[cma-l] Signal Strength

Fri May 21 15:54:01 BST 2010

Hi Alan

Unfortunately the likelihood of Ofcom allocating more power to CR stations within the next year or two is quite low (apart from in 'exceptional circumstances').

I've spoken to Soo Williams at length on the issue recently as it was something we'd pushed for due to interference on our current signal on 96.9 MHz - unfortunately to get round it we've had to apply for a wider Norwich licence and request a frequency change, with these changes coming into effect in June/July this year.

Aside from the fact that it was incredibly time consuming (and costly) to go through this process, it remained our only option in the quest to remove interference and gain a modest power increase (via the removal of the 'null' on our transmitter towards areas in east Norwich).

As we're spending money upgrading our TX systems I was keen to ensure anything we buy now could cover us in case of an increase in power allocation, should they be sanctioned in the future - unfortunately Ofcom (Soo) said this was not something under serious discussion (at present). She did say it might be something that could be discussed in the future - but the likelihood of anything changing within less than a few years seemed remote, unfortunately.

In our application for a larger Norwich-wide licence we pointed to the fact that frequency availability (within our area) was not an issue and made the case for a power increase, but this was flatly denied.

Tom

Tom Buckham
Station Manager, Future Radio
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________________________________
From: cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk [mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk] On Behalf Of Alan Coote
Sent: 21 May 2010 14:25
To: 'Ian Hickling'; 'cma-l'
Cc: 'Doug Stewart-Hale'; 'neal'; 'Philip Furnivall'; 'robert.pobjoy'
Subject: Re: [cma-l] Signal Strength

Hi Ian,

I agree that 75dBuV/m is more than enough for modern receivers, after all the standards were drawn up in the 60s. Also 66dBuV/m is a good working signal strength however many CRs (including mine) do not achieve that.

My Point is that it is incorrect to give blanket ERP of 25W is to each CR. Who is to say that in an extreme case 570W isn't right for a station with challenging a environment.

The analogy is, if you're trying to hear a conversation with other people shouting in the room, then everyone must shout to be heard. The BBC and early Commercial stations were given very generous TX power and channel  spacing. Hence it is very difficult for the whispers of CR to be heard in crowd.

It is logical therefore to increase CR TX allowances to compensate. A downside may be some adjacent channel interference in marginal areas, but that is no worst than now and allows better penetration in licensed coverage areas.

Alan

From: Ian Hickling [mailto:transplanfm at hotmail.com]
Sent: 20 May 2010 8:21 AM
To: alan.coote at btinternet.com; cma-l
Cc: Philip Furnivall; neal; robert.pobjoy; Doug Stewart-Hale
Subject: Signal Strength

Alan
This isn't going to happen unfortunately, because CR stations inherently serve different-sized areas and terrains.
Also, signal strength, measured in dBuV/m is a function of where the receiver is - not the source ERP.
48dBuV/m in our experience is perfectly adequate for resolved mono and 64 for good stereo.
Raising the standard for stereo to 75 would require a nominal factor of 11,7 increase in transmitter power - taking the usual 50W to 570W.
Not I suggest within the scope of most existing transmitters - and certainly not within Ofcom's brief or current mind-set!
The solution is better attention to the present FM spectrum - and if course the full complete and efficient eradication of all illegal broadcasters.
Both an essential part of Ofcom's practical brief in my view.
Ian H

________________________________

From: alan.coote at btinternet.com
To: transplanfm at hotmail.com; jaqui.devereux at commedia.org.uk
CC: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
Subject: RE: [cma-l] CMA Proposals for Jeremy Hunt - Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport
Date: Wed, 19 May 2010 00:24:08 +0100
I agree with Ian, on the Pirate radio issue and add;

I know that Ofcom have an obligation to tackle pirate radio and actively do so where practical.  The issue of community radio's limited ability to combat pirate radio is down to the paltry transmitter power and therefore signal strength.

We should insisted that ALL community radio stations are permitted to increase their signal field strength to 75uV - the ITU standard. Currently, most if not all are significantly less than this and therefore very susceptible to interference and poor penetration in urban areas.

The key advantages are that nearly all station will be able make this change at no cost and increase their viability through better audience reach, while not effective legitimate broadcaster.  Surely this is a no brainer?

Regards

Alan

Alan Coote
Managing Director
The Bay Radio
Office 01202 580200
Studio 01202 571028
Mobile 07801 518858

Email alan.coote at thebayradio.com<mailto:alan.coote at thebayradio.com>
Web www.thebayradio.com<http://www.thebayradio.com/>

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From: cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk [mailto:cma-l-bounces at mailman.commedia.org.uk] On Behalf Of Ian Hickling
Sent: 12 May 2010 9:19 PM
To: Jaqui Devereux
Cc: cma-l
Subject: [cma-l] CMA Proposals for Jeremy Hunt - Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport

Yes, Jaqui, there is.
My quoted extract from your response below is not strong enough by a long way.
Ofcom will never countenance allocating more power to Community Radio licensees in order to fight pirate radio interference.
That's working backwards.
What it can do, and indeed should do, but what it won't do without the motivation empowerment and funding from Government is to actively and effectively eradicate pirate radio and positively source usable FM channels for new Community Radio stations in every location where there is a demand - rather than shut the door on applications before it has done its homework.

That's what you should be asking - nay - demanding.

Ian Hickling
Partner
transplan UK

________________________________

> Date: Wed, 12 May 2010 19:47:08 +0100
> From: jaqui.devereux at commedia.org.uk
> To: transplanfm at hotmail.com
> CC: cma-l at commedia.org.uk
> Subject: Re: [cma-l] Jeremy Hunt MP confirmed as Secretary of State for Culture,
> Olympics, Media and Sport
>
> Arguing to ensure that the growth of community media (radio, TV and
> internet based projects) is recognised, valued and funded in
> appropriate ways, through appropriate funding and spectrum allocation
> policies (including power transmission issues for those of you
> fighting pirate radio)
>
> Let us know if we have missed anything you would like us to put forward.
>
> Best wishes
>
> Jaqui
>
> Director, Community Media Association
>
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