Attention: Mr Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho 12 October 2012 Independent Communications Authority of South Africa 164 Katherine Street Sandton 2146

Transcription

1 Augusta House, Fourways Golf Park, Roos Street, Fourways Private Bag X06, Honeydew, 2040 Tel: Attention: Mr Manyaapelo Richard Makgotlho 12 October 2012 Independent Communications Authority of South Africa 164 Katherine Street Sandton 2146 Per Dear Mr. Makgotlho RE: DRAFT FREQUENCY MIGRATION REGULATION AND FREQUENCY MIGRATION PLAN 1.1 Sentech thanks the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ( Authority ) for the opportunity to make a submission on the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan as published under Notice 606 Government Gazette as published on 17 August Sentech further indicates its willingness to participate in any hearings that the regulator may hold on matters raised in the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan. 1.3 Please contact the author should the Authority require further clarifications; tokot@sentech.co.za Tel: (011) , Fax: (011) Yours Sincerely Specialist: Technical Regulatory Sentech SoC Ltd Sentech SOC Ltd Reg no: 1990/001791/06 Directors Mr T Mongake (Chairperson) Dr S J Mohapi (CEO) Mr K Matabane (COO) Ms L T Khumalo Mr H M Dhlamini Mr P Mashile Ms S Rapeti Mr S Molala Mr S J Mjwara Ms Z D Hlatshwayo Company Secretary Ms M Chimombe (Acting)

2 SUBMISSION BY SENTECH SOC LIMITED ON THE DRAFT FREQUENCY MIGRATION REGULATION AND FREQUENCY MIGRATION PLAN PUBLISHED UNDER NOTICE 606 IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON 17 AUGUST 2012 SUBMISSION DATE 12 OCTOBER 2012

3 1 Introduction Radio Frequency Migration Regulations Definitions Principles Section 3 of Principles Process for Radio Frequency Migration Radio Frequency Migration Plans Principle position Final Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan, Revision of the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan Studio transmission links (STLs) MHz band Annexure A: DTT assignments above 790 MHz Annexure B: DTT assignments between 694 and 790 MHz

4 1 Introduction 1.1 Sentech thanks the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa ( Authority ) for the opportunity to make a submission on the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan as published under Notice 606 Government Gazette as published on 17 August Sentech further indicates its willingness to participate in any hearings that the regulator may hold on matters raised in the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan. 1.3 All references made to broadcast services with regard to migration below 692 MHz, should be corrected to refer to 694 MHz, as the broadcasting channel 48 ends at 694 MHz. 1.4 Should the Authority go ahead with finalising the terrestrial broadcasting frequency plan, even though the Draft Policy Directions on Exploiting the Digital Dividend as published under Government Gazette No is yet to be finalised, Sentech is of the view that the guard band between broadcast and IMT services must be accommodated above 694 MHz. 1.5 Sentech also believes that both the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan should acknowledge and consider the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy, Final Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan of 2008 and the current draft DTT Migration Regulation process. 1.6 Sentech believes that the regulations should address the matter of compensation with regard to the migration of broadcast services to below 694 MHz band. 3

5 2 Radio Frequency Migration Regulations 2.1 Definitions The definition for WRC as stated in the Draft Radio Frequency Migration Regulation is incorrect. The correct definition is as following: World Radiocommunication Conference. 2.2 Principles Section 3 of Principles Sentech seeks the Authority s guidance with regard to interpretation of this section especially where there might be a difference in allocation between the Radio Regulations and the SADC FAP. For example the 2008 edition of Radio Regulations have a secondary allocation for mobile services in the band MHz while the SADC FAP has no mobile allocation in the same band. Taking the above into consideration what does the Authority mean by consistent? In cases where there are differences between the Radio Regulations and the SADC FAP, which of the two takes priority? Is this determination a regulatory competence or policy competence? 2.3 Process for Radio Frequency Migration In terms of section b and c, the comments in point refers. 3 Radio Frequency Migration Plans In this section Sentech will limit its response on matters affecting its signal distribution services, namely; Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan; Revision of the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan; Studio transmission links; and MHz Band; 3.1 Principle position Sentech is troubled that both the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan do not acknowledge the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy as amendment despite the fact that the policy provides the framework for migrating the country's broadcasting systems from analogue to digital and meeting the ITU resolution that all countries in Region 1 should complete their migration by 17 June

