Div 10Transmission in regional coverage area before start of simulcast period

Division 10 Transmission in regional coverage area before start of simulcast period

Note about ‘early’ transmissions

This Scheme assumes that a national broadcaster will make arrangements with the intention of broadcasting in digital mode from the start of the simulcast period applicable to the national broadcaster. However, the timetable does not prevent a national broadcaster for a regional coverage area from starting transmissions before the start of the simulcast period.

It is important to note that a national broadcaster may be broadcasting before the start of simulcast periods to test its digital equipment, and its capacity to provide transmissions of adequate coverage and quality. A national broadcaster may be broadcasting its regular digital services under an approved implementation plan.

Although there may appear to be no visual difference between a test transmission and ‘regular’ transmission, the Act treats them differently and allows this Scheme to impose different requirements for the kinds of transmission.

Under this Division, the national broadcaster will need to apply to the ACMA for approval to transmit a regular digital service before the start of the simulcast period. the ACMA will approve an application if certain requirements are met.

The national broadcaster may, or may not, have an approved implementation plan in force at the start of this period of early transmission. If the national broadcaster has an approved implementation plan, the national broadcaster is likely to be seeking to start transmission earlier than the date of effect stated in the national broadcaster’s licence.

If the national broadcaster does not have an approved implementation plan, the ACMA expects the national broadcaster to prepare and submit a plan in accordance with Division 3 of this Part.