FINAL REPORT - Stakeholders - Ofcom

oadcasters could be interested in the possibility of a new European wide-area band in
which DRM could be launched without impacting established LF stations. Although the
DRM signal is designed to fit in with the existing AM broadcast band plan, based on
signals of 9 kHz or 10 kHz bandwidth with modes requiring as little as 4.5 kHz or 5 kHz
bandwidth, DRM can take advantage of wider bandwidths, such as 18 or 20kHz which
could exploit a new band. Besides providing near-FM quality audio, the DRM system has
the capacity to integrate data and text. The benefits of Digital AM for receiver, transmitter
and semiconductor manufacturers are:
• Bringing longevity to older AM technologies;
• Opportunity to identify possibilities for new areas of interest;
• Increasing the market potential for transmitting and receiver systems;
• Optimising return on investment for dual technology components for low data
rate systems applied to narrow-band transmission channels;
• Opportunity to effectively influence cost-effective design concepts for future AM
radio systems;
• Through DRM, active participation in AM digital development.
In addition global harmonisation of the DRM standard has the potential possibility of
providing an estimated market of 2.5 billion DRM receivers world-wide. Of course the
benefits of such a harmonised global market would be diminished somewhat if national or
regional solutions were to be adopted, nevertheless there would be sufficient component
commonality to achieve significant economies of scale.
In January 2003, the International Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) voted in favour of the
DRM standard IEC 62272-1 Ed. 1: Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) - Part 1: System
Specification.
There could also be an argument for leaving MF and LF spectrum fallow as it becomes
available for reallocation. EMC issues and a gradual increase in the noise floor can make
the reception of LF and MF broadcasting services particularly difficult. Further, broadband
wire-line electronic communications networks will increasingly use MF and LF frequencies
in the domestic environment. Many studies have hinted that radiocommunications
services and non-intentional wire-line radiators may be difficult sharing partners. Until
more efficient broadband delivery mechanisms have been developed it may be preferable
in the interests of broadband deployment and increased local loop competition to limit
further radio expansion and the launch of new radiocommunications services in affected
frequency bands.
6.3.9.6 Conclusions
Any changes in the DGPS band could not be envisaged until the end of the decade when
more accurate GNSS systems become available. Any policy decisions need to be taken
with the knowledge that DGPS deployment in the British Isles involves two sovereign
jurisdictions. There would seem to be little negative impact on the General Lighthouse
Authorities as it is unlikely that a differential element will be required for the next
generation of GNSS systems.
It is also possible that users will not be affected as general navigation, safety of life and
search and rescue activities may be provided without imposing direct charges.
If the band likely to be vacated is considered for broadcasting it would be preferable to
seek agreement in CEPT in view of the likely large co-ordination distances involved. It is
difficult to quantify the value of a new LF broadcasting band to broadcasters in view of the
commercial viability of such stations. However a band in which to launch DRM could be of
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