6 In its interpretation of the Policy, the Final Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan and the proposed draft DTT Migration Regulations, Sentech is of the view that DTT-to-DTT migration can only occur post analogue switch-off. The BDM Policy as amended and the draft DTT Migration Regulations both refer to date of June 2015 for a possible analogue switch off date. It is also important to note that there is no regulatory framework and policy directive for DTT-to-DTT migration. Consequently the 800 MHz digital dividend will not be available immediately at analogue switch-off. The migration of DTT services is determined mainly by the following; Revised ICASA Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan; Determining cost of the DTT-to-DTT migration; and And most important of all, determining the source of funding for the DTT-to-DTT migration. Sentech vehemently believes that it cannot nor should broadcasters be expected to fund the DTT-to-DTT migration. The availability of the digital dividend is dependent upon the above issues being resolved. 3.2 Final Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan, 2008 In terms of section 30(1) and 34 of the EC Act of 2005 ICASA published the Final Terrestrial Broadcast Frequency Plan of 2008 on 18 November 2009 as an annexure to the National Radio Frequency Plan. The frequency plan is intended to assist the roll-out plans of ECNS licensees providing terrestrial signal distribution. The frequency plan considered the following, inter alia; Introduction of new entrants; Digital migration requirements determined by the National Preparatory Task Team, in preparation for the RRC-06, versus spectrum availability; The frequency plan incorporated the following, inter alia; Two (2) national terrestrial fixed multiplexes; o Fixed reception height at 10m; o Coverage based on GE-06 technical specifications; 5

7 Two (2) metropolitan terrestrial mobile multiplexes o Coverage based on GE-06 technical specifications; The frequency plan did not incorporate the following; The effective radiated powers (ERPs) proposed in the final frequency plan do not allow for digital coverage that is equivalent to that currently provided by analogue services; o The frequency plan does not allow for the coverage requirements for multiplex one (1) as stated in the revised BDM Policy. Coverage requirements for self-help stations; Coverage requirements for low power stations; The early release of digital dividend, MHz; o o The frequency plan has forty two (42) digital assignments above 790 MHz; The frequency plan did not cater for the migration of the following services; Self-help television; Low-power television; Digital assignments above 790 MHz; and Studio-transmitter-links (STLs) used mainly by Community Broadcasters. 3.3 Revision of the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan The Radio Frequency Migration Plan incorrectly states that the MHz band will be available by The Radio Frequency Migration Plan does not acknowledge that the draft DTT Migration Frequency Plan and the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan does not allow for the migration of DTT services to below 790 MHz. The Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan has forty two (42) assignments above 790 MHz and one hundred and forty (142) assignments between 694 and 790 MHz as indicated in Annexure A and B. 6

8 The revision of the Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan needs to accommodate for the DTT-to-DTT migration as there is not existing framework allowing for the DTT-to-DTT migration. 3.4 Studio transmission links (STLs) Sentech does not agree with the Authority s proposal regarding STLs competing with other services for spectrum assignment in the allocated for fixed services. Sentech believes that since STLs serve mainly Community Broadcasters, there should be band/s allocation primary for STLs. The ICASA Draft Spectrum Assignment Plan for the combined licensing of the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz Bands as published on 15 December 2011 in Government Gazette No proposes the spectrum plan mobile services in the 800 MHz band. According to the draft document the frequency band MHz will not be assigned as the proposed plan is a frequency duplex system. Sentech proposes that this un-assigned portion of the band be made available for STL deployment on a non-interference basis to the proposed mobile services.800 MHz Band. Sentech also proposes that the band MHz be made available primarily for STL services. Majority of Community Broadcasters are dependent on STL services as a critical medium of delivering content to distribution sites MHz band The Sentech national distribution linking network is done via the satellite platform. The only terrestrial linking under distribution linking network is to the Sunnyside transmitter site. The satellite linking distribution network is split between C-band (Primary feed) and Ku-band (Secondary Feed). The Sentech distribution linking network is therefore specifically dependent on the favourable propagation properties of the C-band in ensuring the continued delivery of uninterrupted services on behalf of our clients. Sentech therefore does not support the Authority s proposal of the inclusion of broadband services in the MHz band. Sentech is against sharing the MHz band with broadband services and therefore urges the Authority not to amend this section of the National Radio Frequency Plan. 7

9 Even though Sentech makes use of the Ku-band for secondary feeds to its transmitter sites for purposes of redundancy, the Ku-band is still susceptible to rain fading. 3. CONCLUSION Sentech thanks the Authority for the opportunity to make a submission on the Draft Frequency Migration Regulation and Frequency Migration Plan. 8

10 4 Annexure A: DTT assignments above 790 MHz NO STATION NAME LONGITUDE LATITUDE CH FREQ MHz 1 ERMELO 029E S SOMERSET EAST 025E S DEWETSDORP 026E S EAST LONDON 027E S ELLIOT 027E S GREYTOWN 030E S GREYTOWN DORP 030E S HOLY CROSS 029E S MBUZINI 031E S MOGWASE 027E S MOLEMA 030E S MOUNT AYLIFF 029E S SENEKAL 027E S TZANEEN 030E S VOLKSRUST 029E S FRANSCHHOEK 019E S ITSOSENG 025E S MADIBOGO 025E S NQUTU 030E S THABA NCHU 026E S CAROLINA 030E S DONNYBROOK 029E S GEORGE 022E S HOLY CROSS 029E S MOUNT AYLIFF 029E S PANKOP 028E S SUPINGSTAD 026E S PILANESBERG 027E S SOMERSET EAST 025E S VILLIERSDORP 019E S CAROLINA 030E S DEWETSDORP 026E S ELLIOT 027E S MBUZINI 031E S MOGWASE 027E S FRANSCHHOEK 019E S MOOI RIVER 029E S THABA NCHU 026E S DONNYBROOK 029E S GEORGE 022E S PANKOP 028E S SUPINGSTAD 026E S

