Digital Sound Broacasting License Consultation

Today, ComReg released a consulation document on Digital Sound broadcasting License. See: http://www.odtr.ie/_fileupload/publications/ComReg0879.pdf and http://www.odtr.ie/_fileupload/publications/ComReg0879a.pdf

The license would be for 10 years. 2 multiplexes would be issued, under the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 to RTÉ when requested and to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. The licensee can then chose the particular technology from a list of possibilities such as DAB+, DAB-IP, DRM, DVB-H, Media Flo, ISDB-Tsb, but the last 3 use more bandwidth and are more for television than the first 3 would use.

There appears no drive within the ITU towards ASO Radio switchover unlike analogue TV, though digital is more spectrum efficient than analogue.

RTE’s four radio services also launched on Freesat UK on Septembe 9th 2008 offering non subscription TV across the UK. Once it is added to Freeview, the terrestrial platform its coverage will be completed. See:
http://www.rte.ie/about/pressreleases/2008/0905/radiofourfm05092008.html

Update: A reponse to the consulation can be found in: http://www.odtr.ie/publications/response_to_consultation_on_the_licensing_of_digital_terrestrial_radio_2008.506.103243.p.html

http://www.odtr.ie/publications/digital_sound_broadcasting_multiplex_licence_-_appendix_a_technical_conditions.506.103187.p.html

http://www.odtr.ie/publications/licensing_digital_terrestrial_radio_-_digital_terrestrial_sound_broadcasting_multiplex_licence_conditions.506.103186.p.html.

The conclusion ComReg seems to have taken following consideration of the responses is that 10 years seems sufficient duration and that it needs to take a technology neutral approach, that digital radios allowing DAB and DAB+ are available and that enough spectrum is available for 1 RTÉ mux and 1 Commercial Mux at present given radio requires less spectrum