Application to Ofcom for a Local Multiplex Licence. August 11 th 2012

Transcription

1 Application to Ofcom for a Local Multiplex Licence August 11 th 2012

2 Contents 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY APPLICANT DETAILS MAIN CONTACT (FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES) MAIN CONTACT (FOR OFCOM PURPOSES) SELECTION CRITERION 1: TECHNICAL PLAN SELECTION CRITERION 2: PLANS FOR PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING LOCAL DIGITAL TELEVISION SERVICES SELECTION CRITERION 3: BUSINESS PLAN SUPPORTING INFORMATION DECLARATION..102 Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO.330 ii of vi

3 List of Figures Figure 1: High Level Architecture Diagram Figure 2: Flexible Content Management Figure 3: L-DTPS Boundaries Figure 4: Example of Sheffield Figure 5: Example of Southampton Figure 6: Coverage '''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''' Liverpool Figure 7: Network Planning Methodology Figure 8: Example work schedule for a single transmitter site Figure 9: Project overview for phase Figure 10: High Level Architecture Figure 11: Deterministic Re-multiplexing in SFN Networks Figure 12: Deterministic Re-multiplexing principle used to build the FAT mux Figure 13: Head End Architecture Figure 14: Head End Broadcast Architecture Figure 15: Transmitter and Repeater Architecture Figure 16: Cases considered in power budget Figure 17: Integrated Cache Transmitter Architecture Figure 18: Incoming interference from Sandy Heath at 1% time Figure 19: Arqiva s predicted local TV coverage Figure 20: Avanti s predicted local TV coverage Figure 21: Coverage with 7 omnidirectional 10W transmitters, no interference Figure 22: Coverage with 7 omnidirectional 10W transmitters & co-channel interference Figure 23: Coverage with 7 directional 10W transmitters (100W ERP) & co-channel interference Figure 24: Optimised coverage with 9 directional 10W transmitters (100W ERP) & co-channel interference Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO.330 iii of vi

4 List of Tables Table 1: Phase 1 Boundary Definitions and Household Numbers Table 2: Phase 2 Boundary Definitions and Household Numbers Table 3: Phase 1 Coverage Commitment and Comparison to Coverage Note Table 4: Phase 2 Coverage and Comparison to Coverage Note Table 5: Phase 1 regional draft deployment timescales Table 6: Example power budget for a typical mini transmitter Table 7: Summary of Activity Table 8: Indicative Pricing to L-DTPS Licensees - Based on Cost Table 9: Indicative Pricing to L-DTPS Licensees - Based on Households Covered Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO.330 iv of vi

5 Glossary of Terms ALS AMC CAPEX COTS Coverage Note DMOL DPSA DTH DTT EBU EITpf EITs EOC EPG ERP EU FOC GIS GNSS ICT IF IOC IPTV ITA L-DTPS Location MIP NPV OPEX PCR PID PR PSI Reference Offer RFIS RFS SFN SI Site SNMP TMP TS UGC UHF VOA Avanti Local TV Services Ltd Avanti Media Centre at Goonhilly Capital Expenditure Commercially available off the shelf Note for Applicants on Coverage of Local Television published by Ofcom May 2012 Digital Multiplex Operators Limited Digital Preferred Service Area Direct to home (TV transmission via satellite) Digital Terrestrial Television European Broadcast Union Event Information Table present future Event Information Table schedule Extended operational capability Electronic Program Guide Equivalent radiated power European Union Full operational capability Geographic Information System Global Navigation Satellite System Integrated cache transmitter Intermediate Frequency Initial operational capability IP Television Invitation to Apply Local Digital Television Programme Service The area served by each local TV service Management Information Protocol Net Present Value Operational Expenditure Program Clock Reference Program Identifier Protection Ratio (MPEG) Program specific Information The reference offer for Local TV published by Arqiva Head end and media centre ready for initial service Ready For Service Single Frequency Network (MPEG) Service Information Where the transmitters are installed Simple Network Management Protocol Time marker packets Transport Stream User Generated Content Ultra High Frequency Valuation Office Agency Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO.330 v of vi

6 VSAT WIG Very Small Aperture Terminal Wireless Infrastructure Group Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO.330 vi of vi

7 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 The following is a brief summary of certain matters relating to Avanti Local TV Services Ltd and its application for a local multiplex licence. It has been prepared by the applicant and it is provided for information only. The summary does not form part of the documentation required to be published pursuant to section 7(8) or any other provision, of the Broadcasting act Ofcom is not responsible for, and can accept no liability in respect of, the accuracy or otherwise of its contents. Questions should be addressed to: Duncan Mackenzie-Reid, The Registry, Royal Mint Court, London EC3N 4QN, Duncan.Mackenzie-Reid@collegehill.com MAKING LOCAL DIGITAL TELEVISION SUSTAINABLE The biggest challenge to the success of local television in the UK is ensuring its long term economic viability. Two key factors are the number of households the broadcasts reach and the transmission costs that must be borne by the local TV companies. The current Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) network was designed to deliver national and regional TV and as a result it does not meet the needs of today s local TV companies. Avanti s approach will bring about a fundamental change in the economics of local TV. By deploying a network of mini transmitters, we will deliver coverage which is precisely targeted to the needs of the local television audiences for L-DTPS licensees. A simple interface to our network, based on a commercial off the shelf solution, will allow licensees to operate the service with the minimum infrastructure overhead for scheduling and play out of content. We will work closely with Local Digital Television Programme Service (L-DTPS) licensees to optimise the coverage of our transmission network to their business requirements. We are not tied to existing broadcasters or DTT infrastructure which gives us a major advantage. Accordingly, we can make the best value judgements with regards to the provision of the broadcasting infrastructure by selecting those sites from the Coverage Note and from our own network alternatives which offer the best fit and value to the L-DTPS licensees. We aim to reduce the costs to licensees further by using revenues from the quasi-national TV channels. A proportion of the revenue raised from these sales will be used to offset the transmission costs. Competitive tendering for key areas of expenditure will ensure that the BBC funding is applied to greatest effect in achieving the objective. With great technology, innovative network design, the most efficient purchasing and the application of effective cost reduction through revenue sharing, Avanti can promise the best coverage and economics for the launch and operation of local TV broadcasting. COVERAGE COMMITMENT Avanti will deliver a transmission network capable of serving all Phase 1 and 2 locations. Our solution increases household coverage over and above the Coverage Note by 1,020,098 households for Phase 1 (to 12.05m) and by 977,787 extra households for Phase 2 (to 2.9m). Furthermore, all households are editorially relevant to the L-DTPS licensees. Additional coverage could be provided through our coverage extension scheme which, ''' '''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''''''''' could purchase an additional 85 transmitters. Assuming 20,000 households per cell this would add 1.7m households. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

8 ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' Our network is based on the deployment of mini transmitters, fed by satellite to create a cell based Single Frequency Network based on a model already deployed in other European countries. We will use commercially available hardware and deploy between 2 and 17 transmitters for each local TV location. An ultra low-cost Integrated Cache Transmitter (ICT) solution will be made available for deployment by the end of 2013 as an option for Phase 2 roll out and Extension which will include community TV across the UK. As no community need be without a signal, these mini transmitters will increase the sense of inclusiveness. It should be noted that our cell based solution is particularly spectrally efficient and minimises the effects of exported interference. Our technical approach has been validated through consultation with a selection of local TV companies and in an independent technical audit carried out by an Ofcom recognised technical consultancy, Aegis Systems. Attention is drawn to a note from Aegis provided in an annex to this application. We have modelled the coverage to identify the locations of the commercial transmitter sites required to maximise household coverage. Subject to competition, the sites will be sourced for Avanti by specialists ''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''' ' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''''''' HOW WE WILL PROMOTE AND SUPPORT LOCAL TV We plan to market local TV imaginatively to ensure broadcasters realise their audience potential. In conjunction with marketing to build audience numbers we will be seeking to improve revenues by negotiating national advertising sales. We will also be generating opportunities for broadcasters to exchange programming which will create diversity, increase programme quality and help manage costs. We have set aside over '''''''''''' to create an anchor brand and tools that can be adopted for local TV and used by L-DTPS licensees across the UK. It will be promoted in a variety of media formats including radio, TV, print media, internet promotion, local signage and in a series of regional road shows. A marketing tool kit will include a set of white label applications and web based tools that can be used to provide second screen functions (tablet and mobile) and feedback mechanisms to gather statistics for use by advertisers and programme controllers. We will host and operate a media exchange facility to allow local TV companies to exchange their own and third party content. A third party agency will co-ordinate the acquisition of third party content and make it available to local TV companies for use in their programming. We will provide satellite uplinking infrastructure for outside broadcast and Satellite News Gathering using capacity on Avanti s satellites. This will be available separately on a pay as you go basis. This will be suitable for the distribution of sports, news and cultural events for consumption both in the local area and by other local TV companies. OUR BUSINESS PLAN The business is sustainable and depends on the availability of BBC funding for infrastructure deployment and the sales of the two quasi-national channels. We present two potential pricing schemes; one based on cost apportionment and the second based on households covered. The first fairly shares infrastructure costs, the second provides Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

