143Allocation of spectrum

143 Allocation of spectrum

(1) the ACMA must consider whether to allocate part of the radiofrequency spectrum to the national broadcaster under section 34 of the Act for the purpose of the transmission.

144 the ACMA to issue transmitter licence

(1) This section applies if the ACMA has made a determination under section 34
of the Act, allocating part of the radiofrequency spectrum to a national broadcaster, for the purpose of transmitting a national television broadcasting service in digital mode on a test basis.

(2) the ACMA must issue to the national broadcaster a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of 1 or more specified radiocommunications transmitters for transmitting the national television broadcasting service concerned in digital mode on a test basis.

(4) the ACMA does not guarantee or imply that the channel it allots to the national broadcaster for transmission on a test basis will be allotted to the national broadcaster when the ACMA makes the digital channel plan.

(5) The period during which the national broadcaster may transmit on a test basis is the period for which the ACMA allocates part of the radiofrequency spectrum to the national broadcaster under section 34 of the Act for the purpose of transmitting a national television broadcasting service in digital mode on a test basis.

145 Application of Subdivision E

(b) there is a digital channel plan in force for the remote coverage area, or part of a remote coverage area, where the national broadcaster wishes to transmit on a test basis; and

(c) the national broadcaster wishes to transmit using a channel allotted to the national broadcaster by the digital channel plan.

146 the ACMA to issue transmitter licence

(1) the ACMA must issue to the national broadcaster a transmitter licence that authorises the operation of 1 or more specified radiocommunications transmitters for transmitting a national television broadcasting service in digital mode on a test basis.

(3) the ACMA does not guarantee or imply that the characteristics, including technical specifications, in the transmitter licence issued under section 100B of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 for transmission on a test basis will be included in any transmitter licence held by the national broadcaster after the national broadcaster ceases testing.

Note A licence for test transmissions may include characteristics that are appropriate for testing, but not for general broadcasting (for example, power restrictions or a requirement to use equipment in a particular way).

147 Application of Subdivision F

(b) there is a digital channel plan in force for the remote coverage area, or part of a remote coverage area, where the national broadcaster wishes to transmit on a test basis; and