Digital dividend consultation opened

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH) and the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) have released a discussion paper to invite industry consultation on options for the transition of regional television to digital transmission, and on proposed changes to the VHF and UHF radio spectrum bands after the switch to digital transmission takes place.
The discussion paper seeks feedback on:
The feasibility and viability of various digital transmission arrangements for regional television.
Possible support that government might make, if any, towards the transition
and
The community contribution and business models of regional television, now and post-DSO.
The discussion paper also seeks feedback on proposals that:
One-third of the UHF band be allocated as the core reservation for digital television on a nationwide basis.
One-third be used and allocated on a geographic basis to meet television licence commitments in urban areas and allow new uses such as broadband wireless services in less populous areas.
The remaining third of the UHF band, approximately the frequency range 694-806 MHz, be allocated nationwide to new uses such as new cellular mobile technologies.
Digital Switch Over (DSO) will take place between 2013 and 2015 but a more definate date is yet to be determined.
Responses to the consultation must be received no later that the 30th September 2009.
Source: Ministry of Culture and Heritage NZ
Item added: 17th August 2009