9 licensees in each phase a constant cost per thousand households covered which will assist the viability of L-DTPS licensees in the less densely populated locations Our base case is based on Ofcom s own estimate of each quasi-national channel generating 1.75m per annum. '''' ''''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''' Our sensitivity analysis shows that the largest sensitivity is a decline in National TV channel revenue. Our analysis shows that these can be reduced by '''''''''' from ''''''''''' onwards and the business will still retain a profit. Our business case is less sensitive to variations in revenues from L-DTPS licensees. DETAILS OF THE APPLICANT Avanti Local TV Services Ltd (ALS) is owned by Avanti Communications Group PLC which is a public limited company listed on the London AIM market. ALS will be staffed by an experienced team drawing on additional expertise from Avanti Communications Group PLC where required. The backing of Avanti Communications Group PLC provides: Financial security; Avanti has a market capitalisation of 400m and the capacity to support the cashflow needs of ALS during the deployment phase if required Considerable prior experience in the management of public funds for infrastructure deployment and demonstrable experience of successfully deploying and operating communications infrastructure in the UK Access to extensive technical, commercial and regulatory expertise The directors of ALS are Nigel Fox and Matthew O Connor who are also main board directors of Avanti Communications Group PLC. ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' '''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' '''' ''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''' '''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''''' ''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' '''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' '''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''''' '''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' ''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''' '''''''' ''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''''' '''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''' '''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''' Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

10 2 APPLICANT DETAILS Name: Avanti Local TV Services Ltd Address: 74 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY Telephone: Fax: '''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

11 3 MAIN CONTACT (FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES) Name: Duncan Mackenzie-Reid Address: The Registry Royal Mint Court London EC3N 4QN Telephone: Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

12 4 MAIN CONTACT (FOR OFCOM PURPOSES) '''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

13 5 SELECTION CRITERION 1: TECHNICAL PLAN INTRODUCTION 5.1 The following paragraphs in Part 5 of our proposal respond to the three comparative selection assessment requirements of Selection Criterion 1, which are: The extent of the coverage area proposed to be achieved; The timetable for achieving this coverage; The technical means for delivering this coverage. This chapter has the following five sections: Overview: Introduces the proposed service and its design concepts and describes how the highly cost effective and flexible coverage provides key benefits for both the BBC Trust and the L-DTPS Licensees. Coverage: Details Avanti s predicted coverage along with our commitment to exceed the reference coverage in a cost effective and adaptable fashion. The predicted lower levels of interference which make frequency co-ordination significantly easier are summarised. Build out programme: Describes the processes that will be followed to ensure Avanti implement Phase 1 and 2 in line with Ofcom s timescales, whilst maintaining the flexibility to adapt the build-out to meet the stakeholder requirements. Technical arrangements: States how the service will be implemented using field proven technologies and how this approach will facilitate the L-DTPS licensees in managing the play-out of their content via a broadband connection to Avanti s Media centre. Interference Analysis: Presents the results of the analysis conducted by Aegis Systems concerning potential interference with main DTT transmissions Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

14 OVERVIEW 5.2 Our technical solution is based on a network of low-power transmitters located across the UK. The use of short-range broadcast cells provides the ability to precisely define the L-DTPS target audience. The plans shown in this section are based on the outline service areas shown in the Coverage Note. We would expect to confirm or redefine our coverage areas in discussion with the L-DTPS licensees during the negotiation phase. Our coverage is based on household coverage and can be extended across the UK to any community that may want Local TV services. Typical location Transmitter and relay sites Local TV Transmitter Local TV Local TV Internet Transmitter Small location Transmitter site only Transmitter Media Centre Head End Transmitter Large location Transmitter sites and relay sites Figure 1: High Level Architecture Diagram Key Features Our solution is based on a network of low-power transmitters configured in Single Frequency Networks (SFN) in each of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 locations. Local TV programming and media management is centralised via the media centre located at the Avanti Teleport in Goonhilly (Cornwall). This will provide the L-DTPS licensees with the infrastructure required to manage their program scheduling, content management and advertisement billing. Our proposed solution offers flexibility for content production, management and live insertion. The service model chosen offers a cost-effective option for the L-DTPS licensees to produce content locally, then upload and manage the local TV programming and EPG via a broadband connection, reducing the production and infrastructure costs. Alternatively licensees can choose to operate partially (or totally) live using broadband or satellite for video and metadata transfer to the AMC. The flexibility provided by the AMC will allow the L-DTPS licensees to choose the best way to operate depending on their budget and the infrastructure they have available as shown in Figure 2. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

15 The L-DTPS licensee TV services will be distributed via Avanti s satellite link to the respective location transmitter networks. Each DTPS licensee TV location will have a network of mini transmitters that receive the content stream from the satellite and creates the local multiplex, including the local TV station, plus the two national channels and/or other agreed services. This multiplex is then transmitted as a DVB-T signal using a regional Single Frequency Network (SFN) solution. Live Sport Event Broadband/Satellite Local TV Pre-Recorded Content Broadband Media Shared Library Local TV Programmi ng Local TV Local TV Local Library TV Library Library Head End Broadband/ Satellite Live News Broadband Content Providers Figure 2: Flexible Content Management The coverage of the mini transmitters may be supplemented by on-channel repeaters in some locations. The use of deterministic re-multiplexing technology allows multiple master sites in the L-DTPS licensee service area which optimizes the coverage and reduces the spectrum usage via the use of the SFN solution. All sites use a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) connection to provide the monitoring and control capability for operational management of the service. The Local TV multiplex will broadcast using DVB-T adhering to the broadcast specifications provided by Ofcom. The infrastructure proposed fully supports the DVB-T2 standard and will be ready for the switch to the new standard when/if Ofcom require it. In Phase 2, as an alternative to the proposed solution, there may be an option to use the new Integrated Cache Transmitters (ICTs) that are currently under development by Red Squirrel TV Ltd (patent pending). With this new solution the channel content will be delivered to the transmitter sites in advance of transmission using a reliable multicast protocol. The media centre software will send metadata which will enable the ICT to insert PSI tables into the Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

16 content file and generate the local TV multiplex. The ICT network will be synchronised via GNSS timing signals which will allow them to broadcast the DVB-T multiplex as a SFN. Background 5.12 Our technical solution is a Single Frequency Network (SFN) with reliable re-multiplexing technology. This is designed to satisfy the following key requirements: Maximization of the number of households covered (not the territory) and minimization of the infrastructure costs Limitation of the radiated power, reducing the operational and installation costs Ensuring Local TV is more Local by providing the best infrastructure to support more local TV channels instead of a smaller number of TV channels covering larger areas Our solution uses a network of mini transmitters and repeaters, with distribution via an IP infrastructure. The local TV multiplexes (muxes) are assembled at the transmitter sites with identical TS composition and synchronised broadcast. This solution is innovative and has a higher fault tolerance, and allows easy scalability and network reconfiguration. The combination affordable solutions for reliable re multiplexing has allowed widespread deployment of SFNs over the last 10 years: We are happy to demonstrate our proposed solution in cooperation with potential suppliers. This will allow the following key elements to be demonstrated: Preparation of the FAT multiplex at the Head-end with at least three TV channels. Insertion of Time Marker Packets (TMP) in the Transport Stream at the head end station. Transmission of the multiplex over Hylas 1 capacity. Reception and demodulation of the DVB-S signal. Re-multiplexing to generate the local TV multiplex and transmission over DVB-T from three sites to create a small SFN network (this would require a test licence from Ofcom) The details of the demonstration can be agreed during the adjustment phases and, depending scope, implemented during the preparatory phase. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

