Capricornia switchover area
Switchover period 1 July – 31 December 2011
December 2010
Canberra
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acma | 1
Contents (Continued)
Coverage evaluation matrix
Executive summary
Capricornia switchover area
Coverage evaluation
The ACMA’s CEP methodology
Digital channel plans
Implementation plans
Survey planning
Field survey measurement program
Same coverage
Signal-deficient areas
Fortuitous reception issues
Conclusion
Appendix A
Capricornia switchover area
Appendix B
Transmission sites in the Capricornia switchover area
Appendix C
Licence areas overlapping the Capricornia switchover area
Appendix D
Measurement locations in the Capricornia switchover area
Appendix E
Urban centre/locality-specific results for the Capricornia switchover area
acma | 1Coverage evaluation matrix
Category / Coveragedescription / Affected services / Evaluation / Description of issue
Field
strength / Reception quality
No issues / Strong / All / Suburban + 12 dB / Above threshold / n/a
Very good / Suburban + 6 dB / Above threshold / n/a
Good / Suburban / Above threshold / n/a
Minor issues / Adequate / At least
one below suburban threshold / Rural / Above threshold / While adequate coverage should provide good signal reception over an area, some statistical signal variations can cause occasional reception difficulties
Issues / Poor / At least
one below rural threshold / Below
rural / Below threshold / Isolated*—
relates to an issue identified as affecting less than approximately 5% of the populated area
Patchy*—
relates to an issue identified as affecting between approximately 5% and 25% of the populated area
No coverage / All / Widespread*—relates to an issue identified as affecting more than approximately 25% of the populated area
*Please note that this percentage figure should not be used to calculate the percentage of the affected population
Executive summary
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (the ACMA) performed field survey measurements as part of its coverage evaluation program (CEP) across the Capricornia switchover area in May and June 2010. Based on the available information and the evidence gathered through prediction modelling and survey measurements, the ACMA has determined thatall planned digital services in the switchover area thathave been rolled out are, in general, achieving the same level of coverage and potential reception quality in digital mode as is provided by existing analog television services (same coverage policy objective).[1]In coming to this conclusion, the CEP noted that localised terrain obstructions appear to be causing isolated coverage discrepancies betweenUHF analog and digital simulcast services to Bouldercombe (population 711)from the Rockhampton transmitter. Patchy discrepancies were also identified between WIN (RTQ) and Southern Cross Media (TNQ) simulcast services from the Blackwater transmittertoisolated areas in the township of Bluff (population 356).
In Bouldercombe, localised terrain is obstructing SBS, WIN (TNQ) and Channel Seven Queensland (STQ) UHF services from the Rockhampton transmitter to some parts of the town, causing apparent discrepancies between analog and digital simulcast services. These potential issues are more accurately reported and effectively addressed as part of the wider signal-deficient nature of all analog and digital UHF services to these areas. Allowing for variable factors including localised terrain, existing broadcasting infrastructure, specific propagation conditions, and differences between analog and digital broadcasting characteristics, the CEP has concluded that these digital services appear to have been appropriately planned and implemented to, as far as practicably possible, achieve the same coverage policy objective.
WIN Television owns and operates the Blackwater transmission site that serves the township of Bluff.The ACMA has provided WIN with the relevant CEP measurement data and findings outlining apparent coverage discrepancies between RTQ and TNQ simulcast services. WIN has indicated that it is investigating the issue, and has agreed keep the ACMA updatedand rectify any issues as necessary.
While the ACMA has determined that the majorityof licensed broadcasters in the switchover area are generally meeting their coverage obligations, it is likely that a number of households in marginal or signal-deficient areas will experience poor analog and digital television reception. Localities identified as having potential widespread reception issues are (population in brackets) Benaraby (595) andBouldercombe (711). In addition, Baralaba (289), Bluff (356), Boyne Island (3,686), Calliope (1,554), Duaringa (247), Emu Park (2,966),Kinka Beach (620) and Yeppoon(13,279) are also likely to experience patchy reception issues. Small isolated areas in Biloela (5,377), Rockhampton (60,856), Tannum Sands (4,134) and Turkey Beach (133) may also experience reception issues. The ACMA has also identified other locations where analog and digital coverage inconsistency may cause some minor reception problems (see Appendix E for area-specific details).