11 5 Annexure B: DTT assignments between 694 and 790 MHz NO STATION NAME LONGITUDE LATITUDE CH FREQ MHz 1 FICKSBURG TOWN 027E S KING WILLIAMS TOWN 027E S PORT ELIZABETH 025E S PORT ELIZABETH CITY 025E S STERKSPRUIT 027E S WINDYBRIDGE 027E S AMANDA GLEN 018E S AURORA 018E S CAPE TOWN 018E S CLIFTON 018E S DURBAN 030E S DURBAN NORTH 031E S FISHOEK 018E S GRABOUW 018E S GRAHAMSTOWN 026E S HEIDELBERG 028E S HOUT BAY 018E S HOWICK 030E S LOUWSBURG 031E S MATATIELE 028E S OVERPORT 030E S PAARL 018E S PIETERMARITZBURG 030E S SEA POINT 018E S SENEKAL 027E S SIMONSTOWN 018E S STELLENBOSCH 018E S TABLE MOUNTAIN 018E S THABAZIMBI 027E S THE BLUFF 031E S TYGERBERG 018E S VERULAM 031E S BURGERSDORP 026E S DULLSTROOM 030E S GROOT MARICO 026E S HANKEY 024E S MATJIESFONTEIN 020E S PATENSIE 024E S PAUL SAUER DAM 024E S PLETTENBERG BAY 023E S STRAALHOEK 029E S SWARTRUGGENS 026E S

12 43 TAUNG 024E S TOLWE 028E S WILLOWMORE 023E S BLOEMFONTEIN 026E S GLENCOE 029E S POTGIETERSRUS 029E S SEVERN 023E S VAN RHYNSDORP 018E S KIESEL 027E S MIER 020E S RUSTENBURG 027E S RUSTENBURG (CASHAN) 027E S THLABANE 027E S UBOMBO 032E S VILLIERSDORP 019E S BEZVALLEY 028E S DEBEERSRUS 022E S ENZELSBURG 026E S GA-RANKUWA 028E S GARIES 018E S HELDERKRUIN 027E S JOHANNESBURG 028E S LINMEYER 028E S MABOPANE 028E S MAKADIMA 025E S MENLO PARK 028E S MONDEOR 027E S MOTSWEDI 025E S MULBARTON 028E S NELSPRUIT 030E S PRETORIA 027E S PRETORIA NORTH 028E S STRAALHOEK 029E S SUNNYSIDE 028E S BLOEMFONTEIN 026E S DOUGLAS 023E S LOMBAARDSVLAKTE 022E S POFADDER 018E S UNIONDALE 023E S UNIONDALE (TOWN) 023E S CHRISTIANA 024E S DE AAR 023E S EMPANGENI 031E S ESHOWE 031E S KLERKSDORP 026E S MIDDELBURG 029E S

13 89 PIET RETIEF 030E S POTCHEFSTROOM 027E S QUDENI 030E S RICHARDS BAY 032E S ULUNDI 031E S DULLSTROOM 030E S ERMELO 029E S KIESEL 027E S MIER 020E S PILANESBERG 027E S UBOMBO 032E S BEZVALLEY 028E S DEBEERSRUS 022E S EAST LONDON 027E S ENZELSBURG 026E S GA-RANKUWA 028E S GARIES 018E S GREYTOWN 030E S GREYTOWN DORP 030E S HELDERKRUIN 027E S JOHANNESBURG 028E S LINMEYER 028E S MABOPANE 028E S MAKADIMA 025E S MENLO PARK 028E S MOLEMA 030E S MONDEOR 027E S MOTSWEDI 025E S MULBARTON 028E S NELSPRUIT 030E S PRETORIA 027E S PRETORIA NORTH 028E S SUNNYSIDE 028E S TZANEEN 030E S VOLKSRUST 029E S DOUGLAS 023E S ITSOSENG 025E S LOMBAARDSVLAKTE 022E S MADIBOGO 025E S POFADDER 018E S SMITHFIELD 026E S CHRISTIANA 024E S DE AAR 023E S EMPANGENI 031E S ESHOWE 031E S KLERKSDORP 026E S

14 135 MIDDELBURG 029E S PIET RETIEF 030E S POTCHEFSTROOM 027E S QUDENI 030E S RICHARDS BAY 032E S ULUNDI 031E S