An approach to DAB coverage planning – interim statement - Summary of responses and update on further work

Statement

Introduction

Context to this interim statement

1.1 In July 2010, the Government published a Digital Radio Action Plan (DRAP) the purpose of which is to provide the information to allow for a well-informed decision by Government on whether to proceed with a radio switchover. Ofcom has been asked to chair a DAB coverage and spectrum planning group to determine the current level of FM coverage and develop a range of options to increase DAB coverage to match FM.

1.2 In June 2011, Ofcom published An approach to DAB coverage planning, a consultation which set out our approach to that task. In particular, the document outlined:

• Our approach to defining the areas within which we aim to replicate on DAB, as far as practicable, the editorial coverage of existing FM radio services (we labelled these editorial areas);
• The underlying technical assumptions used to predict acceptable levels of FM and DAB coverage for indoor portable and in-vehicle radio reception;
• The extent of existing FM coverage within each editorial area, for indoor portable radios and for in-vehicle radios on major roads; and
• A study investigating the feasibility of different radio switchover scenarios illustrating, from a broadcast network perspective, how increasing levels of coverage can be achieved using increasing numbers of transmitters.

1.3 We were explicit that the document was not a policy consultation on a regulatory decision by Ofcom, given that the decisions that may follow this work are primarily to be taken by multiplex operators and by Government. Rather, we outlined that we were consulting to give a wider public and stakeholder audience the opportunity to express any views on the issues in this document, before we submit a final report to Government.

1.4 The options we proposed do not constitute a definitive or final view on any post-switchover DAB network but will inform the Governments decision about whether to proceed with digital radio switchover. We noted that further technical work on network planning, and public policy decisions by Government on the issues raised, would be necessary.

1.5 We invited responses on consultation questions that we set out, particularly from a technical perspective or with a focus on the consumer experience.

Purpose of this interim statement

1.6 Our consultation represents only the first stage of the planning process, and within the document we committed to undertaking further research and planning to more fully explore certain issues. This further work would include an examination of the implications for DAB coverage and the consumer experience of:

• Varying our technical assumptions, in particular whether road coverage needs to be planned for 99% of the time and for 99% of locations, other technical characteristics of the DAB broadcast, and the differences between FM and DAB as technologies;
• The trade-off between adding more transmitters and the increase in interference within the DAB network that brings;
• The possibility of merging together some areas to make better use of frequencies (this does not mean merging the radio services, just carrying the same local stations over a wider area); and
• Frequency changes further to those we have already proposed.

1.7 The further work we are conducting in this respect is outlined in section 3. This has been informed in part by the consultation responses we have received, alongside issues raised through our ongoing engagement with industry and other stakeholders.

1.8 We stated that this work would be presented to Government in a final report on the matter. We are publishing this interim statement now in order to highlight the points raised by respondents to our consultation, as well as to give a more general overview of the work we are undertaking that will form the basis of our final report.

1.9 The purpose of this interim statement is therefore to:

• provide a summary of consultation responses;
• outline Ofcoms considerations of the issues raised by the submissions (as far as currently practicable);
• provide details of the further work that is being undertaken, with emerging conclusions.

Next steps

1.10 We will complete the work outlined in section 3 by the end of December 2011, and will provide a final report to Government in Q1 2012.

1.11 The funding of any DAB roll-out is not considered by this report and is being separately considered as part of the DRAP.

1.12 Government will consider the final report alongside deliverables from other workstreams outlined in the DRAP in coming to an evidence-based decision on whether to proceed with digital switchover.

1.13 The DRAP provides two routes for stakeholders and consumers to participate in a public debate around DAB switchover more generally.

• The Stakeholder Group, chaired by the DCMS, is open to a wide range of industry and related stakeholders. The principle purpose of this Group will be to inform external stakeholders of progress against the Action Plan and gather views on emerging findings.
• The Consumer Expert Group, established to inform the Digital Television Switchover Programme and including a wide range of consumer representatives including RNIB, British Wireless for the Blind Fund, the Voice of the Listener and Viewer and Citizens Advice has formally agreed to extend its role to consider the Digital Radio Switchover through a revision to its Terms of Reference.

1.14 Ofcom will continue to lead the Spectrum and Coverage Planning group, and complete work on the other tasks identified in the DRAP.

The full document is available below