17 COVERAGE Avanti s solution increases household coverage over the reference offer by 1,020,098 households for Phase 1 (to 12.05m) and by 977,787 extra households for Phase 2 (to 2.9m). Furthermore, all households are relevant to the L-DTPS licensees. Additional coverage can be provided through our coverage extension scheme which offers up to a further 85 transmitters with coverage of an additional 1.7m households at a conservative estimate of 20,000 households per transmitter. Objective Our primary objective is to provide the L-DTPS licensees with a Local TV service coverage that enables them to sustain and grow their businesses. To be successful, L-DTPS licensees need to focus on providing local news and other local content to areas with a strong sense of local identity. This may be based on proximity, long standing social, political or economic ties or may be associated with commuting patterns. In our discussions with a number of potential L-DTPS licensees, it has become apparent that there are currently a large number of mismatches between the coverage required by L-DTPS businesses and that proposed in the Coverage Note. In some cases, the mismatch occurs because the L-DTPS licensees need to target households in particular towns or cities, these are not included in the Coverage Note coverage. For example, King s Lynn is not covered by the Norwich Coverage Note but as it is one of the largest towns in the region it will be of key importance to the L-DTPS licensee in the Norwich area. In other cases the mismatch occurs because the Coverage Note serves populations that have no affiliation to the L-DTPS editorial coverage and therefore will not be relevant to the licensee. For example, the Liverpool Coverage Note coverage includes Wigan and North Wales but neither of these locations have an association with Liverpool and as such they are of no interest to '''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''' Liverpool. This is just one example of numerous such mismatches within the Coverage Note. The mismatch issue has critical commercial implications for those L-DTPS licensees who find themselves unable to target the households they need or unable to attract sufficient revenue from local businesses. The L-DTPS licensees to whom we have spoken are aware of the potential negative impact on their economic viability and consider it a significant issue. Location Boundaries One of the merits of our approach is the ability to target coverage where it is required. Our coverage analysis is based on a bottom-up approach that divides the UK into areas of coverage which are of genuine relevance to the potential L-DTPS licensees. Accordingly, we have defined 51 coverage locations encompassing 21 Phase 1 and 30 Phase 2 locations where there has been an expression of interest. The approach we have adopted extends natural boundaries so that they are adjacent to each other. Where there is uncertainty, we have chosen to overlap the boundaries with the aim of resolving the distinction by discussion with the parties who are awarded the L-DTPS licences. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

18 In the special case of London we have restricted coverage to the 33 boroughs,. We have left outer towns such as Tonbridge, Maidstone and Guildford to extend their own coverage. The boundaries we have selected are shown in Figure 3. t Figure 3: L-DTPS Boundaries 5.28 London represents a special case; it is of course the largest urban area and population grouping in the UK. Because of its very size and geographic spread, we raise the idea that it could be split in to smaller regions. This could be done in a number of different ways; North, South East and West, or in other ways according to boroughs. We simply raise the idea and Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

19 suggest that it could result in more relevant local coverage and would be aligned with the DCMS philosophy behind Local TV. Our technical solution could support such an initiative We imported all of the re-defined L-DTPS coverage areas into a Geographic Information System (GIS) and covered each area with 12km diameter hexagons (or cells). The number of households included in each cell was then calculated by the GIS using population data from the Ordnance Survey to obtain an accurate household coverage count. Table 1 and Table 2 below summarise the location boundaries compared with the Coverage Note and show the number of households within the redefined boundaries of each location. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

20 Phase 1 Location Households within Avanti Local Area Table 1: Phase 1 Boundary Definitions and Household Numbers Description of Local Area from Ofcom ITA Birmingham 1,252,962 Birmingham plus part of Wolverhampton, Walsall & Dudley Definition of Avanti Local Area Birmingham and surrounds including Wolverhampton, Walsall, Stourbridge, Solihull, Coleshill, Sutton Coldfield, Aldridge and Bloxford. Also neighbouring towns to the NE of Tamworth, Lichfield, Hednesford and Burton on Trent. Brighton 231,178 Brighton & Hove Brighton and Hove and neighbouring coastal urban areas of Littlehampton, Worthing, Shoreham by Sea, Portslade by Sea and inland as far as Arundel. Bristol 509,185 Bristol Bristol metropolitan area plus adjoining urban areas of Keynsham, Kingswood, Filton, Bradley and Stoke. Additional nearby towns and cities including Bath, Portishead, Clevedon and Nailsea, Yate, Thornbury and Tetbury, Dursley and Berkeley. Populated areas across the Severn including Chepstow, Lydney, Cinderford, Monmouth and Ross on Wye. Cardiff 639,251 Cardiff, Newport & Bridgend Cardiff and surrounds including area bounded by Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Chepstow, Monmouth, Abergavenny, Crickhowell, Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Treorchy and Maesteg. Edinburgh 675,332 Edinburgh Edinburgh and surrounds including Dunbar, North Berwick, Musselburgh, Falkirk, Livingston, Stirling, Dunblane, Alloa, Dunfermline, Cowdenbeath, Glenrothes, Leven and St Andrews. Glasgow 827,123 Glasgow, East Kilbride, Motherwell & Paisley Glasgow and surrounds including East Kilbride, Motherwell, Paisley, Wemyss Bay, Greenock, Helensburgh, Balloch, Dumbarton, Clydebank, Milngavie, Cumbernauld, Airdrie, Wishaw and Strathaven. Grimsby 398,087 Grimsby plus parts of Kingston upon Hull Grimsby and surrounds including Skegness, Scunthorpe, Kingston upon Hull, Market Rasen, Driffield and Hornsea. Leeds 1,291,056 Leeds plus Dewsbury, Halifax, Huddersfield & Wakefield Liverpool 816,833 Liverpool plus St Helens, Widnes, Wigan & Wirral Leeds and surrounds including Dewsbury, Halifax, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Bradford, Keighley, Ilkley, Wetherby, Harrogate, Boroughbridge, York and Selby. Liverpool and surrounds excluding Wigan and North Wales but including St Helens, Widnes and the Wirral, Southport, Skelmersdale, Formby, Warrington, Runcorn, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port. London 3,438,003 Greater London area The 33 boroughs of Greater London but excluding outlying towns and cities such as Watford and Guildford where local TV could be established independently of London. Manchester 1,401,087 Manchester plus Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford & Stockport Newcastle 1,221,759 Newcastle plus Gateshead, South Shields & Sunderland Manchester and surrounds including Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Leigh, Northwich, Glossop, Macclesfield and Congleton. Newcastle and surrounds including Gateshead, South Shields, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Whitby, Darlington, Durham, Northallerton, Barnard Castle, Consett, Prudhoe, Hexham, Haltwhistle, Blyth, Ashington, Amble, Berwick, Alnwick and Morpeth. Norwich 476,037 Norwich Norwich, extended to full county of Norfolk Nottingham 1,120,023 Nottingham plus overflow into Lincolnshire such as Grantham & Spalding Nottingham extended to full county of Nottinghamshire plus nearby Derby and most populated parts of Lincolnshire including Lincoln, Grantham, Spalding and Boston. Oxford 123,594 Oxford plus Abingdon & Didcot Oxford extended to full county of Oxfordshire. Plymouth 270,443 Plymouth Plymouth plus Torbay and connecting hinterland. Preston 738,889 Preston plus Blackpool Preston extended to full county of Lancashire (except high Pennines) where not included in Liverpool or Manchester. Sheffield 707,361 Sheffield plus parts of Rotherham Sheffield extended to the full South Riding except for Scunthorpe which is covered by Grimsby. Southampton 864,501 Southampton plus Eastleigh, Fareham, parts of Isle of Wight, parts of Portsmouth & Winchester Southampton extended to full county of Hampshire (except some areas included in the coverage of Reading and Basingstoke) plus Portsmouth and all of the Isle of Wight. Swansea 306,188 Swansea plus Llanelli Swansea extended to the county of Carmarthenshire including Llanelli, plus Neath and Port Talbot council area and Pothcawl. Belfast 301,487 Belfast plus Lisburn Belfast and surrounds including Lisburn, Balynahinch, Downpatrick, Donaghadee, Bangor, Newtonards, Carryduff, Carrickfergus, Whitehead, Larne, Ballyclare and Mallusk. Total 17,610,379 Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