Further to broadcaster-operated services planned using the DCP process, there are seven analog self-helpretransmission facilities (providing a full complement of services) and the Springsure hybridsite in this switchover area.[2]While broadcasters are currently considering Agnes Water (1,619) andMount Morgan (2,445) transmitters and the SBS analog self-help service in Springsure (830) for conversion from analog to digital, Anakie (<200), Byfield (276), Thangool (337), Sapphire/Rubyvale (1,068) and Woorabinda (851) are not currently included in theconversion list.[3]Bororen (451) receives its television coverage from the Miriam Vale/Bororen hybrid site, which is located in the Wide Bay switchover area. The self-help services from this site are not currently listed for conversion to digital. There is a possibility that areas currently served by analog self-help services thatare not being considered for conversion to digital may become signal-deficient or lose access to some services following theanalog switch-off.
The townships of Theodore (444) and Moura (1,776) receive only ABC digital and analog servicesfrom the Theodore and Moura transmitter sites. SBS and commercial services are not provided in analog mode from these sites and are therefore not planned in the DCPs, placing no conversion obligations on broadcasters. While Moura receives variable adequate coverage from the Rockhampton transmitter, Theodore receives no alternative digital coverage from any other site.Presently, only the Moura transmitter site is on the broadcaster candidate list for rollout of SBS and commercial digital services.
Households situated in overlap areas with the Remote Central and Eastern Australia TV1 and TV2 licence areasand digital terrestrial television signal-deficient areas will have access to the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service in line with applicable access arrangements.
The ACMA has received implementation plans (IP) for all planned services listed in the DCPs for this switchover area. The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has approved all expected IPs for the ABC and SBS (national services),and the ACMA has received and approved IPs for all planned commercial services in the area. According to the ACMA’s records, all planned national and commercial services listed in the DCPs have been rolled out in the switchover area.
On 11 May 2010, the government announced that a substantial number of existing analog self-help retransmission facilities/services will be converted to digital. It was also announced that a number of new digital ‘gap filler’ sites will be implemented to provide terrestrial television coverage to nominated areas. The conversion of self-help facilities and the installation of gap filler sites is largely a decision for broadcasters and incumbent licensees. As already mentioned, broadcasters have indicated the possible conversion of the existing analog self-help transmitters at Agnes Water, Mount Morgan and Springsure, and rollout of SBS and commercial digital services at Moura. These services are not planned in the DCPs and broadcasters are not legislatively obligated to submit IPs or rollout the services at any given point in time.Until a finalised list of self-help conversions and gap filler installations is officially announced, this information should be considered as indicative only.
Capricornia switchover area
The Capricornia switchover area (refer to Appendix A) is located within the Regional Queensland licence area. The switchover area overlaps the Remote Central and Eastern Australia TV1 and TV2 licence areas (refer to Appendix C).
The switchover area covers approximately 61,553square kilometres and, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census data, has an estimated population of 184,960. For the purposes of the ACMA’s coverage assessments, a total of 35urban centres/localitieswere identified within the switchover area.[4]
The Capricornia switchover area is served by one main transmitter located at Rockhampton, 10broadcaster-owned and -operated translator sites,seven analog self-help facilities andone hybrid site(refer toAppendix B).[5]In addition, the township of Bororen receives its television coverage from the Miriam Vale/Bororen hybrid site, which is located in the Wide Bay switchover area. Tables1-3outline all sites in the switchover area and provide a summary of services and switchover characteristics/solutions. A/D indicates analog or digital transmission, letters designate the service call sign and numbers designate the radiofrequency channel.
