technical planning of individual services that use the broadcasting services bands as a means of delivery. The TPGs set out the mandatory requirements that are to be met by licensees when completing the detailed planning of broadcasting transmitting facilities, and are to be read in conjunction with the technical specifications contained in the LAP.
The TPGs may also be applied to national broadcasting transmitters and to narrowcasting services that use the broadcasting services bands, through Licence Conditions Determinations or special conditions attached to transmitter licences issued under the powers contained in the Radiocommunications Act.
Frequency allotment plan
The Frequency Allotment Plan (FAP) determines the number of channels that are to be available in particular areas of Australia to provide broadcasting services using the broadcasting services bands. The FAP identifies the capacity that is to be available for AM radio, FM radio and VHF/UHF television services and digital radio.
The FAP apportions broadcasting services bands in particular parts of Australia to accommodate existing and future radio and television services. The FAP was determined by the ABA in August 1994, following wide public consultation, and is varied from time to time.
Licence area plans
A LAP details the number and characteristics of the broadcasting services that are to be made available within particular areas of Australia. The characteristics of each service include the service’s licence area, category, carrier frequency(s), transmitter site(s) and technical conditions, including maximum effective radiated power in each direction from the transmitter site.
If there are changes to the number of available channels arising from the determination of a LAP, the relevant FAP is varied to reflect those changes.
The determination of a LAP follows wide public consultation and is based on the preparation of a draft LAP to allow comment by affected communities, as well as broadcasters and other interested parties, before finalisation.