21 Location Households within Avanti Coverage Table 2: Phase 2 Boundary Definitions and Household Numbers Description of Coverage from Ofcom ITA Definition of Avanti Coverage Aberdeen 176,004 Aberdeen Aberdeen and coastal strip of Aberdeenshire including Peterhead, Stonehaven, Fraserburgh and Inverurie. Ayr 289,986 Ayr plus Kilmarnock Ayr extended to counties of North, South and East Ayrshire including Kilmarnock plus East coast of Arran. Bangor 122,497 Bangor Bangor plus coastal towns to the East as far as Prestatyn and St Asaph. Barnstaple 51,020 Barnstaple Barnstaple and nearby resorts of Ilfracombe and Bideford. Basingstoke 189,264 Basingstoke Basingstoke, Farnorough, Aldershot and Farnham. Bedford 160,511 Bedford plus Sandy Bedford plus North Bedfordshire, Sandy and Biggleswade. Bromsgrove 41,646 Bromsgrove Bromsgrove and Droitwich. Carlisle 427,146 Carlisle Carlisle extended to the Border TV counties of England and Scotland, including Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and the Cheviot Hills in Northumbria. Dundee 355,286 Dundee plus Arbroath and Perth Dundee and nearby towns of Montrose, Arbroath, Forfar, Perth Glenrothes, Buckhaven and St Andrews. Guildford 341,439 Guildford plus parts of Woking Guildford, Woking, Weybridge, Cobham, Leatherhead, Dorking and Godalming. Hereford 111,134 Hereford Hereford extending to the county of Herefordshire. Inverness 108,584 Inverness Inverness, Elgin, Nairn, Dingwall and surrounding area. Kidderminster 74,307 Kidderminster Kiddermister, Bewdley, Hagley and Stourport on Severn. Leicester 471,022 None Leicester extended to most of county of Leicestershire. Luton 327,654 Luton Luton plus the M1 corridor northwards including Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Amthill, Flitwick, Bletchley, Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell. Maidstone 651,761 Maidstone Maidstone and the Medway and Thames Estuary dock towns outside the London Boroughs, including Rochester, Chatham, Dartford, Tilbury and Southend. Malvern 139,406 Malvern Malvern plus most of Worcestershire including Worcester, Droitwich Spa, Evesham and nearby Tewkesbury. Middlesbrough 548,766 Middlesbrough plus Hartlepool and Stockton on Tees Middlesbrough plus Hartlepool, Stockton on Tees, Durham and Darlington - broadly the same as Arqiva. Mold 190,263 Mold plus Denbigh and Ruthin Mold extended to the counties of Flintshire and Denbighshire plus Wrexham. Reading 602,456 Reading Reading plus the M4 corridor from Slough to Newbury plus most of the county of Berkshire. Cambridge 325,085 Cambridge Cambridge extended to the county of Cambridgeshire. Salisbury 328,431 Salisbury Salisbury extended to the county of Witshire plus Swindon. Scarborough 109,655 Scarborough Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby and Bridlington. Solihull 143,427 None The council area of Solihull. Stoke on Trent 801,086 Stoke on Trent plus Newcastle under Lyme Stoke on Trent plus Newcastle under Lyme, the county of Staffordshire and nearby towns including Crewe. Stratford 422,081 Stratford upon Avon Stratford upon Avon extended to the county of Warwickshire plus Coventry. Tonbridge 316,478 Tonbridge plus parts of Tunbridge Wells Tonbridge and surrounds up to the edge of London including Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks. York 920,763 York York plus neighbouring towns such as Wetherby, Thirsk and Leeds. Derry 53,962 Derry Derry area. Limavady 118,392 Limavady plus parts of Limavady plus Coleraine and Ballymoney plus Derry. Ballymoney and Coleraine Total 8,919, Overlaps account for the higher than actual number of households and this shows the importance of reaching agreement between the L-DTPS licensees on coverage boundaries. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

22 Selecting Coverage within Location Boundaries Transmitters which provide our coverage commitment will be based on commercial sites such as high buildings and cell towers and site rentals incurred will form a major cost of the solution. We have minimised the number of transmitter sites as far as reasonable to ensure that OPEX costs are kept as low as possible and to make the service as affordable as possible to L-DTPS licensees. To minimise the number of sites required we have arranged the cells in each location in order of household coverage. Those with the highest household counts in each location were allocated a transmitter site. The number of cells in which to locate transmitters was determined so as to exceed the Coverage Note ach location by a reasonable margin. Below this, cells do not have a transmitter site and are not covered, although we have sufficient headroom in our Capital budget to extend coverage. This will be examined in consultation with successful L-DTPS licensees. The following three examples for Sheffield, Southampton and Liverpool illustrate our approach. Example 1 Sheffield We can now demonstrate our approach using the Sheffield area as our first illustrative example. On Figure 4, the solid red line describes our re-defined boundary. The bounded area has been filled with a series of 12km hexagons. The number of households within our boundary is 707,361. Our coverage is provided through locating 9 transmitters to address the 9 most densely populated cells and these are indicated on the Figure by red or green boundaries to the hexagons. This provides us with good coverage over Sheffield Barnsley, Doncaster, Chesterfield and Rotherham. Our coverage commitment over these areas amounts to 452,351 households. Superimposed on the diagram is the Coverage Note coverage, indicated by the light purple transmitter pattern encompasses 110,000 households. At 452,551 households, our approach offers 411% in household numbers compared to the Coverage Note. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

23 Figure 4: Example of Sheffield Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

24 Example 2 Southampton We can now demonstrate our approach using the Southampton area as our second illustrative example. On Figure 5, the solid red line describes our re-defined boundary. The bounded area has been filled with a series of 12km hexagons. The number of households within our boundary is 864,501. Our coverage is provided through locating 5 transmitters to address the 5 most densely populated cells and these are indicated on the Figure by red boundaries to the hexagons. This provides us with good coverage over Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Gosport, Havant and Christchurch. Our coverage commitment over these areas amounts to 357,777 households. Superimposed on the diagram is the Southampton Coverage Note coverage, indicated by the light purple transmitter pattern. This encompasses 230,000 households. At 357,777 households, our approach offers 156% in household numbers compared to the Coverage Note. Again, this analysis clearly demonstrates the increased audience that our approach will afford the Southampton L-DTPS Licensee. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

25 Figure 5: Example of Southampton Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

26 Example 3 - Liverpool The final example of our approach is illustrated for Liverpool in Figure 6. The boundary marked in red has been provided '''''' ''''''''' '''''''' '''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' in Liverpool. Households outside this boundary are of no interest '''' ''''''''' '''''''. The boundary excludes Wigan and areas of North Wales. Figure 6 also displays all hexagonal cells covering the bounded region. The household coverage within the boundary amounts to 816,000 households. Our coverage is provided by locating transmitters to address the 12 most densely populated cells - those which have a small light-green or red triangle indicate households pointing towards either Storeton or Winter Hill transmitters respectively. In total these 12 cells provide coverage of 720,490 households. Transmitters are located at the edge of the cell in the pointing direction of the aerials. The DPSA figure for Liverpool at 890,000 is greater than our household coverage because it includes homes in Wigan and other locations outside the boundary. Because we cannot calculate the areas of DPSA coverage which are relevant ''''' ''''''''' ''''''' this is the only instance in the 51 Phase 1 and 2 locations in which we cannot give definitive figures proving better household coverage than the Coverage Note. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''' ''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''' '''' '''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''' In the instance of Liverpool it is physically impossible to meet the DPSA figure due to the coverage mismatch implicit in the DPSA coverage. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

27 Figure 6: Coverage ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' '''''''' Liverpool Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

