124Simulcast period

124 Simulcast period

(1) There is a transitional period for a remote coverage area, to be known as the simulcast period.

Note See Act, Schedule 4, subclause 19 (7).

(2) A national broadcaster transmitting in a remote coverage area must, throughout the simulcast period:

(a) transmit simultaneously the national television broadcasting service concerned in both analog mode and SDTV digital mode in so much of that area as is not a digital‑only local market area; and

(b) ensure that no transmissions of the national television broadcasting service concerned in analog mode are made in so much of that area as is a digital‑only local market area.

(3) The simulcast period begins on the date that the national broadcaster is required to commence transmitting the national television broadcasting service concerned in SDTV digital mode as ascertained in relation to that area in accordance with an implementation plan that was given by the broadcaster, and is in force, under clause 20 of Schedule 4 to the BSA.

Note 1 The simulcast period for a remote coverage area must commence on the date mentioned in subclause 19 (6A) of Schedule 4 to the Act: see subclause 19 (7A) of Schedule 4.

Note 2 The simulcast period for a remote coverage area will end in accordance with paragraph 19 (7A) (b) of Schedule 4 to the Act.

(4) Before determining the period, the ACMA must:

(a) consult with:

(i) the public; and

(ii) holders; and

(iii) national broadcasters; and

(iv) owners and operators of broadcasting transmission towers; and

(v) owners and operators of satellite transmission facilities; and

(b) have regard to any comments it receives during consultation.

(5) the ACMA must publish the determination as soon as practicable after making it.

Note the ACMA’s options for publishing the determination are in section 4.

(6) A national broadcaster transmitting in a remote coverage area must also transmit the national television broadcasting service concerned in HDTV digital mode in the remote coverage area during such part of the simulcast period as is required by regulations made under the Act.