64Allocation of spectrum

64 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.

65 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.

(a) identify conditions to which the licence should be subject, including (if appropriate) the date of effect of the licence; and

Note Schedule 4 to the Act imposes a timetable for conversion of commercial television broadcasting services to digital transmission, with simulcasts starting at different times in different licence areas. The Schedule also makes arrangements for conversion of national television broadcasting services to digital transmission, and sets deadlines by which this should happen. To support these arrangements, the ACMA may have to set priorities for carrying out its responsibilities.

(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.

Note See subclause 19 (5) of Schedule 4 to the Act.

66 Application of Subdivision E

(b) there is a digital channel plan in force for the coverage area, or part of a 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.

67 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.