28 Coverage Commitment and Comparison with the Coverage Note DPSA Table 3 below shows our coverage commitment in each location for Phase 1. It demonstrates that we have a higher household coverage commitment than the Coverage Note DPSA in all 21 cases except Liverpool. This adds an extra 1.02m households to the Phase 1 household coverage (109% of the DPSA Coverage Note). The Liverpool coverage commitment is lower than the DPSA coverage simply because the redefined Liverpool boundary ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' ''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' now excludes Wigan and North Wales. This is an example of the mismatch which is highlighted in Table 4: Phase 2 Coverage and Comparison to Coverage Note below shows our household coverage in each location in Phase 2. It demonstrates that we have a higher household coverage in all 30 locations than the DPSA, with numbers varying from 105% to 465% of DPSA household coverage. Including Leicester and Solihull, two new locations with expressions of interest, this adds an additional 978,000 households to the Phase 2 roll-out (150% of the Coverage Note). It can be seen that between 2 and 17 transmitters are required for each of the Phase 1 locations and between 1 and 7 transmitters for the Phase 2 locations. While these figures illustrate our improved coverage compared to the Coverage Note, in practice we believe it still underestimates the benefit of our solution because all of the households in our coverage are relevant to the L-DTPS licensees. This is not the case with the Coverage Note where many are not. Although we would like to quantify this benefit, we do not have the GIS coverage data for the Coverage Note DPSA which we would need to do so accurately. We are however prepared to provide our boundaries as native GIS files to Ofcom to enable a more accurate coverage comparison to be performed. It may be noted that the total of the column Total Households within Redefined Boundary is in excess of the number of households in the UK. This simply reflects the overlap of some boundaries between L-DTPS locations. In practice, once agreement has been reached between L-DTPS licensees regarding the ownership of the overlap, we can simply re-allocate our capacity by moving a cell or addressing the cell with the next highest household count within the L-DTPS location giving up the overlap. Consequently we have not adjusted our coverage commitment figures. '''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''' ''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' '''''''' ''''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''' '''''''''''''''''''' '''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''''''''''' ''' '''''''''''' '''''''''''''' ''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''' ''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''''' ''''''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''' ''''' ''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''' '''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' ''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''' '''''''''''''''''' ''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

29 Table 3: Phase 1 Coverage Commitment and Comparison to Coverage Note Location Coverage Note DPSA Total Households Within Redefined Boundary Number of Transmitter Sites Our Coverage Commitment Avanti/Coverage Note % Birmingham 1,000,000 1,252, ,063, % Brighton 97, , , % Bristol 320, , , % Cardiff 340, , , % Edinburgh 420, , , % Glasgow 720, , , % Grimsby 250, , , % Leeds 840,000 1,291, , % Liverpool 890, , ,490 81% London 3,000,000 3,438, ,163, % Manchester 1,000,000 1,401, ,075, % Newcastle 570,000 1,221, , % Norwich 140, , , % Nottingham 270,000 1,120, , % Oxford 100, , , % Plymouth 100, , , % Preston 370, , , % Sheffield 110, , , % Southampton 230, , , % Swansea 72, , , % Belfast 190, , , % Total 11,029,000 17,610, ,049, % ''''''''''' '''''''''' ''''' '''''''' ''''''''''' ''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''' '''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' '''''' '''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''''''''''' '''''''''' '''''''''' Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

30 Table 4: Phase 2 Coverage and Comparison to Coverage Note Location Coverage Note DPSA Total Households Within Redefined Boundary Number of Transmitter Sites Our Coverage Commitment Avanti/Coverage Note % Aberdeen 120, , , % Ayr 110, , , % Bangor 16, , , % Barnstaple 32,000 51, , % Basingstoke 63, , , % Bedford 62, , , % Bromsgrove 27,000 41, , % Cambridge 83, , , % Carlisle 90, , , % Derry 36,000 53, , % Dundee 140, , , % Guildford 54, , , % Hereford 40, , , % Inverness 49, , , % Kidderminster 21,000 74, , % Leicester - 471, ,297 N/A Limavady 35, , , % Luton 22, , , % Maidstone 130, , , % Malvern 53, , , % Middlesbrough 210, , , % Mold 25, , , % Reading 170, , , % Salisbury 30, , , % Scarborough 31, , , % Solihull - 143, ,075 N/A Stoke on Trent 120, , , % Stratford 28, , , % Tonbridge 45, , , % York 100, , , % Total 1,942,000 8,919, ,919, % We understand that there is potential interest for Local TV services in Leicester and Solihull which we have included in the Phase 2 sites. These are not included in the Coverage Note. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

31 Further Extension of Coverage We also offer L-DTPS licensees the ability to extend coverage beyond our coverage commitment. In discussions with L-DTPS bidders it has become apparent that many believe that they will be able to use space on tall buildings which will be offered by local companies who have an affiliation with them or wish to help the local community. Such sites may be available on a non-commercial basis to the L-DTPS licensees or in exchange for advertising and could be used to locate additional transmitters at low cost. Such buildings could be used to extend TV coverage in Phase 1 and Phase 2 locations to communities or areas which would otherwise be uneconomic to cover. The use of such sites offers the L-DTPS licensees the opportunity to develop stronger links with local companies who may also be interested in TV advertising or sponsorship and also with the local community. We offer to install and manage additional low power transmitters at these non-commercial sites up to the availability of capital from the BBC to maximize the coverage. For such sites, the L-DTPS licensees would be responsible for contracting with the site owner directly and for paying any charges in the setting up or use of these sites, including for example power, VOA or any fees. We believe that this will present the licensee with the potential to extend their coverage at the lowest possible cost. We estimate that ''''' ''''''''''''' ''''''' '''''''''''''''''''''''' ''''''''''''' ''''' ''''''' '''''''''''' ''''''''''' '''''''''''''' we could acquire an additional 85 mini transmitters. Assuming (conservatively) that each is located to cover 20,000 households, this could add another 1,700,000 households. Transmitter locations For our coverage commitment, we will be using commercially available sites. Wherever possible we will make use of available structures such as office blocks and other suitable premises including cell tower masts. We plan to use a satellite dish to receive the TV multiplexes and a smaller broadband antenna for the remote control and monitoring of each site. We have modelled our broadcast cells by placing transmitters in theoretical locations. The final location of the cells and the precise alignment of the transmitters will be dependent on the actual location of available commercial sites and detailed coordination planning that cannot be performed at this stage. We have set the direction of broadcast in each cell to match the alignment of household receiving aerials for regional services, including (where used) local relays. Our analysis is based on a transmitting antenna height above ground level of 20m in most areas and 40m in city or dense urban areas which will provide an approximate line of sight to all roof mounted receiving aerials. We have not performed a detailed analysis for all of our transmitters operating at the channel frequencies selected by Ofcom. However, the analysis of some transmitters, performed for us by technical consultants Aegis Systems, shows that we have similar constraints to Arqiva in Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

32 terms of unwanted co-channel interference. We have modelled different transmitter configurations within our cells to confirm that we can accommodate the co-channel interference in a typically demanding environment (Oxfordshire). The field strength at the edge of the our coverage commitment area will not exceed that achieved by the Arqiva proposal, so we assume that our proposal will not create problems of hole punching - where any households near a transmitter broadcasting only a local service might lose reception of other multiplexes - in all but a few specific circumstances We assume that many of the successful L-DTPS licensees will want to take advantage of our ability to incrementally add previously un-served groups of households to their local coverage area. We will work closely with Ofcom during the adjustment period to ensure that such incremental growth is compatible with extant TV and related services. Our nominal transmitter cell size was taken as 12km in diameter based on advice from Aegis Systems. Transmitters will be placed near cell boundaries in the pointing direction of the aerials. In practice the precise shape of broadcast cells will not be hexagonal and will be tailored to cope with the co-channel interference environment of UK DTT, as described later in this document. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

33 BUILD OUT PROGRAMME 5.74 This section responds to ITA paragraphs & Avanti commits to deliver Phase 1 within the requested timescale based on the following assumptions: Licence award: Occurs no later than 2 nd January 2013 to allow the preparatory work to commence. BBC Trust releases funds: At the start of April 2013 to allow the procurement of long lead items and associated activities to take place. Avanti s approach allows the order of locations and sites to be adapted during the adjustment phase. Pre-deployment activities During the adjustment phase three key areas will be reviewed: the detailed coverage and transmitter site locations; the project plan and the system design. The philosophy for deployment of the transmitter sites is discussed from paragraph 5.85 onwards. We have created a preliminary system design and at the end of the adjustment phase there will be an agreed final system design which will include the final bill of materials. A separate document will define the media centre software architecture. Supplier agreements will be required and agreements in principle will be sought. Once the licence is awarded preparation for the procurement of the transmitter site equipment can commence and once the BBC trust funds are available the orders can be placed. This equipment will be delivered to the regional teams warehouses. Central implementation The central system consists of the head end equipment with control room and the media centre systems. These will be co-located with our satellite gateway facility at Goonhilly in Cornwall, which has fully 3Gbit/s redundant diverse routed Internet connectivity. The head end systems use commercially available off the shelf items (COTS). The media centre software will be custom designed and created and will run on COTS servers. Once the licence is awarded preparation for the procurement of the central equipment can commence and once the BBC trust funds are available the orders can be placed. The central systems will be Ready for Initial Service (RFIS) once the head end systems have been commissioned and a basic media centre capability is operational. They will be considered Ready for Service (RFS) once the full media centre capability is operational. An increase in head-count will be required to provide 24x7 dedicated on-site support. Manpower plans and job requirements will be finalised then suitable employees have been interviewed, selected and hired. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