Table 1 Broadcaster-owned and -operated sitesArea served / Switchover solution / ABC / SBS / Net. 7
(Prime) / Net. 9
(WIN) / Net. 10
(SCM)
Rockhampton
(Main transmitter) / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABRQ9
D:ABRQ11 /
A:SBS28
D:SBS37 / Seven
A:STQ31
D:STQ38 / WIN
A:RTQ7
D:RTQ12 / SCM
A:TNQ34
D:TNQ36
Blackwater / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABQ8
D:ABQ47 /
A:SBS43
D:SBS42 / Seven
A:STQ46
D:STQ45 / WIN
A:RTQ10
D:RTQ50 / SCM
A:TNQ49
D:TNQ48
Boyne Island / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage objective. /
A:ABRQ57
D:ABRQ56 /
A:SBS54
D:SBS53 / Seven
A:STQ60
D:STQ59 / WIN
A:RTQ69
D:RTQ65 / SCM
A:TNQ63
D:TNQ62
Capella / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABQ32
D:ABQ31 /
A:SBS29
D:SBS28 / Seven
A:STQ35
D:STQ34 / WIN
A:RTQ44
D:RTQ30 / SCM
A:TNQ41
D:TNQ33
Emerald / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABEQ11
D:ABEQ9 /
A:SBS58
D:SBS57 / Seven
A:STQ61
D:STQ60 / WIN
A:RTQ6
D:RTQ7 / SCM
A:TNQ64
D:TNQ63
Gladstone East / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABRQ32
D:ABRQ33 /
A:SBS29
D:SBS30 / Seven
A:STQ35
D:STQ39 / WIN
A:RTQ10
D:RTQ8 / SCM
A:TNQ41
D:TNQ42
Gladstone West / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABRQ55
D:ABRQ47 /
A:SBS52
D:SBS46 / Seven
A:STQ58
D:STQ48 / WIN
A:RTQ64
D:RTQ50 / SCM
A:TNQ61
D:TNQ49
Moura / ABC only broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation.
On broadcaster candidate list for rollout of other services. /
A:ABQ54
D:ABQ53
Rockhampton East / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABRQ55
D:ABRQ57 /
A:SBS52
D:SBS54 / Seven
A:STQ61
D:STQ60 / WIN
A:RTQ58
D:RTQ66 / SCM
A:TNQ64
D:TNQ63
Theodore / ABC only broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABQ58
D:ABQ53
Yeppoon / Broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation. /
A:ABRQ56
D:ABRQ57 /
A:SBS53
D:SBS54 / Seven
A:STQ59
D:STQ60 / WIN
A:RTQ65
D:RTQ66 / SCM
A:TNQ62
D:TNQ63
Table 2 Self-help retransmission sites
Area served / Switchover solution / ABC / SBS / Net. 7
(Prime) / Net. 9
(WIN) / Net. 10
(SCM)
Agnes Water / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
On broadcaster candidate list for conversion. /
A:ABRQ53
/
A:SBS65
/ Seven
A:STQ56
/ WIN
A:RTQ59
/ SCM
A:TNQ62
Anakie / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
Not on broadcaster candidate list for conversion. /
A:ABQ59 /
A:SBS56 / SCM
A:QQQ65 / Imparja
A:IMP62
Byfield / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
Not on broadcaster candidate list for conversion. /
A:ABRQ55 /
A:SBS52 / Seven
A:STQ58 / WIN
A:RTQ64 / SCM
A:TNQ61
Mount Morgan / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
On broadcaster candidate list for conversion /
A:ABRQ56
/
A:SBS68
/ Seven
A:STQ59
/ WIN
A:RTQ62
/ SCM
A:TNQ65
Sapphire/ Rubyvale / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
Not on broadcaster candidate list for conversion. /
A:ABQ46 /
A:SBS43 / SCM
A:QQQ49 / WIN
A:RTQ40
Imparja
A:IMP52
Thangool / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
Not on broadcaster candidate list for conversion. /
A:ABRQ58 /
A:SBS52 / Seven
A:STQ61 / WIN
A:RTQ64 / SCM
A:TNQ55
Woorabinda / Community-funded analog—not planned in DCP, no IPs, no same coverage requirement.
Not on broadcaster candidate list for conversion /
A:ABQ57 /
A:SBS60 / SCM
A:QQQ63 / Imparja
A:IMP69
Table 3 Hybrid sites
Area served / Switchover solution / ABC / SBS / Net. 7
(Prime) / Net. 9
(WIN) / Net. 10
(SCM)
Springsure / ABC, STQ, RTQ and TNQ are broadcaster converted—DCP planned, IP required, same coverage obligation.