34 Transmitter deployment philosophy For each TV location area we will adopt the following key milestones in the deployment: Initial Operational Capability (IOC) which will consist of implementing an operational mini transmitter at a central site at that location. At this point the L-DTPS licensee can commence test transmissions over a limited coverage area; Full Operational Capability (FOC) which will consist of implementing all the required operational transmitters for that location. We define this point as that at which the L-DTPS licensee can commence providing commercial services; Extended Operational Capability (EOC) which will include the addition of ICTs located at community sites to provide fill-in and extra coverage. Phase 1 Pilot Region Initially we will install transmitters for a single local TV area which we will refer to as a Pilot. The Pilot location will be selected following discussions with successful L-DTPS licensees and in consultation with Ofcom. We will deploy the pilot site firstly to IOC and then to FOC, following the deployment philosophy described above. We expect that FOC for the first site will be completed within 9 months (from April 2013). Remaining Phase 1 Sites and Locations Once we have achieved FOC for the first pilot site we will deploy to Initial Operational Capability for the other 20 Phase 1 locations. Subsequently we will establish Full Operational Capability for each location. Extended Operating Capability will be first tested at the Pilot location with an ICT and thereafter involve multiple transmitters. Network Planning Methodology Our proposal involves the deployment of an alternative broadcast infrastructure although we will market test the solution against the Arqiva reference offer. We will explore with Arqiva the CAPEX and OPEX and associated conditions for upgrade of existing transmission sites. We have not done this during the course of bid preparation due to the competitive nature of the multiplex licence application. During the preparation of this proposal we have developed coverage plans which we believe match or exceed the coverage detailed in the Coverage Note. The Coverage Note defines the capabilities of an upgraded Arqiva network rather than the requirements of the L-DTPS licensees. During the Adjustment Period (between the award and granting of the multiplex licence) we will liaise with successful Phase 1 L-DTPS licensees to establish their requirements in general, but specifically in terms of household and geographic coverage. These sets of Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

35 coverage requirements will be the starting point for the detailed network planning. This and subsequent stages are shown below in Figure 7. Figure 7: Network Planning Methodology We will provide outline requirements to our site suppliers (for example WIG) in terms of antenna height, power requirements, post code etc. Site suppliers will provide a set of candidate site locations, mast heights and anticipated capital and operational expenditure. It is expected that the number of candidate sites will exceed the number required for the deployment. We will therefore select a subset of the candidate sites for the actual network. We expect this work to be completed after licence award but prior to the signature of the Multiplex Licence An initial site survey will be conducted to understand the locality and potential advantages and disadvantages of different sites Site details (principally height and geographic location) will be used to develop coverage models both for the master site and for the slave sites (where used). A number of combinations of transmitter site will be examined to establish the optimum coverage in terms of households and against the L-DTPS licensee s target area Based on the analysis we will select a set of preferred sites and negotiate pricing with the Commercial site supplier We will then prepare each of the agreed sites in a single local TV area so that they are ready for installation. This will include the adaption of existing facilities, additional power, meter, enclosures, etc 5.104Transmitter equipment will then be deployed and tested on each site The following GANTT chart shows the work required to implement a single transmitter site: Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

36 Figure 8: Example work schedule for a single transmitter site Phase-I Locations 5.106We will commit to deploying all Phase 1 sites within the stated timescales. This requires that the licence be awarded by 2 January 2013 to allow the preparatory work to start and also that the BBC funds are released at the start of April 2013 to allow the long lead items to be ordered. The following GANTT chart illustrates this being achieved. Avanti s methodology allows significant flexibility in rolling out the sites and regions to best meet the total requirements of the different L-DTPS licensees. Figure 9: Project overview for phase 1 Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

37 5.107The following table shows the proposed timescales for deploying the sites across Phase 1. The order of regions can be changed during the adjustment phase. Table 5: Phase 1 regional draft deployment timescales Region IOC FOC EOC Grimsby Aug-2013 Jan-2014 Phase 2 Cardiff Sep-2013 Feb-2014 Phase 2 Edinburgh Sep-2013 Feb-2014 Phase 2 Nottingham Sep-2013 Jan-2014 Phase 2 Oxford Sep-2013 Dec-2013 Phase 2 London Oct-2013 Apr-2014 Phase 2 Sheffield Oct-2013 Jan-2014 Phase 2 Belfast Oct-2013 Feb-2014 Phase 2 Bristol Nov-2013 Apr-2014 Phase 2 Glasgow Nov-2013 May-2014 Phase 2 Preston Nov-2013 Apr-2014 Phase 2 Birmingham Dec-2013 Jun-2014 Phase 2 Brighton Dec-2013 Mar-2014 Phase 2 Southampton Dec-2013 Mar-2014 Phase 2 Swansea Dec-2013 Mar-2014 Phase 2 Liverpool Jan-2014 Jun-2014 Phase 2 Manchester Jan-2014 Jun-2014 Phase 2 Leeds Feb-2014 Aug-2014 Phase 2 Norwich Feb-2014 Jun-2014 Phase 2 Plymouth Feb-2014 May-2014 Phase 2 Newcastle Mar-2014 Aug-2014 Phase 2 Phase-2 Locations 5.108We will commit to deploying all Phase 2 sites within the required timescales. Our methodology allows significant flexibility in rolling out the sites and regions to best meet the total requirements of the different L-DTPS licensees. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

38 TECHNICAL ARRANGEMENTS Avanti s design is based on field proven technologies and provides a cost effective flexible solution for the L-DTPS licensees whilst ensuring optimum value for money for the BBC trust The technical arrangements described in this section follow the outline specified in ITA paragraph The section also includes a discussion of our plan for the acceptance testing. Typical location Transmitter and relay sites Local TV Transmitter Local TV Local TV Transmitter Small location Transmitter site only Internet Transmitter Media Centre Head End Transmitter Large location Transmitter sites and relay sites Figure 10: High Level Architecture Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

39 High Level Architecture 5.110The baseline architecture that we propose for the deployment is shown in Figure 10: High Level Architecture The Local TV Core will be based in the Avanti Media Centre (AMC), to be set up in close proximity to our uplink station in Goonhilly (Cornwall). The AMC will deliver the following functionality: Operate as a hub for the concentration and management of the off line media content uploaded by the L-DTPS licensees and acquired from content providers or other services; Generate the Local TV video stream; Manage the re-multiplexing of the 2 national services and/or the additional services selected; Generate the Local TV SI and PSI tables for the EPG; Acquire and integrate the national muxes EPG info and provide the Local TV EPG to DMOL; Provide a content library and archive capability for all the TV services containing up to 6 months of play out; All the L-DTPS licensees to trade and share content The Local TV services will be modulated as DVB-S2 and delivered to the respective local service area via the satellite uplink attached to the Head End Station A separate SFN network of transmitters and repeaters will be set up for each location. Network Design 5.114The main objective in our network design has been to achieve the maximum coverage in the most cost effective manner, while at the same time providing an infrastructure that will be future-proofed for DVB-T2, HDTV and additional features. By using DTH satellite infrastructure and advanced deterministic multiplexing technology (see Figure 11), it is possible to operate the mini transmitters for each local area as an independent SFN. Furthermore, the same DTH satellite signal that is used to feed the terrestrial transmitters can also be received direct-tohome in instances where installation of terrestrial coverage would be uneconomic. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