SBS is community-funded and on broadcaster candidate list for conversion. /
A:ABSEQ8
D:ABSEQ46 /
A:SBS54
D:SBS44
(broadcaster converted) / Seven
A:STQ42
D:STQ47 / WIN
A:RTQ10
D:RTQ49 / SCM
A:TNQ39
D:TNQ45
Coverage evaluation
The ACMA’s CEP methodology
Figure 1Methodology for the ACMA’s CEPFigure 1 outlines the multi-layered methodology for the ACMA’s CEP. This program seeks to assess whether the same coverage objective has been met by relevant broadcasters in a particular switchover area.
The CEP also seeks to determine the boundaries of digital terrestrial coverage, identify areas of marginal or inconsistent digital terrestrial coverage, and verify the planning technical specifications and assumptions provided by broadcasters in their implementation plans. In addition, the program provides essential feedback on the accuracy of the ACMA’s initial desktop propagation modelling.
Digital channel plans
To facilitate the introduction of digital television, the ACMA developed national and commercial digital channel plans (DCPs) in line with the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Planning Handbook and its obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (BSA). DCPs determine which channels are to be allotted to each area, the assignment of channels to each broadcaster in that area and the technical characteristics of those channels.
DCPs are developed to givebroadcasters the maximum envelope in which to plan their digital transmission coverage for an area, in order to achieve the policy objective of same level of coverage and potential reception quality as is available in analog mode.
Both national and commercial Queensland: Part 2: Regional QueenslandDCPs werefinalised in October 2001,and variedin August 2003 and July, August, October and December 2004. Variations were undertaken in consultation with broadcasters to facilitate the addition of technical specifications for various repeater sites throughout the switchover area.
Implementation plans
In accordance with the national and commercial television conversion schemes prepared by the ACMA under Schedule 4 to the BSA, commercial and national television broadcasters are required to prepare implementation plans (IP) relating to the conversion of the transmission of their services from analog to digital mode. IPs are a commitment by individual broadcasters to provide a television service in digital mode from specified sites to cover defined areas by specified dates. The aim is to achieve the same coverage in standard definition television digital mode as that service provides in analog mode. This objective is to be achieved as soon as is practicable after the simulcast period begins.
The ACMA has received IPs for all planned services listed in the DCPs for this switchover area. The minister has approved all expected IPs for ABC and SBS (national services),and the ACMA has received and approved IPs for all planned commercial services in the area.
As previously mentioned, broadcasters have planned services for this area in addition to services listed in the DCPs. This being the case, there is no obligation for broadcasters to submit IPs to the ACMA.
Survey planning
As part of its methodology for assessing same coverage and potential reception quality, the ACMA undertakes desktop coverage modelling of a switchover area. This takes into account terrain, complaints to the ACMA from viewers within the area and, where possible, technical specifications of transmission facilities as outlined in implementation plans provided by broadcasters.
At the time of writing, a total of one ministerial enquiry and 15complaints were initiated in the Capricornia switchover area. The issues range from problems with receptionto lack of programming content. In addition, a total of 87 ‘Out of Area Direct to Home’ satellite applications were approved within the licence area.[6]
The findings of the desktop modelling process inform the ACMA field survey measurement program. The Capricornia switchover area survey planning provides guidance to the ACMA’s field staff on where field measurements within the switchover market should be conducted. This includes predicted or potential reception-deficient areas and other information on transmission facilities in the area.
Field survey measurement program
The field survey measurement program enables the ACMA to acquire technical and signal data associated with analog and digital TV coverage and reception quality within a switchover area. The program is part of the ACMA’s CEP (Figure 1) and seeks to verify the information provided by broadcasters in their IPs as well as the predictions made as part of the ACMA’s initial desktop modelling.
The ACMA’s CEP performed field survey measurements at 345locations throughout the Capricornia switchover area in Mayand June2010 (see Appendix D).
The measurement results have been analysed and compared against the most appropriate coverage prediction models for the area. Field survey results align closely with predicted coverage findings and provide the ACMA with a high level of confidence in its CEP methodologies.
Same coverage
Policy objectives under Parts 2 and 3 of Schedule 4 tothe BSA state that national and commercial broadcasters must, as soon as practicable after the start of the simulcast period, provide the same level of coverage and potential reception quality in digital mode as is broadcast in analog mode.[7]