40 Figure 11: Deterministic Re-multiplexing in SFN Networks The same deterministic multiplexing can be used to feed multiple SFN regions, each with its own unique local content, where each local signal is generated from a common feed. SFNs enable the highly efficient use of broadcast capacity. SFN bands can be used in multiple adjacent areas and are capable of covering a large geographical footprint, simplifying addition and/or fill-in of transmitters to cover shadow areas in valleys or city centres The solution is described as deterministic because the way in which the final DVB-T multiplex is pre-determined when the initial satellite multiplex is created at the head end. At the head end the Transport Stream (TS) is pre-processed before being modulated in DVB-S2, by inserting special TS packets called Time Marker Packets (TMP) The local adapters receive the stream via satellite and extract the relevant services and SI tables and perform PID remapping and Program Clock Reference (PCR) re-stamping. The TMP packets ensure that the TS packets are aligned in the identical manner in the DVB-T stream for all the transmitting re-multiplexing stations. The TMP packet is a normal TS packet containing a PCR value and an absolute time stamp The proposed distribution system uses the FAT Muxes principle, where the local programs are integrated with the additional content in one or more muxes, including the TMP packets. The local TS is built on the transmitter side by extracting the relevant TS packets and dropping the others. The SI/PSI tables are regenerated extracting the information relevant to the services part of the new mux, including the EPG info. The PID drop/remap process ensures that the order of the packets will be identical at all the transmitter sites in the same area (Figure 11) For our network topology we plan to extend the range with the addition of echo cancellation repeaters where appropriate (see Figure 12). These repeaters can safely be used in SFNs as they operate inside the guard interval time. As such they represent a cost effective solution for a large scale deployment An exhaustive dissertation on the technical solution used in our architecture is presented in the T-Vips documentation present in the Additional Documentation Section. 1 Source: Broadcast Engineering - The Journal of Digital Television, March 2012 Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

41 Figure 12: Deterministic Re-multiplexing principle used to build the FAT mux 2 Media Centre Architecture 5.121The Media Centre is the core of the Local TV System (see Figure 13) and it will provide the following services: The network and software infrastructure for the Local TV Content Managers to upload and manage their program content. A set of software tools and a network distributed database will be set up and made available to the local TV providers. A media library will be provided for the safe storage of the Local TV media content along with media exchange facilities between the local TV services to maximize the synergy of their operations; The network and software infrastructure to allow the Local TV Program Managers to control the TV play out, including the integration of local and national advertisement slots and the management of billing. The play out will drive the EPG generation utilizing the metadata provided with the content to fill the EPG fields and TAGs. The software infrastructure will allow a full remote management via internet connection; The network and software infrastructure for the insertion of local live TV events will be provided. The chosen model provides for both play out setup using preloaded content and live insertion. In the case of live insertion the live event feed will be delivered by satellite or broadband link from the event location to the head end station and it will be multiplexed in each local TV stream. Whilst this will represent an additional cost for the L-DTPS it will be limited to the single live event; A commercial solution produced by the German company step2e (MAM) has been selected for our architecture to provide the management of the Local TV content, play 2 Source: Broadcast Engineering - The Journal of Digital Television, March 2012 Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

42 out and scheduling. The following workflow diagram to describes the interactions between Local TVs and the Avanti AMC Figure 10 : MAM workflow setupan infrastructure for media share between the Local TV stations and a common interface between Content providers and the Local TV providers, allowing them to negotiate joint deals for content provision; The capability to acquire national multiplex EPG information from DMOL and return the local TV EPG information for inclusion in the national EPG. We expect the Local TV scheduling to be distributed on a regional basis. If more than one local TV station is present in a region special arrangements may be needed; A full backup and log of the Local TV play out that stores 6 months of content, scheduling and EPG information is part of the media centre project. Head End Architecture 5.123The general Head End architecture is illustrated in Figure 13. The scheduling will drive the play out servers and the EPG generation that will be the baseline to build the FAT Muxes used to distribute the Local and additional content. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

43 Local TV A Content Manager Local TV B Content Manager Local TV xx Content Manager Local TV A Programs Manager Local TV B Programs Manager Local TV xx Programs Manager Internet Conn. Firewall Satellite Mulitcast Uplink Broadcast local and national TV channels Media Centre Content upload Content exchange Program control Workflow integration Head End Playout Distribution Monitoring and control National TV/Live Insertion Services Feed Satellite broadband M&C link Control and monitoring information (SCADA) Internet Conn. 7 Days EPG Info Exchange Local TVs Broadcast Archive Local TV Feed Quality Control Figure 13: Head End Architecture 5.124The Local TV EPG information (EITpf and EITs) will be generated by a dedicated server using the metadata information from the content and scheduling information. As previously mentioned, the tools provided will allow them to operate from the local TV station site via a normal broadband connection. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

44 Media centre Head End Scheduling DB Transmission Log Monitor DB 2 nd quality control Station (Sat Feed monitoring) 1 st Quality Control Station (Mux Monitoring TO SATELLITE ANTENNA Splicer Manager EPG Server Interface WEB Interfaces Server EPG Server Playout Management Server Transmitter Monitor/ Control Server Playout Monitor Control Room Transmitter Monitor Satellite GW Ext Internet Connection NTP/GPS Reference EPG SI/PSI (ASI or IP) LAN Content Cache Server Content Storage RAID/Array Min 4 TB Min Content trans + Playout Control Content trans + Playout Control Playout Srv.1 + Local Storage Playout Srv.2 + Local Storage TV Multiplexer 1 IP Encapsulator IP Content DB Playout 6 month Backup Min 46 TB Content trans + Playout Control Content trans + Playout Control Playout Srv.3 + Local Storage Playout Srv.4 + Local Storage TV Multiplexer 2 IP Encapsulator IP Concentrator Playout Srv.x + Local Storage TV Multiplexer 3 IP Encapsulator Playout Srv.xx... National TVs reception Local TV Live content insertion National TV Services DVB-ASI/L Band Figure 14: Head End Broadcast Architecture 5.125The Resulting TS will be multiplexed with the generated EPG information, the acquired National TV services and the full national EPG info acquired from DMOL The FAT Muxes are then passed to the MIP insertion server to allow the insertion of the TMP packets, making them ready for the DVB-S2 modulation phase and related satellite uplink Three monitoring stations are planned for the head end station and one third will need to be provided by the local TV: First monitoring level: by visual inspection of the TV channels after the DVB-S2 modulation; Second monitoring level: by visual inspection of the TV channels received from the Satellite Signal; Third monitoring level: set up by the Local TV station to monitor the final DVB-T signal. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

45 Mini Transmitter Architecture HX90 or similar Video LAN Management LAN Ku Band TVRO HN9200 or similar SFN Adapter/ Transcoder DVB-ASI Transmitter Ka Band VSAT GPS Transmitter Station Relay with Echo Canc Relay Site Figure 15: Transmitter and Repeater Architecture 5.128The transmitter and repeater architecture is illustrated in Figure An innovative aspect of our solution is the use of the deterministic re-multiplexing technique described in the previous section that allows the use of multiple transmitting stations (masters) in a region. This choice provides better coverage, minimizing the power radiated and controlling costs, especially where the use of repeaters is difficult due to the territory geography As described in the previous section, the mini transmitters will receive the DVB-S2 signal via the satellite down-link containing the FAT Muxes and be re-encoded using the deterministic re-multiplexer unit to extract the requested services and tables and build the local TV multiplex. The GPS receiver provides the time reference for all the transmitters, enabling the execution of the deterministic re-multiplexing that produces the identical multiplex for all the transmitters in the local area and keeps the modulation in phase We have worked with Aegis Systems and broadcasting equipment manufacturers to determine the necessary RF power for our transmitters. We aim to achieve the same RF field strength at the edge of our nominal 12km broadcast cell as is specified at the edge of the corresponding Arqiva plots shown in the Ofcom note on Local TV Coverage. We predict the transmitting power for both transmitters and repeaters will be in the range between 5W and 15W for a cell diameter of approximately 12 Km An additional VSAT connection is present in all the mini transmitters and repeaters for remote monitoring and operation via SNMP protocol The following table (Table 6) shows four different, representative, link budget power calculations. The first column calculates the pure line-of-sight free space loss which shows Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

46 the, to be expected, very high link margin. The next three columns use the Hata model for calculating path loss in a suburban environment. The three cases are illustrated in Figure 16 and model different representative geometries between the main transmitter, Avanti s transmitter and the household s receiver. All three cases show that the signal quality is dominated by the co-channel interference levels and allow for a reasonable level for the interference of at least 85dBm. Table 6: Example power budget for a typical mini transmitter Basic free space loss Hata model for pathloss Case 1 Case 2 Case 3 Transmitter power output 41 dbm Transmitter power output dbm Feeder insertion loss -1 db Feeder insertion loss db Transmitter antenna gain 10 dbi Transmitter antenna gain dbi Transmitter EIRP 50 dbm Transmitter EIRP dbm Carrier frequency 700 MHz Carrier frequency MHz Carrier bandwidth 8 MHz Carrier bandwidth MHz Distance 6 km Distance km Transmitter antenna height m Receiver antenna height m Suburban a(hr) Free space loss db Hata path loss db Receiver antenna gain 10 dbi Receiver antenna gain dbi Receiver feeder loss -1 db Receiver feeder loss db Received signal level dbm Received signal level dbm Receiver thermal noise dbm/hz Receiver thermal noise dbm/hz Receiver noise figure 7 db Receiver noise figure db Receiver noise bandwidth 70.0 dbhz Receiver noise bandwidth dbhz Noise power dbm Noise power dbm 2.0E E E E-10 mw Link C/N 51.0 db Link C/N db 3.2E E E E-09 mw Interference -85 dbm Interference dbm 3.4E E E E-09 mw Link C/(N+I) 38.8 db Link C/(N+I) db Required C/N (EN300744) 7.2 db Required C/N (EN300744) db (Ricean channel QPSK 3/4) (Ricean channel QPSK 3/4) Link margin 31.6 db Link margin db Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

47 Figure 16: Cases considered in power budget Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

48 Coverage Maximization 5.134To maximize coverage and reduce costs, for the phase 2 of the project we may offer L-DTPS licensees an alternative solution for the master transmitters than that is currently under development. The advantage of this alternative is the potential to significantly cut operational costs and the ability to provide greater flexibility in terms of audience targeting. The alternative architecture is shown in Figure 17: Integrated Cache Transmitter Architecture. Figure 17: Integrated Cache Transmitter Architecture 5.135The key features of this architecture are as follows: Use of normal broadband (satellite or cable based) services for L-DTPS licensees to deliver their programme content to the Media Centre as MPEG-2 files Storage at the Media Centre of L-DTPS licensee programme content, EPG data and broadcast schedule information. Transport of this data to all low-power Integrated Cache Transmitters (ICTs) via a broadband satellite link. This link can be provided by either of Avanti s two Hylas satellites for service resilience Reception and validation at each ICT, delivered via Satellite multicast from the Avanti satellites Assembly of programme content and the associated EPG data stored at each ICT into TV broadcast streams in accordance with the schedule information specified by the L-DTPS licensees. Conversion of this TV stream into a DVB-T signal for reception by standard digital TVs Broadcast of the DVB-T signal from each low power ICT to households within the coverage area Synchronisation of the ICTs, operating as a DVB-T Single Frequency Network (SFN), via the use of the MIP insertion packet provided by the Head End and the GPS Sync. The overall objective of each of the above architectures is to provide L-DTPS licensees with maximal flexibility in terms of their commitments to service roll-out and operational costs. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

49 5.137There is a high degree of commonality between mini transmitter and ICT variants, particularly with the satellite interface, which permits an L-DTPS licensee to start their service with mini transmitters and extend the coverage by the use of the ICT solution. The broadcast interface with the viewer is maintained in either case. Interfaces 5.138According to the ITA (Applicants should assume that the interface point for insertion of the local service will be at the relevant transmitter site unless otherwise agreed with the L-DTPS licensee). This requirement applies to the reference offer provided by Arqiva but our discussions with potential L-DTPS licensees indicated a preference for a simpler interface that would be compatible with their existing Internet based service Our satellite distribution and local DVB-T cell based broadcast model is designed to provide a simple low-cost interface for the L-DTPS licensees. They can connect to a web-server at the AMC and assemble their programme schedules for transmission. There is no other requirement for them to employ special software or purchase new transmitter equipment All transmitting sites are fully remotely operated from the AMC allowing the reconfiguration of the Network and Transmission parameters following Ofcom and the L-DTPS guidelines. Interoperability 5.141All mini transmitters within the SFNs will meet the requirements of EN and IR2022 which define limits for spurious emissions, out-of-band emissions and cabinet radiation for a DVB-T transmitter operated within Europe The Local TV multiplex will follow the guidelines set out in the D-Book. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

50 Acceptance testing 5.143Avanti recognise the need for suitable commissioning and acceptance tests at each site prior to them going live. We propose that the test plans will be drafted during the adjustment phase and refined during the preparatory phase. The following test structure is anticipated: All sites o Broadcast antenna tests Antenna checked to ensure it is the correct type (and so has the correct transmit pattern) for that site Antenna return loss checked to ensure correct installation Antenna direction checked with compass o Transmitter tests Modulated signal clean Signal configured to correct frequency Out of band emissions within specification Output power set correctly o General checks Installation to acceptable quality and works made good Cables labelled correctly and as installed documents completed Climate controls working correctly Health and safety checks Sites operating in SFN o Timing accuracy checked o Receiver tests at a subset of sites to receive multiplex from two sites to check streams are synchronised Relay sites o Check isolation between transmit and receive antennas are within specification Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

51 INTERFERENCE ANALYSIS Avanti s use of low power transmitters produces inherently less interference making frequency coordination and channel planning significantly easier. Overview 5.144The Ofcom Coverage Note (Note for Applicants on Coverage of Local Television - final version, 10 May 2012) makes the following observation on the use of alternative transmission sites: Although local multiplex operators could in principle build their transmitters at alternative locations, if these sites are not in the line of sight of existing aerials, their chance of achieving reliable reception is greatly reduced. A further constraint on using alternative sites is that of hole punching where any households near a transmitter broadcasting only a local service might lose reception of the other six multiplexes Our proposal to achieve Local TV coverage through the use of small low power broadcast cells clearly falls into the category of transmitters at alternative locations. In principle we will always seek to place our low power transmitters in the line of sight of existing aerials but considerations of prevailing co-channel interference from high-power national transmitters may require us to adapt our cell parameters at particular locations This section describes our assessment of the need to: maintain co-channel protection ratios; avoid hole punching; satisfy continental frequency co-ordination requirements. Co-channel protection ratio 5.147National and regional DVB-T services require protection from other transmitters operating within the UHF band. Almost all of our local TV mini transmitters will operate within the coverage area of at least one high-power DVB-T transmitter. The 64 QAM 8k rate 2/3 DVB-T profile used for national services requires a co-channel protection ratio (PR) of about 30 db, a 1st adjacent channel PR of -30 db and a 2nd adjacent channel PR of -40 db. The N+9 channel is the image channel for TV receivers with an IF circa 36 MHz. The N+9 PR varies according to receiver type but is about -30 db Aegis Systems have selected the Oxford area for analysis as a typical example of the demanding co-channel interference environment that applies to the UK national DTT service 5.149The Ofcom Coverage Note shows the Arqiva proposal using the existing Oxford main station transmitter mast at Beckley, some 6km NE of Oxford. The site is well placed to serve the city of Oxford, but fails to achieve good coverage of other urban areas. The following parameters are proposed: Channel: 51 ERP: 10 kw Antenna height: 80m above ground level Antenna pattern (as shown opposite) Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103

52 5.150Channel 51 is in use at Sandy Heath (MUX SDN at an ERP of 180 kw). As this site is only 80km to the NE it serves to limit the local TV coverage area of Oxford significantly. The level of incoming interference is plotted below (at 1% time) with contours at 50dBµv/m, 56dBµv/m and 62dBµv/m (yellow, red & blue respectively. As the field strength required to give a good reception is less than 50dBµv/m the impact will be significant. Figure 18: Incoming interference from Sandy Heath at 1% time 5.151The local TV coverage predicted by Arqiva is shown below, with that predicted by Aegis Systems for comparison. The two predictions are not identical as they apply different propagation models and the Arqiva prediction takes into account all interference sources, while that from Aegis only models Sandy Heath. The correspondence is nevertheless close. Application for a Local Multiplex Licence AVA.PRO of 103